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Your next patient may not find your dental practice through a traditional Google search. They may ask AI who the best dentist is, and what AI says about your practice will depend on the digital story you're building right now. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau welcomes back Rita Zamora, founder of Connect90 and author of Get Found, Get Liked, Get Patients, to discuss how AI is changing the way patients discover, evaluate, and choose dental practices. Rita explains why your website, reviews, social media, online listings, and other digital assets can no longer be treated separately. Together, they form an online ecosystem that helps both patients and AI determine whether your practice is credible, relevant, and worth recommending. Rita and Dr. Len also break down the growing importance of review consistency, strategic social media content, online scheduling, and authentic photos and videos. They discuss why practices need to be intentional about what they want to be known for online, how AI is interpreting digital signals across multiple platforms, and why generic or heavily AI-generated content may actually work against your practice. If you want your practice to stay visible as AI-assisted search becomes part of the patient journey, this episode gives you practical steps to start preparing now. What You'll Learn How AI is changing the way patients find and choose dentists Why your online reviews are foundational to AI visibility What an online ecosystem is and why every part of it matters Why review consistency, volume, and quality all influence credibility How social media content is becoming part of your evergreen reputation Why practices should post more strategically about the services they want to be known for How authentic photos and videos strengthen your digital presence Why online scheduling could become essential as AI agents evolve How to create a stronger digital story for both patients and AI Why a content calendar can help practices stay consistent without overwhelming the team One simple step practices can take now to strengthen their online visibility — Key Takeaways 02:03 Get Found by Patients and AI 02:48 Meet Rita Zamora 04:16 AI, Reviews, and the Future of Patient Trust 06:35 Building Your Practice's Online Ecosystem 08:44 How AI Is Changing Patient Discovery 11:53 Reviews as Trust Signals for Patients and AI 14:40 Review Velocity and Avoiding Incentivized Reviews 17:55 Social Media's New Role in Dental Visibility 21:04 Creating Consistent Digital Signals 25:39 Online Scheduling and AI-Assisted Patient Acquisition 28:17 Building a Stronger Digital Story for Your Practice 31:34 Common AI and Online Presence Mistakes 32:58 How Often Should Dental Practices Post? 34:00 Using a Content Calendar for AI Visibility 35:50 One Simple Change to Strengthen Your Online Presence 37:22 Connect with Rita Zamora   — Connect With Rita Rita helps dental practices strengthen their online ecosystem through strategic social media, consulting, and speaking, with a growing focus on preparing practices for AI-driven patient discovery and visibility. Website: https://connect90.com/ Social Media: Search for Rita Zamora across major social media platforms. Rita also offers a free on-demand webinar with Teresa Duncan and Malika Azargun covering AI visibility, revenue cycle management, practice management, and team management. The webinar is available under the Resources section of the Connect90 website.   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Waiting until you "feel ready" to own a dental practice could be one of the most expensive decisions of your career. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Brian Hanks, founder of Dental Buyer Advocates and author of How to Buy a Dental Practice, to talk about why younger dentists are waiting longer to become practice owners and what that delay could really cost them. Brian shares the numbers behind associate versus owner earnings, why student loan debt shouldn't automatically keep dentists from ownership, and what the data actually says about the growth of DSOs. Brian also breaks down how to evaluate a dental practice before buying, including the two simple questions every potential buyer should ask. He explains why a cheaper practice isn't necessarily a better opportunity, how practice valuations work, and why paying above the national average can still be a smart investment. Plus, he shares what dentists who can't seem to find the "right" practice may be overlooking. What You'll Learn Why younger dentists are waiting longer to become practice owners How delaying ownership can affect your long-term earning potential Why student loan debt doesn't necessarily mean you should avoid ownership What the data says about DSOs and the future of private dental practices Why ownership gives dentists more control over their careers The two questions to ask before seriously considering a dental practice Why buying a small practice with plans to "turn it around" can be risky How dental practices are valued based on collections and profitability Why paying above the average valuation doesn't necessarily mean you're overpaying How relationships can help you uncover better practice acquisition opportunities Why dentists should be intentional about who they listen to for career advice — Key Takeaways 02:04 The Associate Trap: Why Waiting Too Long to Own Can Cost Dentists a Fortune 02:47 Meet Brian Hanks 03:17 Helping Dentists Become Practice Owners 04:35 Dr. Len's Journey From Associate to Owner 06:09 Why Younger Dentists Are Delaying Ownership 09:30 The Million-Dollar Cost of Waiting 12:35 Associate Comfort vs. Practice Ownership 13:15 Are DSOs Really Taking Over Dentistry? 17:25 What to Look for When Buying a Dental Practice 17:55 Two Questions Every Practice Buyer Should Ask 23:48 How Dental Practices Are Valued 27:20 When Paying More for a Practice Makes Sense  28:40 Why You Haven't Found the Right Practice Yet 32:50 Brian's Advice for Associate Dentists 33:55 Lightning Round 38:55 How to Connect With Brian Hanks    — Connect With Brian Website: Dental Buyer Advocates Email: [email protected] Book: How to Buy a Dental Practice  Brian is also offering Raving Patients Podcast listeners a free 30-minute practice evaluation for dentists who are currently considering a practice purchase. — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.   This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.   This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.   Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Spending more money on Google Ads does not automatically mean more new patients. In fact, what happens after someone clicks your ad may matter just as much as the campaign itself. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Michael Lyjak, former Google trainer and founder of Efficiency Marketing, to break down what really drives PPC performance for dental practices. Having managed more than $16 million in dental advertising since 2019 and worked with over 100 practices, Michael explains why successful paid advertising goes far beyond choosing the right keywords and setting a budget. Michael shares how AI is changing Google Ads, why branded campaigns can actually help when structured correctly, and how reviews and a practice's overall digital footprint are becoming increasingly important to both paid and AI-driven search. He also explains quality score, budgeting based on market competition, and why Google leads typically cost more than Meta leads. But getting the lead is only half the battle. Michael and Dr. Len discuss one of the biggest places dental practices lose marketing dollars: poor lead handling. Missed calls, slow response times, weak follow-up, and a lack of conversion tracking can turn even a well-performing ad campaign into wasted money. Michael explains why practices need a strong feedback loop between their marketing and front desk if they want to know what's actually generating appointments and revenue.   What You'll Learn Why Google Ads are no longer just about keywords, bids, and budgets How AI and machine learning are changing PPC for dental practices Whether dentists should bid on their own branded keywords Why DIY Google Ads can cost practices more than they realize How Google reviews and your digital footprint can influence visibility Why smaller advertising budgets are becoming harder to compete with How to determine the right PPC budget based on your market and procedures Why missed calls and slow lead response can destroy your advertising ROI What Google Ads quality score means and how it affects your cost per click Why Google Ads cost more than Meta Ads and how patient intent changes lead quality How to track leads from click to booked appointment Why a strong feedback loop between your marketing team and dental practice matters How AI search could change the way prospective patients discover your practice — Key Takeaways 02:15 Beyond Keywords and Bids: What Really Drives PPC Results 03:48 Meet Michael Lyjak 04:40 From Google Trainer to Dental Marketing Expert 06:25 What Really Determines PPC Success? 08:25 Should You Bid on Your Own Practice Name? 10:20 How to Structure Branded Campaigns 12:45 Why DIY Google Ads Are So Difficult 15:09 How Reviews Impact Ad Performance 17:14 How AI Is Changing Search and PPC 19:53 How Much Should a Dental Practice Spend on Ads? 22:55 The Hidden Cost of Missed Calls 24:30 Understanding Google Ads Quality Score 26:40 How to Know If Your Ads Are Actually Working 27:58 Google Ads vs. Meta Ads 30:59 Why Leads Aren't Turning Into Appointments 34:25 Should Your Marketing Company Handle the Calls? 35:40 The One PPC Action Dentists Should Take Now 36:20 Connect With Michael and Get a Free PPC Audit — Connect With Michael Email: [email protected] Website: https://makeitefficient.com/ Michael is offering Raving Patients listeners a free PPC audit along with 10% off monthly management services. Mention the Raving Patients Podcast or Dr. Len Tau when reaching out.  — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.   This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.   This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.   Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Your practice can be producing plenty of dentistry and still be leaving a surprising amount of money on the table. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Ori Bekerman, founder of Practice Alpha, to uncover one of the most overlooked revenue leaks in independent dental practices: the billing process. After building, operating, and selling a multi-location dental group himself, Ori saw firsthand how easily revenue can get stuck in aging claims, inaccurate patient estimates, denied claims, and overloaded front desk workflows. Ori breaks down the numbers every practice owner should be watching, including insurance and patient aging reports, collections, and claims over 90 days old. He explains why simply seeing claims go out and money come in doesn't mean your billing is healthy, and why accountability and consistent reporting are critical for identifying problems before they become expensive. Dr. Len and Ori also discuss why asking your front desk to handle phones, scheduling, patient checkout, and billing at the same time can create costly mistakes. Ori shares how practices can evaluate whether billing should stay in-house or be outsourced, why EFT payments can improve cash flow, and how better revenue cycle management can help independent dentists protect profitability without constantly chasing more new patients. What You'll Learn How to tell if your dental practice has a billing or collections problem The key insurance and patient aging numbers every practice owner should monitor Where revenue leakage can begin before treatment is even performed Why inaccurate insurance verification can lead to incorrect patient balances Why having your front desk handle billing along with multiple other responsibilities can put revenue at risk The importance of clean claim submission and proper documentation Why accountability and reporting matter just as much as sending claims The difference between flat-rate and percentage-based billing models Why EFT payments can improve security, organization, and cash flow Three questions to ask when deciding whether to keep billing in-house or outsource it How stronger revenue cycle management can help practices protect their bottom line — Key Takeaways 01:50 Your Front Desk Is Not Your Biller 03:12 Meet Ori Bekerman 04:50 The Hidden Cost of Bad Billing 06:50 Key Billing Benchmarks to Watch 10:45 How the Dental Revenue Cycle Works 13:25 Where Revenue Leakage Begins 15:18 Why Your Front Desk Shouldn't Do Everything 18:20 Flat-Rate vs. Percentage-Based Billing 21:51 Dental Billing Myths and Faster Payments 26:10 In-House vs. Outsourced Billing 31:45 Lightning Round 36:42 Connect With Ori and Free RCM Sanity Check — Connect With Ori Email: [email protected] Website: practicealpha.io Ori is also offering Raving Patients listeners a free RCM sanity check checklist with guided instructions for reviewing billing and revenue cycle performance based on the practice's PMS.    — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

The biggest cybersecurity threat to your dental practice may not be a hacker trying to break through your firewall. It could be a vendor you already trust. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Anthony Jurjevic, CISSP, founder and CEO of Techspedient, to uncover the cybersecurity risks many dental practices do not realize are already inside their networks. With more than 25 years in healthcare IT and cybersecurity, including over 15 years focused on dental technology, Anthony explains why vendor access, outdated credentials, shared passwords, and poorly managed remote access tools can leave practices vulnerable. Anthony explains how practice management companies, imaging vendors, billing services, patient communication platforms, phone systems, and other vendors may have ongoing access to a practice's network. The problem is not necessarily that these vendors are unsafe. It is that many practices do not know who still has access, how that access is being monitored, or what happens if a vendor's credentials are compromised. The conversation also tackles one of the biggest misconceptions in dental cybersecurity: being in the cloud does not automatically mean your practice is backed up or secure. Anthony shares how attackers can compromise a workstation, use saved credentials to access cloud-based patient information, and quietly steal data without encrypting an entire network. He explains why modern ransomware attacks increasingly focus on data theft and extortion, making traditional backups only one piece of a much larger security strategy. Dr. Len and Anthony also discuss HIPAA compliance, what happens after a ransomware attack, the importance of cyber insurance and forensic investigations, and the practical steps dentists can take right now to identify vulnerabilities. From auditing vendor access and removing former employees to testing backups, enabling multi-factor authentication, and conducting third-party cybersecurity assessments, this episode gives practice owners a practical look at protecting both their patients and their businesses. What You'll Learn Why trusted vendors can become one of your biggest cybersecurity vulnerabilities How unattended remote access can expose your dental practice Why being "in the cloud" does not automatically make your data safe How modern ransomware has shifted from encrypting data to stealing it Why backups cannot protect you once patient data has already been stolen What "HIPAA compliant" software really means for a dental practice What to do immediately after discovering a possible ransomware attack Why individual user accounts are safer than shared passwords How to audit vendor access, administrative permissions, and former employee accounts Why multi-factor authentication should be enabled wherever possible How penetration testing can reveal weaknesses before an attacker finds them — Key Takeaways 02:13 Your Vendors Have the Keys: The Cyber Risk Dental Practices Ignore 03:45 Meet Anthony Jurjevic 05:35 The Hidden Risk of Vendor Access 09:55 Why the Cloud Is Not a Backup 13:12 Ransomware, Data Theft, and Cyber Threats 17:57 What HIPAA Compliance Really Means 19:42 What Happens After a Ransomware Attack 24:54 Simple Ways to Protect Your Practice 26:20 The Danger of Shared Credentials 30:06 Testing Your Practice's Cybersecurity 32:15 Lightning Round 35:55 Connect With Anthony — Connect With Anthony Email: [email protected] Phone: 732-275-2708 Company: Techspedient - https://www.techspedient.com/ Anthony is also offering Raving Patients listeners a free simulated phishing attack for their practice. There is no obligation or sales pressure, and practices receive the reports so they can see where their vulnerabilities may be and address them with their IT provider. — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.   This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.   This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.   Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

What if one of the biggest growth opportunities in your dental practice isn't finding more new patients, but bringing back the patients you already have? In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Aman Garg, founder of 10X Dental, to talk about the hidden revenue sitting inside overdue and unscheduled hygiene lists. While many practices invest heavily in new patient acquisition, hundreds of existing patients may quietly fall out of their recall system simply because they are busy, don't respond to automated texts, or never get consistent follow-up. Aman explains how AI can help practices scale outbound recall without replacing the relationships patients have with the front desk, hygienists, and doctors. He shares data from 10X Dental's recall efforts, including a 16% average scheduling rate, an 85% attendance rate among scheduled patients, and an average of $450 in reactivation production per returning patient. Dr. Len and Aman also discuss why traditional recall systems often fall short, how practices can create a consistent recall strategy, the importance of confirmation sequences, and where AI fits into the patient experience. They also explore the limits of automation and why using AI effectively should feel like helping the patient rather than simply filling holes in the schedule. What You'll Learn Why overdue hygiene patients can be a major source of untapped revenue Why patients who haven't visited in 12, 18, or even 36 months may still consider your practice their dental home How AI can support outbound recall and patient reactivation The difference between inbound and outbound AI agents in dental practices Why automated texts alone may not be enough to bring patients back How consistent recall efforts can help reduce silent patient attrition What 10X Dental's recall and attendance data reveals about patient reactivation Why your confirmation sequence can have a major impact on show rates How AI can support your front desk without replacing the human relationships patients value How returning hygiene patients can lead to additional diagnosed treatment and production Practical ways to build a consistent recall program inside your practice Why too much automation can create "bot fatigue" and hurt the patient experience How to make AI-powered recall feel more personal, helpful, and patient-centered   — Key Takeaways 02:00 The Hidden Revenue Sitting in Your Recall List 03:50 The Current State of AI in Dentistry 06:35 Aman Garg's Journey Into Dentistry 09:02 Why Recall Is a Major Growth Opportunity 12:50 Practice Management Software Integrations 14:40 How AI-Powered Recall Works 18:29 Supporting the Front Desk With AI 21:30 The ROI of Patient Reactivation 23:23 Building a Better Recall System 32:27 Lightning Round Q&A 37:17 How to Connect With Aman Garg   — Connect With Aman Website: 10xdental.com https://www.10xdental.com/ Raving Patients Podcast listeners can mention Dr. Len Tau or the podcast to receive the special pilot offer of $200 for the first 30 days.   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

What if the biggest thing holding your practice back isn't marketing or clinical skill, but the way you're thinking about growth? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Eric Morin, founder of Tower Leadership, to explore what it really takes to transform a successful dental practice into a scalable business that creates freedom, profitability, and long-term wealth. If you've ever felt trapped in the dental chair or wondered how to build a practice that thrives without depending entirely on you, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Throughout the conversation, Eric explains why many dentists struggle to scale, how identifying business constraints can unlock growth, and why focusing on profitability, leadership, and operational excellence matters more than chasing top-line revenue. Dr. Len and Eric also discuss the key performance metrics every practice owner should know, common mistakes that limit growth, and practical strategies for building a business that delivers both financial success and personal freedom. What You'll Learn Why thinking like an enterprise builder changes everything. The biggest mindset shifts dentists need to scale successfully. How to identify the true bottlenecks limiting practice growth. The key business metrics every practice owner should monitor. Why leadership development is essential for long-term success. How profitability differs from revenue and why it matters more. Practical strategies for creating a practice that runs without depending on the owner.   — Key Takeaways 01:40 From Practice Owner to Enterprise Builder: Building Wealth Beyond the Chair 02:44 Who Tower Leadership Helps 07:10 The Mindset Shift from Practice Owner to Enterprise Builder 11:55 Recognizing Operational Bottlenecks 15:27 Why Data Drives Better Business Decisions 16:52 The Essential Numbers Every Practice Should Track 20:00 Identifying and Solving Business Constraints 24:41 Managing Capacity and Making Smarter Growth Decisions 26:36 Becoming the Leader Your Practice Needs 29:45 Why Revenue Doesn't Equal Wealth 32:32 A Simple Exercise to Find Your Biggest Growth Constraint 32:22 Inside the Tower Impact Summit 36:49 How to Connect with Eric Morin   — Connect With Eric Website: https://towerleadership.com Podcast: Dental Wealth Podcast   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Your practice management software holds plenty of data, but is it giving you the insights you actually need to grow? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Vin Cardillo, founder of Pronto Dental, to discuss why tracking the right metrics matters more than simply collecting data. From profitability and benchmarking to missed phone calls and perio performance, Vin shares how dentists can make smarter decisions, improve accountability, and build more profitable practices by understanding the numbers behind their business. Vin shares how aggregating data from multiple systems including practice management, accounting, HR, reputation management, and phone systems creates a clearer picture of practice performance. He explains how benchmarking helps identify opportunities for improvement and why focusing on a handful of high-impact metrics can dramatically increase profitability. The conversation also explores common areas where practices lose revenue, including missed phone calls, low periodontal treatment rates, accounts receivable, and underutilized production capacity. Vin discusses the importance of accountability, consistent SOPs, reviewing monthly financials, and using data to build confidence as a business owner. Whether you're a solo practitioner or growing multiple locations, this episode offers practical insights to help you run a healthier, more profitable dental practice. What You'll Learn Why your practice management software alone isn't enough. The value of combining data from multiple systems into one dashboard. The benchmarks every dental practice should monitor. How missed phone calls and poor scheduling impact revenue. Why periodontal treatment rates are one of the biggest missed opportunities. The financial metrics every dentist should understand. How data creates accountability throughout your team. Why confidence in your numbers leads to better business decisions. — Key Takeaways 01:00 Introduction and guest welcome 04:00 What Pronto Dental is and how it works 07:22 Why every practice needs a performance dashboard 12:30 The limitations of relying only on your practice management system  14:40 Understanding your P&L and key financial metrics 16:53 Benchmarks every dental practice should monitor 21:01 The most overlooked metrics in dentistry 23:20 What private practices can learn from DSOs 24:04 Low-hanging opportunities to increase profitability 26:05 Avoiding data overload and taking action 28:01 The biggest benefit of using performance data 29:18 Building accountability through measurable metrics 31:51 Lightning Round 36:35  How to connect with Vin Cardillo and closing remarks — Connect With Vin Email: [email protected] Learn how Pronto Dental helps practices aggregate data, benchmark performance, improve accountability, and uncover growth opportunities across every area of the business. Vin also offers 20% off the onboarding fee for listeners of the Raving Patients Podcast when you mention the show.   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

What if the problem isn't your marketing, but what happens after the lead comes in? Too many dental practices spend thousands on ads only to watch potential patients disappear because of slow follow-up, poor communication, and broken systems.  Dr. Len Tau welcomes Tim Hines, President of Briteline Dental, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing dental practices today: converting high-value treatment leads into scheduled patients. Tim shares how his team helps practices improve lead response times, nurture prospective patients, and build trust through human-first communication. Throughout the conversation, they explore why many practices mistakenly blame their marketing agencies when the real issue lies in lead management and follow-up systems. Tim explains the importance of speed-to-lead, multiple touchpoints, and conversational selling, especially for patients considering treatments like implants, full-arch restorations, and cosmetic dentistry. They also discuss the role of AI in dentistry, the impact of financing conversations, and how practices can avoid wasting valuable chair time on unqualified leads. If you've ever wondered why your marketing isn't producing the ROI you expect, this episode offers practical strategies you can implement immediately. What You'll Learn Why most dental practices have a lead management problem, not a marketing problem. The importance of speed-to-lead and consistent follow-up. How conversational selling increases treatment acceptance. Where AI fits into patient communication and where human connection still wins. How to qualify patients without making financing the focus. Ways to improve conversion rates for implants, full-arch cases, and cosmetic dentistry. How practices can avoid wasting valuable chair time on unqualified patients. Simple changes you can make this week to improve lead conversion. — Key Takeaways 01:55 Introduction to Tim Hines and Briteline Dental 04:00 What Briteline Dental Does for Dental Practices 06:35 Why Practices Blame the Wrong Problem 11:32 The Biggest Lead Conversion Mistakes Practices Make 16:03 Understanding the ROI of Big Case Marketing 19:12 How Outsourcing Lead Management Helps Practices Grow 22:22 Why Patient Advocates Matter More Than Appointment Setters 25:35 The Power of Conversational Selling 27:15 AI vs. Human Connection in Dental Practices 29:39 Is It a Marketing Problem or a Systems Problem? 31:50 Financing Conversations and Treatment Acceptance 35:00 Avoiding Unqualified Patients on the Schedule 36:52 Simple Changes to Improve Lead Conversion Today  37:57 How to Connect with Tim Hines 39:33 Final Thoughts and Supercharge Your Dental Practice Reminder

Your practice management software isn't the problem. More often than not, it's the workflows behind it. In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Jill Nesbitt, founder of Optimize Dental Consulting, to discuss how dental practices can maximize their technology, improve patient experience, and eliminate operational bottlenecks without constantly chasing the next software solution. Whether you're a solo practice or managing multiple locations, Jill shares why software adoption, team training, and standardized workflows have a greater impact than the software itself. They also explore common mistakes practices make during software transitions, why patient billing often creates the biggest frustrations, and how optimizing existing systems can improve efficiency, profitability, and patient satisfaction.     What You'll Learn Why workflow matters more than the software itself The biggest patient experience issues caused by poor system adoption Signs your practice has outgrown its current software How to successfully transition to cloud-based dental software The importance of team buy-in and change management Ways to maximize the technology you're already paying for How better workflows improve collections, operations, and patient satisfaction Why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential for software success Common mistakes practices make during implementation How multi-location practices can standardize operations without sacrificing efficiency — Key Takeaways 01:42 Stop Blaming the Software: Fixing the Workflows That Shape Patient Experience 03:16 Meet Jill Nesbitt and Optimize Dental Consulting 06:15 Why Most Practices Only Use a Fraction of Their Software 08:29 Choosing the Right Cloud-Based Practice Management System 12:30 How Software Directly Impacts Patient Experience 16:37 When It's Time to Switch Software 22:50 Unlocking Hidden Features and Workflow Automation 25:26 Training Your Team for Long-Term Success 28:34 Managing Change and Getting Team Buy-In 31:18 The First Step to Optimizing Your Current Software  34:58 Lightning Round with Jill Nesbitt 39:02 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Jill   — Connect With Jill Website:https://www.optimizedent.com/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillnesbitt   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Burnout has become one of the biggest challenges facing dentists today, but it doesn't have to define your career. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with returning guest Dr. Eric Block to discuss the realities of burnout, the hidden stressors dentists face, and the practical systems that can transform a chaotic practice into one that supports both professional success and personal well-being. Dr. Block shares his own journey from questioning his career to rediscovering his passion for dentistry. Together, they explore leadership, standard operating procedures, going out of network, patient relationships, technology, and why creating efficient systems isn't just good for business—it's essential for your mental health. Whether you're a new dentist or an experienced practice owner, this episode is full of practical advice for building a healthier, more profitable practice. What You'll Learn Why burnout happens to so many dentists and how to recognize the warning signs. The importance of seeking help before stress becomes overwhelming. How leadership directly impacts practice culture and team performance. Why documented systems and SOPs reduce stress for both dentists and staff. The benefits and challenges of transitioning out of PPO insurance plans. How adding new technology and services can reignite your passion for dentistry. Why sleep apnea treatment is one of the biggest opportunities in modern dental practices. Practical strategies for creating a practice that supports your life instead of consuming it.   Key Takeaways 00:54 From Burnout to Better Dentistry: Systems, Technology, and Sanity 03:53 Dr. Eric Block's journey into dentistry 05:40 Experiencing burnout and finding help  10:11 Why dentists struggle after dental school 14:45 Recognizing the warning signs of burnout 16:45 Getting help through therapy, coaching, and mentorship 18:53 The reality of PPOs and going out of network 23:42 Why every practice needs documented SOPs 25:46 Becoming a stronger leader 27:45 Building a practice that supports your life 29:58 What makes a healthy, high-performing practice 32:00 Why sleep apnea treatment excites Dr. Block 34:15 Lightning Round 37:50 How to connect with Dr. Eric Block — Connect with Dr Eric Website: https://useflomo.com https://thestressfreedentist.com Email: [email protected]   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Barrett Cox, Director of Performance Marketing at Net32, to discuss what dental marketing actually looks like in 2026. From online reputation and Google reviews to AI, paid advertising, and patient retention, Barrett shares practical strategies that help practices grow without wasting their marketing budget. Rather than chasing every new marketing trend, Barrett explains why the strongest practices focus on building trust first. A great patient experience, consistent educational content, and a solid online presence create the foundation that makes every marketing dollar work harder. He also shares how practices can better evaluate marketing agencies, avoid misleading performance metrics, and measure success using simple business numbers instead of complicated dashboards. Whether you're investing heavily in marketing or just getting started, this conversation offers practical advice to help you attract more patients, retain the ones you already have, and build sustainable growth for your practice.       What You'll Learn Why reputation and trust are still the biggest drivers of new patient growth How to maximize a small dental marketing budget Common Google Ads mistakes that waste money The importance of patient retention before patient acquisition Simple ways to measure marketing ROI without complex dashboards How AI is changing dental marketing and SEO Why consistency matters more than posting constantly How to evaluate whether your marketing agency is actually delivering results The front desk's role in converting marketing leads into patients Marketing strategies every dental practice should prioritize in 2026 — Key Takeaways 00:55 Welcome to the Podcast & Introducing Barrett Cox 03:05 What Net32 Does for Dental Practices 05:02 What's Working in Dental Marketing in 2026 07:20 Google Ads, Brand Searches & Avoiding Wasted Spend 11:17 Marketing on a Small Budget 14:35 How to Measure Marketing Success 18:50 Building the Right Foundation Before Marketing 20:31 AI, SEO & The Future of Dental Marketing 22:23 Why Marketing Sometimes Fails 26:42 Easy Marketing Wins Every Practice Can Implement 28:20 Avoiding Marketing That Looks Good But Doesn't Perform 30:13 The Front Desk's Impact on Marketing ROI 30:52 Should Practices Use AI Receptionists? 32:38 The Biggest Marketing Mistakes Dentists Make 34:25 Final Marketing Advice & How to Connect with Barrett   — Connect with Barrett Website: https://www.net32.com/ Email: [email protected]   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.   This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.   This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.   Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

AI is changing dentistry faster than ever, but when it comes to marketing, not everything should be automated. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Michael Myers, CEO of DelMain, to discuss how dental practices can use AI to attract more patients without losing the authenticity that builds trust. From AI-powered search engines and Google's evolving algorithms to reviews, SEO, paid ads, and website strategy, Michael shares practical insights every dentist should understand before making their next marketing decision. If you've been wondering how AI will impact patient acquisition and what your practice should prioritize today, this conversation offers a clear roadmap for staying ahead. What You'll Learn How AI is changing the way patients search for dentists Why authentic content beats AI-generated content every time The biggest AI marketing myths dentists should ignore How reviews influence both Google and AI search recommendations Why custom websites outperform generic templates The future of Google Ads, Meta Ads, and AI-powered search Practical ways to use AI without sacrificing the patient experience What makes a dental practice become the obvious choice online Key Takeaways 02:00 How AI Is Reshaping Dental Practice Growth 03:38 What DelMain Does for Dental Practices 04:45 How AI Is Changing Dental Marketing 07:05 Where AI Fits Into the Patient Experience 12:20 The Biggest AI Marketing Myths 16:48 Google Ads vs. Meta Ads 18:35 AI Search vs. Google Search 23:08 Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever 27:26 How Practices Can Stand Out Online 29:55 Human-Led, AI-Supported Marketing 32:33 Lightning Round with Michael Myers 36:59 Final Thoughts and Special Offer — Connect with Michael 🌐 Website: https://delmain.co Michael and the DelMain team help dental practices grow through customized websites, SEO, AI optimization, paid advertising, branding, and patient acquisition strategies. Mention the Raving Patients Podcast to receive a complimentary practice growth audit and a discount on a new website. — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

What if one of the biggest growth opportunities in your practice isn't finding new patients but reconnecting with the ones you already have? In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Ben Fish, Founder and CEO of EngageDent AI, to discuss how artificial intelligence is helping dental practices recover lost revenue, reduce no-shows, improve case acceptance, and strengthen patient relationships. Ben shares how AI-powered patient communication tools are transforming both inbound and outbound engagement, helping practices reconnect with inactive patients, recover unscheduled treatment, and ensure no opportunity slips through the cracks. He also explains why AI should be viewed as a tool that empowers teams rather than replaces them and offers practical advice for dentists evaluating AI solutions for their practices. If you're looking to improve patient retention, increase production, and future-proof your practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights.   What You'll Learn Where practices are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unscheduled treatment How AI can reactivate inactive patients and recover missed opportunities Why patient trust is the key to reducing no-shows and increasing case acceptance The difference between AI replacing staff and AI empowering staff How AI receptionists can improve patient communication and capture missed calls Common reasons patients delay treatment and how AI helps overcome objections What dentists should look for when evaluating AI vendors How AI may transform dental practices over the next five years — Key Takeaways 01:44 $300,000 Is Hiding in Your Inactive Patient List 03:12 Meet Ben Fish and EngageDent AI 06:18 Where Practices Lose Revenue From Inactive Patients 10:42 Can AI Replace Front Desk Team Members? 15:09 Using AI to Improve Treatment Follow-Up 17:47 Real Practice Success Stories and Revenue Growth 21:50 Why Every Practice Needs Someone Answering the Phone 24:06 Winning Over AI Skeptics 26:31 How AI Reduces No-Shows 28:36 The Future of AI in Dentistry 32:30 Questions Every Dentist Should Ask AI Vendors 35:30 How Practices Can Prepare for an AI-Powered Future 37:14 Special Offer for Raving Patients Listeners 38:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways — Connect with Ben Email: [email protected] Website: EngageDent AI Special Offer for Raving Patients listeners: Mention the podcast and receive a waived implementation fee plus a pilot program opportunity.   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

What separates thriving dental practices from those constantly struggling with team turnover, communication issues, and operational chaos? In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with former NCAA National Champion, AP National Coach of the Year, and executive coach Matt Doherty to discuss how championship-level leadership principles can transform dental practices. Drawing from his experience playing under legendary coach Dean Smith and leading major college basketball programs, Matt shares practical strategies for building stronger cultures, creating accountability, and developing high-performing teams. Whether you're a practice owner, leader, or team member, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, culture, hiring, and creating an environment where people can thrive. What You'll Learn Why culture is the foundation of every successful dental practice The Organizational Triangle: Talent, Systems, and Culture Leadership lessons Matt learned from Dean Smith How to identify and communicate your practice's "why" Why core values often fail and how to make them actionable The importance of accountability without creating conflict How championship teams and successful dental practices share similar principles Why hiring for culture fit matters as much as hiring for skill How daily huddles and repetition build consistency and excellence Real examples of culture transformation inside dental practices — Key Takeaways 00:56 Driving a Championship Culture with Matt Doherty 04:10 From National Championship Coach to Dental Consultant 08:01 Why Culture Matters More Than Talent 11:27 Leadership Lessons from Dean Smith 16:12 Discovering Your Why as a Practice Owner 20:28 Building the Organizational Triangle 25:45 Education Without Action Is Just Entertainment 31:35 Creating Accountability Without Conflict 35:47 A Real Dental Practice Culture Transformation 37:52 How Matt Helps Dental Practices Build Winning Teams   — Connect with Matt Website: dohertycoaching.com Email: [email protected] YT Channel: Doherty Coaching   — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!