Advertise on podcast: Prosperident's Dental Practice Owner's Podcast

In this episode, Duane Tinker, known as the Tooth Cop, shares insights on dental practice compliance, patient safety, and the importance of proactive risk management. Learn how compliance is more than HIPAA and OSHA. Discover practical tips for dental professionals to navigate regulatory challenges and improve practice safety.   Show Links: Dental Compliance Specialists: https://dentalcompliance.com/ Talk with the Tooth Cop: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanetinker/ Prosperident Site: https://www.prosperident.com/ Request a Meeting: https://www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid No Risk Self Assessments: If You Suspect Embezzlement: https://tinyurl.com/embrisk Want To Check Your Vulnerabilities: https://tinyurl.com/vulnchk   Keywords: dental compliance, HIPAA, OSHA, patient safety, risk management, dental practice, practice ownership, cybersecurity, practice transfer key topics Dental practice compliance challengesCompliance best practicesPatient safety and risk managementCybersecurity in dental practicesCommon non-compliance issues in dentistryOffice purchase and due diligenceThe importance of proactive compliance

Sam Rockwood, founder of Woods Insurance Payments, shares insights from his experience working with large insurance carriers and how his company is transforming dental insurance payments. Discover how payment systems can be optimized for security, efficiency, and fraud prevention.   Show Links: Woods: https://woods.dental/ Prosperident Site: https://www.prosperident.com/ Request a Meeting: https://www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid No Risk Self Assessments: If You Suspect Embezzlement: https://tinyurl.com/embrisk Want To Check Your Vulnerabilities: https://tinyurl.com/vulnchk   Keywords: dental insurance, insurance payments, EFT, virtual credit cards, fraud prevention, payment systems, Woods Insurance Payments, insurance claims, dental practice management key topics How insurance carriers set reimbursement fee levelsThe evolution of payment methods from checks to EFT and virtual credit cardsFraud risks in insurance payments and how to prevent themThe role of data and analytics in setting fee schedulesFuture trends in digital payments and AI in insurance claims

Prosperident's Amber Weber-Gonzales, Wendy Askins, David Harris and Kathy Kirkby discuss the challenges presented in correctly recording and overseeing digital forms of payment including electronic funds transfer, Venmo, Zellis, membership plan payments and many others

Watch Senior Fraud Examiner Courtney Staiger interview a Prosperident client in this episode.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of financial crimes from the perspective of a seasoned detective, shedding light on investigative challenges, case management, and prevention strategies across industries. Show Links: Prosperident Site: https://www.prosperident.com/ Request a Meeting: https://www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid No Risk Self Assessments: If You Suspect Embezzlement: https://tinyurl.com/embrisk Want To Check Your Vulnerabilities: https://tinyurl.com/vulnchk   Keywords: financial crimes, investigation, law enforcement, fraud prevention, small business security, employee dishonesty, forensic analysis key topics The scope of financial crimes investigated by law enforcementChallenges in case management with high caseloadsThe importance of documentation and evidence organizationCollaboration with expertsPreventative measures for businesses against fraud

This episode explores the transformative potential of AI in dentistry, covering its current applications, risks, and future possibilities, including how to safeguard patient data and practice integrity.     Show Links:  Century Doc: https://www.centurydoc.com/ Prosperident Site: https://www.prosperident.com/ Request a Meeting: https://www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid No Risk Self Assessments: If You Suspect Embezzlement: https://tinyurl.com/embrisk Want To Check Your Vulnerabilities: https://tinyurl.com/vulnchk     Keywords: AI in dentistry, dental practice management, HIPAA compliance, AI cybersecurity, AI applications, data privacy, AI risks, AI benefits, dental technology   key topics AI's impact on dental practicesRisks and safeguards for patient dataAI applications in diagnostics and treatmentCybersecurity and AI in dentistryFuture possibilities of AI in dental care

In this episode, David Harris shares the evolution of embezzlement detection in dental practices, the role of technology, and how Prosperident has grown to help practices prevent fraud. Discover insights into criminal thinking, technological challenges, and proactive strategies to safeguard your practice.   Show Links: Prosperident Site: https://www.prosperident.com/ Request a Meeting: https://www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid No Risk Self Assessments: If You Suspect Embezzlement: https://tinyurl.com/embrisk Want To Check Your Vulnerabilities: https://tinyurl.com/vulnchk Keywords: dental embezzlement, fraud prevention, investigation, dental practice security  key topics History of dental embezzlement detectionGrowth and evolution of ProsperidentImpact of technology on fraud schemesProactive fraud prevention strategies

What separates thriving dental practices from struggling ones often comes down to one thing: how effectively the team communicates with patients. In this episode, David Harris sits down with Debra Engelhardt Nash — one of dentistry's most accomplished practice management consultants and co-founder of The Nash Institute — to explore the verbal skills that consistently move patients from hesitation to "yes." Debra introduces her "Five Killer Questions" framework: a proven set of patient-centered conversations designed to uncover what patients truly value, address unstated concerns, and build the kind of trust that leads to long-term loyalty and higher case acceptance. Topics covered include: Why most dental communication inadvertently creates patient resistanceThe psychology behind why patients say no to recommended treatmentHow to discover what each patient actually cares about before presenting treatmentThe five questions that consistently convert hesitation into acceptanceTeam training strategies to embed stronger communication practice-wideThe direct link between patient communication skills and practice profitabilityAbout Debra Engelhardt Nash: Debra is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and dental practice management consultant with over 40 years of experience transforming practices across North America. As co-founder of The Nash Institute, she brings unparalleled expertise in the human side of dentistry. To learn more about protecting your dental practice from embezzlement and financial threats, visit www.prosperident.com or schedule a consultation at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 4:34 - Why most dental communication inadvertently creates patient resistance 16:00 - The psychology behind why patients say no to recommended treatment 32:00 - How to discover what each patient actually cares about before presenting tr 48:00 - The five questions that consistently convert hesitation into acceptance 59:50 - Team training strategies to embed stronger communication practice-wide 1:12:00 - The direct link between patient communication skills and practice profitabi 1:27:28 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident

What happens when a trusted dental team member turns criminal? In this gripping episode, Dr. Deborah Staten of Las Vegas joins Prosperident senior investigator Scott Clifford to recount one of the most striking embezzlement cases in recent dental history. Danielle Powers, a dental office employee trusted with financial responsibilities, systematically stole over $250,000 from Dr. Staten's practice. But the story doesn't end there — after leaving Dr. Staten's practice, Powers went on to victimize another dentist. She is currently serving an 8-year prison sentence for her crimes. Beyond the facts of the case, this episode delivers something invaluable: Dr. Staten's hard-won wisdom for other dentists. Having lived through the shock, betrayal, and financial devastation of embezzlement, she speaks candidly about the warning signs she missed, the decisions she wishes she had made differently, and the message she wants every dental practice owner to hear. Topics covered include: How Danielle Powers gained access and trust within the practiceThe specific methods used to steal and conceal the theftWhy embezzlers often move from one victim to the nextThe investigation process and how the theft was ultimately discoveredThe criminal justice outcome and what it means for victims seeking accountabilityDr. Staten's direct advice to dentists on preventing what happened to herAbout Scott Clifford: Scott is a senior forensic investigator at Prosperident, North America's leading firm specializing in dental embezzlement investigation. With years of experience examining financial crimes in dental practices, Scott brings both technical expertise and deep empathy to every case he handles. If you suspect embezzlement in your dental practice, do not confront the suspect or alter your office procedures before speaking with a professional. Contact Prosperident at www.prosperident.com or schedule a consultation at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 3:52 - How Danielle Powers gained access and trust within the practice 16:00 - The specific methods used to steal and conceal the theft 27:02 - Why embezzlers often move from one victim to the next 40:00 - The investigation process and how the theft was ultimately discovered 48:00 - The criminal justice outcome and what it means for victims seeking accounta 1:04:00 - Dr. Staten's direct advice to dentists on preventing what happened to her 1:13:22 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident

Three of dentistry's leading specialists in practice protection come together for a candid roundtable on the challenges confronting dental practice owners today. David Harris of Prosperident, Adrienne Twigg of Bent Ericksen & Associates, and Erik Pook of Cirrus Group each bring a distinct and vital perspective — financial forensics, human resources and employment law, and commercial real estate — to a wide-ranging discussion that every practice owner needs to hear. Whether you are an established practice owner or newly starting out, the threats explored in this conversation can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars or even your practice itself. The good news: with the right knowledge, most of these risks are entirely preventable. Topics covered include: Embezzlement: how it starts, why it often goes undetected for years, and what to do about itHiring mistakes that introduce financial and legal risk into your practiceThe most common employment law pitfalls dental practices walk intoCommercial lease terms that quietly devastate practice value and profitabilityHow to evaluate your current lease and what leverage you actually havePractical steps to reduce vulnerability across all three risk categoriesAbout the guests: David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, is North America's leading dental embezzlement investigator with over three decades of experience protecting dental practices.Adrienne Twigg is a senior consultant with Bent Ericksen & Associates, a firm specializing in human resources and employment compliance for dental practices across the United States.Erik Pook is a principal at Cirrus Group, experts in dental and medical commercial real estate, lease negotiation, and practice transitions.To learn more about protecting your practice from embezzlement, visit www.prosperident.com or schedule a consultation at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 3:36 - Embezzlement 8:00 - Hiring mistakes that introduce financial and legal risk into your practice 16:00 - The most common employment law pitfalls dental practices walk into 24:00 - Commercial lease terms that quietly devastate practice value and profitabil 32:00 - How to evaluate your current lease and what leverage you actually have 40:00 - Practical steps to reduce vulnerability across all three risk categories 48:00 - David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, is North America's leading dental embezz 56:00 - Adrienne Twigg is a senior consultant with Bent Ericksen & Associates, 1:00:55 - Erik Pook is a principal at Cirrus Group, experts in dental and medical com 1:08:05 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident

She was trusted completely. She was there every day. And she was stealing — for years. In this deeply personal episode, Virginia orthodontist Dr. David Hughes describes in his own words how his office manager embezzled over $370,000 from his practice, right under his nose. Dr. Hughes is joined by Prosperident CEO David Harris, senior investigator Wendy Askins, and forensic accountant Amber Weber-Gonzales for a frank and illuminating conversation about how the theft unfolded, how it was discovered, and what the investigation revealed. This is not a hypothetical — it is the real story of a trusted employee who exploited her access and her dentist's trust over an extended period. Topics covered include: How the office manager gained and maintained the trust that made the theft possibleThe specific methods used to steal and hide $370,000 over timeWarning signs that were present but not recognizedHow the embezzlement was ultimately discoveredThe forensic investigation process and what it uncoveredThe legal outcome and Dr. Hughes's path to recoveryWhat Dr. Hughes would do differently — and what he wants other dentists to knowAbout the Prosperident team: David Harris is CEO and founder of Prosperident; Wendy Askins and Amber Weber-Gonzales are senior members of Prosperident's investigative team, bringing decades of combined experience in dental embezzlement forensics. If you suspect embezzlement in your dental practice, call Prosperident before taking any action. Visit www.prosperident.com or schedule directly at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 3:24 - How the office manager gained and maintained the trust that made the theft 12:04 - The specific methods used to steal and hide $370,000 over time 20:44 - Warning signs that were present but not recognized 32:00 - How the embezzlement was ultimately discovered 40:00 - The forensic investigation process and what it uncovered 48:00 - The legal outcome and Dr. Hughes's path to recovery 56:00 - What Dr. Hughes would do differently 1:04:04 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident

Dental Support Organizations have reshaped the landscape of dentistry — but are they a lifeline, a trap, or something more complex? In this candid episode, Prosperident's David Harris, Wendy Askins, and Amber Weber sit down with Emmet Scott, CEO of a 70-practice DSO and one of the most influential voices in the DSO industry, for an unvarnished look at what DSOs really mean for dental practice owners. Emmet Scott brings rare insider perspective: as a DSO executive who has built and managed one of the larger group practices in the country, he understands both the extraordinary opportunities DSOs can offer and the very real risks they present to dentists who don't fully understand what they are signing up for. Topics covered include: What DSOs actually are and the wide spectrum of DSO structures that existThe genuine advantages DSOs can offer independent dentistsThe contractual and financial pitfalls that can trap dentists for yearsHow to evaluate a DSO affiliation offer before signing anythingWhat happens to your autonomy — clinical and financial — inside a DSOEmbezzlement and financial control in a DSO environmentHow to protect yourself whether you join a DSO or remain independentWhat the future of DSOs looks like and what it means for solo practiceAbout Emmet Scott: Emmet is the CEO of a 70-practice dental support organization and a recognized thought leader in the DSO space. He is known for his willingness to speak frankly about both the promise and the pitfalls of group dentistry. To learn more about financial protection for dental practices in DSO and independent settings, visit www.prosperident.com or schedule a consultation at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 3:57 - What DSOs actually are and the wide spectrum of DSO structures that exist 12:52 - The genuine advantages DSOs can offer independent dentists 24:00 - The contractual and financial pitfalls that can trap dentists for years 32:00 - How to evaluate a DSO affiliation offer before signing anything 40:00 - What happens to your autonomy 48:00 - Embezzlement and financial control in a DSO environment 56:00 - How to protect yourself whether you join a DSO or remain independent 1:04:00 - What the future of DSOs looks like and what it means for solo practice 1:15:14 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident

Embezzlement is not just a financial crime — it is a profound personal betrayal. In this deeply moving episode, dentist Dr. Mark Saladin recounts how someone he trusted stole $150,000 from his practice, and what the pursuit of justice meant to him personally and professionally. What makes this episode extraordinary is its dual perspective. In addition to Dr. Saladin's account, this episode includes audio clips from his embezzler, Miranda Wolf, giving listeners a rare and unsettling glimpse into how an embezzler thinks, rationalizes, and ultimately responds when caught. Together, these two voices illuminate the full arc of a dental embezzlement case from both sides of the crime. Topics covered include: How the theft was carried out and how long it went undetectedThe emotional journey of discovering you have been betrayed by a trusted employeeWhy Dr. Saladin chose to pursue justice rather than settle quietlyAudio clips from embezzler Miranda Wolf — her mindset, rationalizations, and perspectiveWhat the investigation and legal process looked like from Dr. Saladin's viewpointThe psychological and financial recovery process after embezzlementWhat Dr. Saladin believes other dentists must know before it happens to themThis episode is essential listening for any dental practice owner who has wondered whether reporting embezzlement and pursuing legal consequences is worth the effort. Dr. Saladin's answer — and the contrast provided by his embezzler's own words — is both compelling and instructive. To learn more about dental embezzlement investigation and how Prosperident can help, visit www.prosperident.com or schedule a consultation at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 3:54 - How the theft was carried out and how long it went undetected 16:00 - The emotional journey of discovering you have been betrayed by a trusted em 24:00 - Why Dr. Saladin chose to pursue justice rather than settle quietly 32:00 - Audio clips from embezzler Miranda Wolf 44:04 - What the investigation and legal process looked like from Dr. Saladin's vie 56:00 - The psychological and financial recovery process after embezzlement 1:04:00 - What Dr. Saladin believes other dentists must know before it happens to the 1:14:12 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident

Smart people make dumb mistakes — especially when they're highly trained clinicians running a business they were never taught how to manage. In this entertaining and insight-packed episode, David Harris sits down with Dr. Rich Madow, former practicing dentist, speaker, and co-founder of The Madow Group, to talk candidly about the most common — and costly — mistakes dental practice owners make. Dr. Madow has spent decades studying what separates the most successful dental practices from the rest. His message is delivered with humor and honesty: even the smartest dentists regularly make preventable business mistakes that quietly erode their profitability, their team culture, and their personal satisfaction. Topics covered include: Why dental school training leaves practitioners unprepared for business ownershipThe most common management mistakes dentists make — and why they keep repeating themHow to stop being the bottleneck in your own practiceThe hidden costs of employee turnover and how to reduce itProduction and collection mistakes that drain revenue without most owners noticingWhy dentists avoid difficult conversations — and how to stop avoiding themHow to get more enjoyment from your practice while working less hardAbout Dr. Rich Madow: Dr. Madow is a former practicing dentist, nationally recognized speaker, and co-founder of The Madow Group — one of dentistry's most respected practice-building resources. He and his brother Dr. David Madow have helped thousands of dentists build more profitable and fulfilling practices. Visit www.madow.com to learn more. To learn more about protecting your practice from embezzlement and financial risk, visit www.prosperident.com or schedule a consultation at www.prosperident.com/meetwithdavid. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction / Show open 4:12 - Why dental school training leaves practitioners unprepared for business own 16:00 - The most common management mistakes dentists make 24:00 - How to stop being the bottleneck in your own practice 36:44 - The hidden costs of employee turnover and how to reduce it 48:00 - Production and collection mistakes that drain revenue without most owners n 56:00 - Why dentists avoid difficult conversations 1:12:00 - How to get more enjoyment from your practice while working less hard 1:20:08 - Closing / How to contact Prosperident