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"It's better to hire slow than to rush."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this Just Jill episode of Hey Docs!, Jill Allen addresses hiring challenges for orthodontic practices, especially startups, and weighs the pros and cons of hiring seasoned team members versus candidates new to dentistry. She explains how early startup hires often serve as “utility players,” why experienced staff may bring preconceived notions, compensation expectations, and difficulty unlearning prior systems, and how adaptability to a doctor’s philosophy and culture is critical. Jill outlines what makes a great hire beyond technical skills (attitude, communication, curiosity, accountability, and willingness to learn) and urges doctors to tailor interview questions, notice red flags, and hire slowly to avoid painful terminations. She also emphasizes structured onboarding with clear expectations and 30/60/90-day benchmarks, plus pay guidance for startups, acquisitions, and established practices focused on skill growth, competitiveness, and career paths. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://www.practiceresults.com/ Takeaways Hiring experienced candidates may not always be the best choice. It may make adapting to a new practice more difficult.Startups benefit from molding new hires to fit their culture.Soft skills are as important as technical skills in candidates.Tailoring interview questions to the role is essential.Assessing a candidate's attitude and communication is vital.Hiring decisions should align with the long-term vision of the practice. There is never a harder decision than letting someone go.Trust your gut when hiring; watch for red flags. Evaluate performance at 30, 60, and 90 days.Training programs are essential for new hires' success.Pay should reflect skill and growth, not just tenure.Avoid rewarding longevity without skill development.Training doesn't justify lower pay; retain skilled employees.Set clear expectations from the beginning of employment.Hiring should focus on potential, not just experience. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:55 Startup Hiring Experience Debate 08:20 Seasoned Hire Pitfalls 15:08 What Makes a Great Candidate 20:35 Red Flags and Trust Your Gut 24:33 First 90 Days Training Plan 30:38 Pay and Compensation Strategy 39:11 Set Expectations  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"Short-term turbulence for long-term gain.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen welcomes back Megan and B, sisters and founders of The Wyrick Outlook, to discuss what “fee for service” really means for orthodontic practices and how to evaluate leaving insurance networks. They address misconceptions that doctors must be in-network to collect benefits, and explain how going out-of-network can restore control over fees and treatment while avoiding outdated contracted rates. The conversation focuses on using data to assess write-offs and true referral sources, understanding local market dynamics, and ensuring the consult and financial presentation processes are “rock solid” before making a change. Megan and B outline key transition pillars—confidence in referrals, proactive communication with insurers, patients, and team, financial planning (including cash reserves and phased dropping), and emotional readiness—plus strategies for handling insurer “scare” letters and rerouted payments. Connect With Our Guest The Wyrick Outlook - https://thewyrickoutlook.com/ Takeaways Understanding fee-for-service vs. in-network is crucial.Many practices are moving away from in-network contracts.Insurance write-offs can be viewed as marketing expenses.Doctors need to evaluate their financials carefully before making changes.Practices should analyze their referral sources before changing insurance status.Rising costs are pushing practices to reconsider their insurance relationships.Strategic planning is necessary for a smooth transition. Proactive communication can alleviate patient fears about insurance changes and foster trust and loyalty.Short-term challenges can lead to long-term benefits.Maintaining cash reserves is vital during insurance transitions.Clear communication about payment processes is necessary to avoid confusion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:06 What Fee for Service Means 08:58 Why Practices Leave Network 13:05 Evaluating the Numbers 17:12 Transition Game Plan 22:03 Train Team Insurance Talk  25:19 Strategic Exit Planning 30:18 Presenting Benefits Positively 32:26 Common Mistakes and Takeaways 34:27 How to Connect with The Wyrick Outlook  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"You need to build your disciplines now."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen welcomes back Cary Smith, CEO and co-founder of Done Desk, to discuss building a leadership edge in orthodontic practices through early systems, training, and clear expectations. Cary explains Done Desk’s software helps organize scattered compliance and risk-management work so owners can see what’s actionable and go home without carrying operations mentally. They emphasize that growth reveals existing problems, and that owners become bottlenecks when teams aren’t trained or equipped with documented SOPs, source-of-truth processes, and visible accountability. Cary advocates replacing 90-day probation with 90-day development plans, creating strategies to mitigate employee turnover and loss of institutional knowledge, and getting help to implement systems. They also discuss hiring “right” by calibrating roles around values, attitudes, and behaviors—not just skills and experience—and building human-centric systems for employees and patients. Connect With Our Guest Done Desk - https://www.donedesk.com/ Takeaways Done Desk helps practice owners manage risk effectively.Many practice owners feel overwhelmed by management tasks.Training staff is crucial to avoid bottlenecks in operations.Identifying tasks you dislike can help delegate effectively.Establishing clear expectations is key to accountability.Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for consistency.Documentation helps in training new employees efficiently.Leadership should focus on developing team members.Creating a culture of accountability improves practice performance.Preparing for team changes ensures business continuity. Employee turnover can have a massive emotional impact.Having a replacement strategy mitigates the loss of key team members.It's essential to build disciplines early in a practice.Understanding and defining core values is crucial for hiring.Hiring for values and behaviors is more important than skills alone. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 06:04 Owner Bottleneck Problem 09:54 Leadership Edge Basics 11:26 Discipline and Accountability 16:19 SOPs and Training Systems 21:13 When Will I Do This 23:40 Turnover and Replacement Plans 27:41 Turnover Risk Strategy 29:28 Practice As Business School 31:37 Hiring The Right Fit 37:07 Define Practice Core Values 38:58 Accountability And Systems 40:14 Get Help To Implement 43:08 Done Desk Contact Info  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"Location is not everything."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen speaks with Brian Mills, president and founder of ROAM Commercial Realty, about what orthodontists should know about commercial real estate in today’s market. Brian shares his background in the dental industry and explains how ROAM exclusively represents healthcare tenants, emphasizing that today’s market has higher construction costs and lease rates and can’t be timed by waiting for elections or rate drops. They discuss shifting location strategies (retail vs. medical office), why “location isn’t everything,” and the importance of data-driven demographic analysis over fears of saturation. Brian outlines key negotiation levers for startups—tenant improvement allowances, build-out and post-opening free rent, and controlling triple net exposure and added fees—while stressing the need for a strong team, mentorship, and a patient experience that values human interaction alongside selective AI tools. Connect With Our Guest ROAM Commercial Realty - https://www.roamcommercialrealty.com/ Takeaways The commercial real estate market is constantly changing.Doctors should be aware of current market conditions.Negotiation is key in securing favorable lease terms.Tenant improvement allowances are crucial for startups.Understanding additional fees in leases is essential.Retail spaces are becoming more common for practices.Location is important, but not the only factor for success.Fear is a significant barrier for new business owners.Education empowers clients to make informed decisions.Market saturation can be misleading; data is key.Surrounding yourself with a strong team is essential for success.Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and support.Don't underestimate the importance of detailed communication with clients.The success rate for startups in orthodontics and dentistry is high when done correctly. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:55 Brian Mills Background 06:04 Market Pulse 2026 16:03 Retail Versus Medical Space 21:22 Lease Negotiation Levers 27:28 Hidden Fees And Triple Net 32:31 Landlord Math And Valuation 35:08 Fear Before The Leap 39:20 Coaches And Great Teams 41:38 Oversaturation And Market Data 47:40 Bank Loans And Cash Flow 49:32 Old School Human Touch 53:51 How To Get in Contact  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"It takes almost no time to do this."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen sits down with David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, to discuss the challenges of employee turnover in the orthodontic and dental industry and the importance of pre-employment screening to protect practices from potential risks. They explore strategies for effective hiring, including conducting criminal background checks and verifying employment history, while emphasizing the need for thoroughness in the hiring process to ensure the right fit for dental teams. Jill and David also touch on the critical aspects of hiring decisions, financial oversight, and internal controls within practices. They emphasize the importance of accountability among staff, the necessity of regular financial checks, and the implementation of systems to prevent embezzlement. The discussion also covers the concept of articulation in financial reporting, ensuring that daily and monthly totals align to safeguard against discrepancies. Connect With Our Guest Prosperident - https://www.prosperident.com/ Takeaways Employee turnover in practices is a significant challenge.Pre-employment screening is crucial for reducing hiring risks.70 million Americans have a criminal record, impacting hiring decisions.Not all criminal records disqualify candidates; context matters.Most practice owners do not adequately screen potential hires.Be upfront about screening processes in job ads.Proper identification checks can prevent hiring fraud.Employment verification should cover the last five years.Asking about rehire eligibility can reveal important insights.Separation of duties in financial management can reduce risk of theft. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 03:57 Why Hiring Feels Hard 08:10 Screening Starts in the Job Ad 10:30 ID Checks at Interview 18:05 Verify Employment Properly 21:23 Reference Questions to Ask 24:55 From Hiring to Oversight 27:45 Why Owners Must Verify 30:40 Cash Accounting Blind Spots 33:04 Modern Payment Timing Issues 34:29 Graphing Variances Over Time 38:02 Separation of Duties Rules 42:11 Contract Checks in Ortho 44:46 Articulation Daily vs Monthly 48:53 Prosperident Contact Info  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

“What we can control is how well you know your business.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this Just Jill episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, host Jill Allen addresses how orthodontic practices can respond to today’s economy by focusing on controllable levers inside the practice. She explains why third-party financing can be a useful “third option” alongside pay-in-full discounts and in-office payment plans, weighing patient accessibility against transaction fees and emphasizing delinquency-risk mitigation and differences among financing companies. Jill also breaks down how down payments and monthly payment structures should vary for startups, acquisitions, and established practices, highlighting the need to protect cash flow and keep delinquencies low. She discusses when discounts make sense as a time-limited growth or marketing strategy and how to approach technology investments, arguing startups should lean into digital workflows early and established practices should implement change strategically. Jill closes with key KPIs—especially tracking production versus collections—to avoid being misled by short-term cash flow and encourages practice-specific pivots rather than reactive decisions. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://practiceresults.com/ Takeaways The economy is impacting patient decisions on orthodontic treatment.Third-party financing can help practices offer more options to patients.Understanding cash flow is crucial for practice sustainability.Technology investments can lead to long-term efficiency gains.Practices should consider the impact of payment options on patient acceptance.Not all third-party financing companies are created equal.Setting boundaries for down payments is essential for startups.Practices should adapt their strategies based on economic conditions.Mitigating delinquency risk is important for financial health. Building debt can harm startups' financial health.Delinquencies should ideally be below 5%.Collecting more than producing indicates financial issues.Discounts can be a strategic tool for practices. It does not diminish the value of treatment.Adapting to economic changes is essential for practice success. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 03:32 Third Party Financing 09:58 Financing Risks 16:23 Down Payments Strategy 26:24 Discounts Done Right 32:58 Investing In Technology 42:11 KPIs That Matter 54:35 Final Thoughts  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

“Every phone call is revenue.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen welcomes back Richard May, VP of Business Development at Mango Voice, to discuss how AI-driven communication tools are helping orthodontic practices handle staffing challenges, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient experience. Richard explains Mango Voice as an AI voice platform covering phone systems, call recordings, virtual fax, and AI features like automated note-taking, sentiment analysis, and call filtering to identify both strong and problem calls for coaching. They explore how missed calls and voicemails cost practices revenue, and how Mango’s AI receptionist “Margo” increases engagement compared to traditional voicemail. Jill and Richard also highlight AI-powered role-play phone training modules and integrated call summaries and transcripts that can auto-log into patient charts, improving workflow, documentation accuracy, and team development. Connect With Our Guest Mango Voice - https://mangovoice.com/ Takeaways Mango Voice focuses on AI voice solutions.Reliability and support are crucial for effective phone systems.AI note-taking can save time and improve patient documentation, reducing human error.AI receptionists can enhance patient engagement and reduce missed calls.Training front office staff is essential for maximizing revenue opportunities.AI tools can provide real-time feedback for improving communication skills.Role-playing with AI can enhance training for front office teams.Balancing AI and human interaction is key in healthcare settings. Documentation is crucial for effective healthcare communication.Recognizing team members boosts morale and productivity.Incremental improvements can lead to long-term success. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 04:09 Why Phones Matter Now 07:22 AI Notes and Call Coverage 10:18 Call Data and Coaching Insights 15:20 AI Roleplay Training Program 19:24 Using AI Without Replacing Staff 23:36 AI Notes for Clinics 26:21 Standardized Call Summaries 29:29 Workflow and Training Wins 33:14 Culture and Team Recognition 38:00 Small Changes Big Gains 39:42 How to Get In Touch  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"Practices don't necessarily have a staffing problem."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down with Amanda Ketcham as she shares her journey of launching My Mountain Mover, a healthcare outsourcing company that connects remote talent with healthcare practices. Amanda explains the importance of viewing staffing as a capacity issue rather than a staffing problem, the benefits of delegation and outsourcing, and how to build a strong culture with remote teams. Jill and Amanda also address common fears associated with outsourcing, the role of AI in the future of practices, and the importance of choosing reputable outsourcing partners. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating the hiring process and the significance of relational skills in the age of AI. Connect With Our Guest My Mountain Mover - https://mymountainmover.com/ Takeaways Amanda is the founder of My Mountain Mover, which connects remote talent with healthcare practices.The pandemic opened doors for remote staffing solutions in healthcare.Practices often face capacity problems rather than staffing issues.Delegation is crucial for business owners to focus on their strengths.Outsourcing can lead to higher ROI for practices.Building a culture with remote teams is essential for success.Choosing a reputable outsourcing company is vital for compliance and quality.AI will play a significant role in handling administrative tasks in the future.Relational skills will be essential in the age of AI. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 05:19 Why Capacity Matters 10:55 Overcoming Outsourcing Fears 13:55 Delegate and Elevate Framework 20:43 Building Remote Culture 24:36 AI and Remote Staffing Future 27:57 Risks HIPAA and Turnover 32:13 Where to Learn More  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"Listening is not just being silent."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   On this episode of Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down with Daniel “Danny” Bobrow, CEO of AIM Dental Marketing, about why persuasive communication is often misunderstood in dentistry and orthodontics and how teams can improve case acceptance and trust without feeling salesy. Danny shares how his work evolved from dental marketing into training practices on communication, including his Art of First Impressions and the Persuasion Blueprint, built around three sequential steps: caring, connection, and collaboration. He explains concepts like the “care gap,” the illusion of transparency, and why patients decide emotionally then justify logically, offering examples for handling cost questions, improving first-call conversions, and using scripts that convey empathy while guiding calls. They discuss the need for leadership commitment, consistent practice through role play, better listening, and collaboration techniques that build patient ownership and compliance. Connect With Our Guest   Danny Bobrow - https://www.dannybobrow.com/ AIM Dental Marketing - https://americandentalmarketing.com/ Takeaways Danny's journey into healthcare marketing began due to family influence.Many doctors lack training in practice management and marketing.Persuasion in healthcare should align with patient care.Emotional communication is key to patient engagement.Building trust is essential for successful patient relationships.Doctors often resist learning about persuasive skills.Commitment from practice owners is crucial for team success.Role-playing can help develop communication skills.Caring must be communicated effectively to bridge the care gap. Commitment and consistency are crucial for team training.Listening involves more than just being silent; it's about engagement.Attuning to your audience enhances persuasive communication.Collaboration empowers patients and fosters ownership in their care.Expert override can hinder effective communication with patients.Good communication transforms transactional interactions into meaningful relationships.Taking time with patients pays dividends in practice success. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 06:16 Why Doctors Resist Persuasion 08:12 Persuasion Without Being Sales-y 11:08 Caring Connection Collaboration 17:53 Phone Call First Impressions 21:49 Role Play and Team Buy In 25:56 Why Change Feels Hard 29:58 Attune To Your Audience 31:30 Coaching Modules And Practice 33:34 TAFI Call Control Script 36:06 Collaboration And Ownership 41:13 Expert Override Pitfalls 42:44 Slow Down And Be Present 44:01 Where To Learn More  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

“It just comes down to trusting each other.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down Drs. Tanner and Sarah Clark of Clark Orthodontics about building two practices as a husband-wife team. They share their path from dental school and military service in Germany to orthodontic residencies, a failed practice purchase in Wisconsin, and launching a North Liberty, Iowa startup in 2012 as well as later acquiring a Muscatine practice in 2014. They discuss working together through trust, dividing roles, staggering schedules, and keeping consistent systems across locations and treatment philosophies to support the team. Tanner and Sarah reflect on their hard seasons, including startup stress, modernizing an acquired paper-chart practice, COVID-era turnover, and learning to let employees go when needed. They advise delegating, involving team members in decisions, and not sacrificing family and health, and note a trend toward fully digital workflows and AI. Connect With Our Guest   Clark Orthodontics - https://www.stclarkortho.com/ [email protected]  [email protected]  Takeaways Complete trust in each other's decisions is the biggest advantage of a husband-wife partnership.Splitting roles (clinical vs. admin) and working different days avoids confusion and conflict.There’s no straight line to success.Making slow changes in acquisitions rather than overhauling everything at once helps prevent team burnout and confusion.Using the same systems across locations make multi-location practices seamless for doctors and staff.Letting people go can be hard, but keeping the wrong person too long drags down the whole team.Get the right people on the bus, then in the right seat.Involving your team in decisions helps build ownership and trust.Don’t sacrifice what matters most: family, health and work-life balance are essential in the hard seasons. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 04:33 Military to Ortho Path 06:53 Startup and Second Office 09:51 Partners at Work 13:37 Divide and Conquer 16:01 Standardizing Two Locations 23:29 Hard Seasons and Obstacles 26:47 Systematic Practice Upgrades 28:38 Post Covid Team Turnover 31:15 The Shock of Firing 33:50 Team Seasons and Fit 36:13 Right People Right Seats 38:16 Advice for New Owners 44:30 Contact Info  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

“It’s not always about how are we going to do it, but who.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill Allen presents on the “Who Not How” mindset, urging orthodontic practice owners and managers to stop centering themselves in goal achievement and instead identify the right “whos” (team members, third-party partners, coaches, and tools) to execute. She critiques arbitrary, repetitive goal-setting without plans or resources, and warns against Superman/Superwoman syndrome driven by ego, control, or reluctance to spend. Jill explains the multiplier effect of working with capable people and outlines a hierarchy of business needs—from solid daily operations and systems, to financial stability, market presence and patient experience, innovation and growth, and ultimately freedom. She highlights practical AI “whos,” demonstrating how ChatGPT can rapidly create social media strategy, messaging, and calendars, and how Canva can produce branded templates, bulk posts, and AI avatar videos for tasks like patient instructions. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://www.practiceresults.com/ Takeaways Stop asking how and start asking who. The right people get you to your goals faster than any plan.Every successful person has a coach or a "who" helping them level up.Make sure your goals are achievable and backed by a real plan.Superman/Superwoman syndrome is real. Ego and control can keep you stuck.Delegation isn’t a weakness. Trust your team to help you get things done.Building your practice on a solid foundation is essential: daily operations, systems, and the right team members.Give your team members a career path.Your market presence matters. Patients are researching you before they ever walk in the door.ChatGPT can handle social media strategy, SOPs, job ads, blogs, and more in minutes.Canva makes professional, on-brand content creation fast and affordable for any team member. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 05:18 Goal Setting Fallacy 08:07 Superhero Syndrome Mindset 15:44 Multiplier Effect and Picking Whos 20:59 Business Needs Pyramid 26:49 Whos for Ops Finance and Marketing 31:31 Freedom Through Growth 34:55 AI as Your Who 36:45 ChatGPT for Social Media 46:08 Canva Templates and Avatars 52:29 Final Takeaways and Next Steps  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"You have to have a vision, a strategy, and a story."   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of Hey Docs!, host Jill Allen talks with Malcom C. Riley, Director of Orthodontic Clinical Education and Early Career at Align Technology, about the evolving landscape for new orthodontic practice owners. Malcom shares his career path into supporting orthodontists and outlines how rising student debt, increased competition, and today’s “Amazon mindset” consumer behavior are changing practice building. They discuss opportunities for startups to differentiate through digital workflows, virtual consults and care, visualization tools like iTero and Outcome Simulator Pro, and social media storytelling, as well as the growing importance of adult orthodontics amid declining birth rates. Malcom explains what makes an aligner-focused model profitable: intentional operations, ongoing education, and community/mentorship. He also highlights Align’s new practice owner program, including courses, team training, and marketing support. Connect With Our Guest Align Technology - https://www.aligntech.com/ [email protected]  Takeaways New practice owners face higher costs but also unmatched opportunity to stand out with digital-first workflows.Adults are a huge, underserved growth market for orthodontics.Visualization tools turn treatment into an emotional, easy "yes."Consumers today have an “Amazon mindset” when it comes to choosing a practice.Building a practice that’s aligner-focused from day one can improve efficiency and easier than trying to introduce new technology into an established practice.Virtual care builds convenience and loyalty without extra office visits.Orthodontic treatment is shifting from "one and done" to lifelong, repeat relationships with patients.Different generations need different communication styles and approaches.Success comes down to vision, ongoing education, and community/mentorship.Entrepreneurship can feel lonely — leaning on peers and mentors makes a big difference.Align's New Practice Owner Program offers education, marketing, and clinical support to help new doctors grow. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 03:40 Career Journey to Align 08:07 Align Education Programs 10:11 New Owners and Tech Shift 11:57 Costs Competition and Digital 15:06 Startup Advantage with Digital 18:52 Adult Market Opportunity 22:22 Communicating Across Generations 25:00 Lifelong Ortho Relationships 28:32 Aligner Profitability 34:03 Community Mentorship Mindset 37:44 Digital Workflow Tools 41:06 Virtual Care Connectivity 44:42 Generational Patient Communication 46:44 New Practice Program Pillars 52:10 Contact Info Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

“The real ROI is what you do with the time back.” Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill talks with Matt Miller from DentalMonitoring about how AI-powered remote monitoring is reshaping orthodontic patient communication, workflow, and scalability for both startups and established practices. Matt shares his 11-year orthodontic industry background and explains how DentalMonitoring improves the patient experience by increasing weekly communication while reducing unnecessary in-office “check” visits, giving time back to patients, teams, and doctors. They discuss why implementing remote monitoring early can help startups build better systems, reduce space and staffing needs, and maintain lower overhead while growing revenue. For established practices, they address common fears around adopting new technology, emphasizing phased rollout, actionable AI-driven alerts, and reallocating recovered chair time toward clinically necessary visits and practice growth. Matt highlights DentalMonitoring’s AI capabilities, FDA validation, Smart STL, and future workflow-streamlining possibilities. Connect With Our Guest DentalMonitoring - https://dentalmonitoring.com/ Takeaways Remote monitoring boosts engagement with more frequent check-ins and fewer in-office visits.Practices are shrinking space while increasing revenue with the same staff/chairs.Remote monitoring frees up chair time for other tasks like marketing and new patients.Startups should adopt remote monitoring from day one.Established practices should expect ~3-6 months of transition when adopting remote monitoring.DentalMonitoring’s AI handles diagnostics, letting practices still control patient messaging.AI won’t replace orthodontists, but those who use well will outcompete those who don’t.Reallocating chair time reduces after-hours “homework” and improves work-life balance.AI-driven workflow will continue to expand. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 04:35 Why Remote Monitoring Matters 11:01 Building Startups with DM 14:11 Scaling Lean Practices 17:24 Time Back and Burnout 19:40 Adopting Tech in Big Practices 21:37 Reallocating Time and ROI 23:09 Virtual Patient Touchpoints 27:15 AI Myths And Reality 31:34 Lifestyle And Future Teams 33:15 AI Predictions Ahead 36:03 How To Contact Matt & DentalMonitoring  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

“Money alone doesn’t work.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill Allen does something a little different and challenges orthodontists and office managers to consider whether their practices are building careers or just providing jobs, noting widespread retention issues and shifting employee expectations across multiple generations. She explains why salary and annual raises alone no longer drive commitment and outlines the need to balance hard motivators like clear, consistent pay structures with soft motivators like recognition, purpose, autonomy, and development. Jill emphasizes creating career ladders for every core role, linking advancement to skills rather than tenure, and proactively having career conversations to help team members visualize a future in orthodontics. She also stresses that culture and psychological safety are critical to performance and retention, citing Google’s Project Aristotle findings on team effectiveness. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://www.practiceresults.com/ Takeaways Money alone doesn’t retain employees.Salary and annual raise is an outdated retention model.Growth is the currency of retention.Hard motivators (pay, bonuses) matter, but soft motivators (recognition, autonomy) create emotional buy-in.Pay structures must be consistent and transparent.Bonuses only work fi they’re clear and achievable.Building a visible career ladder for every core role is essential. Ask your team members where they want to grow.Not everyone wants to lead, and that’s okay.Culture is behavior, not policy. Cultivating a supportive culture is essential.Psychological safety drive performance. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:37 Why Teams Leave 07:08 What Employees Want Now 12:35 Money Alone Fails 15:21 Hard Motivators 20:20 Soft Motivators 24:59 Build Career Paths 31:22 Career Ladders and Pay Levels 42:02 Culture and Psychological Safety 48:21 Action Steps and Wrap Up  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!

"You can never have enough cash.”   Connect With Our Sponsors Solventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarity GreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/ A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodontics SmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary   In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill chats with Chandler Wrightenberry from Live Oak Bank to discuss the intricacies of healthcare lending, particularly focusing on practice purchases and real estate investments. Chandler shares insights from his extensive experience at Live Oak Bank, emphasizing the importance of understanding costs, building a supportive team, and maintaining transparency in banking conversations. They explore the current market conditions, project timelines, and the significance of long-term investments in healthcare real estate. Jill and Chandler also touch on the complexities of construction timelines, the importance of zoning, and the necessity of having the right team when expanding an orthodontic practice. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations regarding project durations and financial preparedness, including cash management strategies. Connect With Our Guest Live Oak Bank - https://www.liveoak.bank/ Chandler’s Phone Number: (828) 337-1374  Takeaways Chandler Wrightenberry has over 12 years of experience in healthcare lending.Live Oak Bank is the largest SBA lender in the country by volume.Building a supportive team is crucial for successful real estate projects.Transparency in financial discussions leads to better outcomes.Interest rates are currently stable and reasonable for borrowing.It's important to have early conversations with lenders about financing.Investing in real estate is a long-term commitment that can yield significant returns.Doctors often experience growth after relocating to new facilities. You should have an expectation of working with a city to get everything finalized in about six months.Ground-up construction typically takes nine to twelve months for planning and an additional 18 to 24 months for completion.Zoning issues can significantly delay project timelines, so it's crucial to ensure proper zoning before purchasing a property.Having a specialized commercial real estate agent is essential for navigating zoning and permits.Expect projects to take longer and be more expensive than initially anticipated.Financial preparedness is key; saving cash and having a safety net is crucial for large projects.A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10% of the project cost in cash reserves.Investing in liquid assets can provide quick access to cash when needed for projects. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 04:35 Market Reality Check 07:16 Costs and Rates Today 11:25 Build Your Project Team 15:04 Be Candid With Lenders 19:21 Realistic Project Timelines 22:23 Remodel vs Ground Up Schedule 23:29 Zoning Pitfalls and Team 26:08 Lease Timing and Overlap 28:03 Cash Reserves and Liquidity 32:00 How to Contact Chandler  Episode Credits:   Hosted by Jill Allen Produced by Jordann Killion Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.     If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.      New episodes drop every Thursday!