Podcast

Dental Marketing Theory - A Podcast by Gary Bird

Business, Marketing

A Top Rated Dental Marketing Podcast. Providing like-minded, passionate individuals, a platform to share experiences and expertise in the dental marketing industry and discuss how marketing theory, development and acquisitions enhance an overall success plan. We’re passionate about marketing and collaborations of all kinds and want to share the process to support others.🚀COME SAY HI! 👋

Gary Bird thegarybird.com/

Podcast Website dentalmarketingtheory.com/

Website smcnational.com/

Episodes
230
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
30 min
On air since
2021
Latest episode
17 hours ago

Episodes

230 episodes, newest first

  1. #225 Why Some Dentists Need $45K/Month Marketing

    Show notes

    🚀Experience dental continuing education like never before at DIG-A-PALOOZA: https://dentistryingeneral.com/dig-a-palooza
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans:https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Most dentists aren't failing because of bad marketing. They're failing because they're using a 2020 playbook in a 2026 market.

    In this episode, Gary Bird sits down with Dr. Bob D. to break down why dental marketing expectations are completely different today. They discuss marketing budgets, competition, insurance pressure, staffing challenges, internal marketing, and why some practices can grow with minimal advertising while others need to invest $45,000+ per month to compete.

    You'll learn how to set realistic growth expectations, evaluate your market, improve practice management, strengthen internal marketing, and avoid the mistakes that cause dentists to blame marketing when the real problem is somewhere else.

    If you're focused on dental marketing, new patient growth, fee-for-service dentistry, practice management, startup growth, or DSO competition, this episode will change how you think about scaling your practice.

    Subscribe to Dental Marketing Theory for weekly strategies, real-world case studies, and proven growth systems for modern dental practices.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 - The Reality of Dental Marketing Competition
    02:30 - Shifts in the Dental Industry
    03:55 - Setting Realistic Marketing Expectations
    04:50 - Shared Industry Challenges
    05:26 - Strategies for Success with Partners
    07:10 - Learning from Marketing Iterations
    08:24 - Upcoming Event: Digger Palooza
    10:00 - Final remarks on the importance of education in the dental industry

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://dentistryingeneral.com/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    11 min
  2. #224 Claude Code Is Changing Dental Practices

    Show notes

    📥Resource Download:https://go.dentalmarketingtheory.com/resources/dental-ai-opportunity-checklist
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC

    ➖➖➖➖

    Most dentists are experimenting with AI, but very few are using it to drive real practice growth.

    In this episode, Gary Bird sits down with Dr. Richard Low to break down how Claude Code is helping dentists automate workflows, organize business operations, build custom AI tools, and improve productivity without learning to code. They discuss AI receptionists, new patient conversion, practice management systems, and the future of dental operations.

    You'll learn how AI helped generate 197 new patients in a single month, why most AI tools are being used incorrectly, and how dentists can use automation to eliminate busywork while improving patient acquisition and team performance.

    If you're interested in dental marketing, AI, practice management, DSO growth, new patient growth, and the future of dentistry, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

    Subscribe to Dental Marketing Theory for more strategies, case studies, and real-world systems that help dentists grow faster and market smarter.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 AI in Dentistry: An Overview
    04:06 Exploring Claude Code and Its Applications
    06:40 Managing Workflow with AI
    10:22 AI as an Executive Assistant
    11:02 Legal and Financial Applications of AI
    14:45 Navigating AI Limitations and Contextual Understanding
    17:20 Building Contextual Knowledge for AI
    22:20 Creating Opportunities with AI
    29:00 Recording for Clarity and Training
    30:29 AI in Dental Practice Management
    31:10 AI Phone Answering: Opportunities and Challenges
    33:10 Building a CRM for Dental Practices
    35:00 AI Receptionists: The New Frontier
    38:44 The Future of AI in Dental Scheduling
    40:30 Understanding Patient Interactions
    45:30 Proactive Patient Management with AI
    49:28 The Operations Problem in Dental Marketing

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://nextlevelfathers.com/
    Website: https://sharedpractices.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.richard.low/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    54 min
  3. #223 Why You're Still Trapped by Insurance

    Show notes

    📥 Free Resource: https://hubs.la/Q04B1Vlw0

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Most dentists think insurance companies are the reason they're stuck. Dr. Farokh Jiveh believes the real problem is mindset, leadership, and the stories dentists tell themselves.

    In this episode, Gary Bird sits down with Dr. Jiveh to discuss how he built a thriving fee-for-service practice after leaving insurance roughly 17 years ago. They cover self-worth, patient communication, leadership, personal growth, and the habits that separate thriving practice owners from stressed and overwhelmed dentists.

    You'll learn how to attract better patients, create a stronger team culture, improve case acceptance, and build a fee-for-service practice without living in fear of insurance companies.

    If you're serious about dental practice growth, leadership, fee-for-service dentistry, and building a practice that supports the life you actually want, this episode is for you.

    Subscribe for more conversations on dental leadership, practice ownership, fee-for-service growth, and the strategies top dentists use to thrive.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 The Emotional Math Problem in Dentistry
    02:38 Personal Transformation and Decision Making
    05:31 The Shift to Fee-for-Service
    08:38 Becoming the Leader You Want to Attract
    13:17 Quieting the Noise in Dentistry
    18:52 Mindset and Energy in Practice
    21:27 Authenticity and Patient Attraction
    27:03 Emanate Leadership and Community Support

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://smilesbyjiveh.com/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    30 min
  4. #222 He Built a 35-Office DSO and Lost Himself

    Show notes

    📥Resource Download: https://go.dentalmarketingtheory.com/resources/is-ai-recommending-your-practice
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Most dentists think success will solve their problems. For Dr. Richard Low, building a rapidly growing DSO and leading 30 offices in just two years revealed a different reality.

    In this episode, Gary Bird sits down with Dr. Richard Low to discuss burnout, entrepreneurship, mental health, marriage, fatherhood, fitness, and the hidden cost of chasing professional success. You'll learn the frameworks he uses to prioritize health, build accountability, manage competing responsibilities, and create a life that doesn't revolve entirely around dentistry.

    Drawing from real-world leadership experience, DSO growth, and lessons learned through helping dozens of dentists improve their health and well-being, this conversation challenges the traditional definition of success and offers a roadmap for sustainable growth.

    If you're a dentist, practice owner, entrepreneur, or DSO leader trying to balance business success with personal fulfillment, this episode is for you.

    Subscribe for more conversations on dental leadership, practice growth, entrepreneurship, personal development, and building a better life inside and outside the practice.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 Introduction and Unique Journey
    04:30 Transitioning from Dentistry to Consulting
    08:00 Mental Health and the Dental Industry
    13:50 The Importance of Prioritizing Well-being
    18:57 Future Endeavors and AI in Dentistry

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://nextlevelfathers.com/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr.richard.low/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    22 min
  5. #221 Why Dentists Can’t Hire Great Staff

    Show notes

    📥Resource Download:https://go.dentalmarketingtheory.com/resources/10-hacks-to-attract-retain-elite-dental-talent
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Most dentists think new patient growth is their biggest problem. It’s not. The real bottleneck is hiring and retaining great staff fast enough to support growth. In this episode, Gary Bird and Blake Peay break down why elite candidates disappear within 48 hours, how bad hiring systems quietly kill practice momentum, and the exact recruiting strategies top practices use to build a destination culture.

    You’ll learn the 30-day Indeed refresh strategy, the scorecard system that replaces gut-feeling hiring, and the onboarding fixes that prevent losing staff during the critical first 90 days. If your practice struggles with hiring, retention, culture, or scaling operations, this episode gives you the tactical framework to fix it.

    Subscribe for more dental marketing, hiring, leadership, and practice growth strategies from SMC National and Dental Marketing Theory.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 The Challenge of Dental Growth
    03:50 Hiring Hacks for Dental Talent
    05:28 Speed and Efficiency in Hiring
    10:02 Building a Scorecard for Interviews
    12:20 Attracting Quality Candidates
    14:38 Creating a Destination Practice

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://unityleadershipgroup.com/
    Email: blake@unityleadershipgroup.com

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    19 min
  6. Special Episode: Industry Impact: 5 Years of Dental Marketing Theory

    Show notes

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Five years of Dental Marketing Theory, a Podcast by Gary Bird. Hundreds of episodes. And a few conversations that actually changed how people think about building a practice.

    This anniversary episode goes back into the archive and pulls the moments that mattered most. Not tips or tactics, shifts. The kind of clarity that hits you and you think, now I see it differently.

    In this episode you will hear from Dr. Richard Low on what it really costs to build something you never wanted to own. Josey Sewell and Dr. Eric Roman on why the associate revolving door is not what most dentists think it is. Nate Williams and Elijah Desmond on the DSO question that every practice owner is asking right now. Dr. Mark Costes on what happens when practices scale before their systems and leadership are ready. Dr. Scott Leune on what building a dream practice actually requires. Dr. Saam Zarrabi on the brand move that most practices are not even considering. Eddie Coleman on what AI is already doing for practices that are paying attention. And Dr. Sidak Singh on what it looks like to build something from scratch, with intention, and do it again.

    If you have ever felt like your practice owns you instead of the other way around, this one is for you.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 Introduction & Part 1 - The Real Problems Dentists Face But Rarely Name Out Loud
    01:39 Dr. Richard Low
    02:32 Josey Sewell & Dr. Eric Roman
    07:26 Dr. Nate Williams & Elijah Desmond
    09:11 Part 2 - How the Best Operators in This Industry Are Responding
    10:09 Dr. Mark Costes
    16:36 Dr. Scott Leune
    22:32 Dr. Saam Zarrabi
    24:33 Dr. Eddie Coleman
    27:44 Dr. Sidak Singh
    29:30 Closing remarks

    Connect with our Guests Here ⤵️
    Website: https://nextlevelfathers.com/
    Website: https://www.joyfullgrowth.com/
    Website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/
    Website: https://practicefinancialgroup.com/
    Website: https://www.truedentalsuccess.com/
    Website: https://scottleune.com/
    Website: https://www.rodeodental.com/
    Website: https://vault.dental/
    Website: https://columbusparkdental.com/

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox?
    Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    30 min
  7. #220 Why “Scaling Without Exposure” Is the New Mandate for DSOs

    Show notes

    📥Sign-up for the Event Before August 15th for the Discount: https://event.practiceprotection.com/
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖

    AI is transforming dentistry, but most practices are adopting new tools without understanding the compliance risks. Gary Bird sits down with Linda Harvey, CEO of the Dental Compliance Institute, and Dee Fischer to explain how to evaluate AI vendors, protect patient data, and build safeguards before AI creates costly legal problems. You'll learn the questions every practice should ask about HIPAA, SOC 2 security, vendor risk, and AI implementation so your technology supports growth instead of exposing your practice. If you're investing in AI, practice management, or DSO growth, this conversation could save you thousands.

    Subscribe for more Dental Marketing Theory episodes covering AI, dental marketing, practice management, compliance, new technology, and strategies that help dentists grow smarter.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 Introduction to the event and its focus on dental risk management
    02:06 Common AI risks: data security and regulatory fines
    04:23 The importance of vetting AI vendors and understanding security measures
    05:36 How to identify and vet AI vendors effectively
    06:52 The toolbox for implementing AI safely and legally
    08:50 Beyond OSHA: A broader view of enterprise risk management
    09:56 Legal considerations and the role of legal experts at the event
    11:29 Why attending the event is crucial for practice protection
    12:00 Cost-effective strategies: workshops vs. legal fees
    12:49 Event details and registration information

    Connect with our Guests Here ⤵️
    Website: https://www.fischerspro.com/
    Website: https://dentalcomplianceinstitute.com/

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox?
    Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    13 min
  8. #219 He Built a $6M Dental Empire Differently

    Show notes

    📥Resource Download: https://hubs.la/Q04qYV6r0
    🚀Explore Dr. Tommy Dooley’s clinical courses and use code BIRD for 20% off:https://elitedentalpodcast.com/
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Most dentists can barely scale one office without chaos. In this episode, Gary Bird talks with Dr. Tommy Dooley and Dr. Alex Silvia from the Elite Dental Podcast about how they built a $6M multi-location dental empire while generating 170 new patients per month through smarter systems, recurring patient growth, and operational discipline. You’ll learn dental marketing, phone conversion, Google reviews, SEO, AI scheduling, and practice management strategies that help growing practices scale without losing culture or profitability.

    Backed by real-world case studies and insights from SMC’s work with 1,195 practices, this episode is packed with tactical frameworks for fee-for-service practices, dental startups, and DSO-minded owners looking to grow faster.

    Subscribe for weekly conversations that help dentists grow smarter and lead better.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 Introduction to the Legends of Dentistry
    02:53 Tommy's Journey: Expanding Practices
    05:30 SEO Strategies for New Locations
    09:23 The Importance of Google Reviews
    13:01 Challenges of Multi-Location Practices
    16:54 Merging Practices: Alex's Experience
    22:05 Marketing Strategies for Complex Care
    25:25 Balancing General and Specialized Dentistry
    31:10 Building a Cohesive Team Culture
    34:22 Maximizing Patient Acquisition
    37:16 Marketing Strategies for Dental Procedures
    40:00 Tracking ROI in Dental Marketing
    43:47 Innovations in Dental Software and AI

    Connect with our Guests Here ⤵️
    Website: https://elitedentalpodcast.com/
    Website: https://cedarvillagedentistry.com/
    Website: https://successfulsmiles.com/

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox?
    Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    53 min
  9. #218 I Sold My Dental Practice to a DSO. Here's What They Don't Tell You.

    Show notes

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://hubs.la/Q04mc4V_0
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Dentists assume that once they earn out, they get paid, but that's not always how DSOs play it. In this episode, Gary Bird sits down with an anonymous dentist (protected by NDA) who built a $3.5M practice over 25 years, sold at a 6.5 - 7x multiple, completed his full earn-out, and then spent over a year fighting to collect the $2M he was owed. He breaks down exactly what went wrong, what he'd demand from a DSO before signing, and why he'd buy his practice back today if he could.

    Gary and his team at SMC National work with thousands of dental practices, and this is one of the most honest DSO conversations you'll find anywhere. Subscribe for strategies that help dentists grow, protect their business, and make smarter decisions at every stage.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 Introduction to the DSO Transition Experience
    02:51 Dr. Sean's Journey: From Practice Owner to DSO
    08:41 The Decision to Sell: Burnout and Financial Considerations
    09:58 Understanding the Financial Structure of the Sale
    12:07 Operational Changes Post-Sale: The DSO Impact
    15:34 Challenges Faced During the Earn-Out Period
    21:16 Lessons Learned: Protecting Yourself in a DSO Sale
    26:15 Future of Dentistry: The Role of DSOs and Private Equity
    27:57 Final Thoughts: Navigating the DSO Landscape

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox?
    Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    35 min
  10. Special Episode: From 1.2M to 3.7M: How Dr. Shane Scaled His Practice & Life

    Show notes

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖

    Most dentists think they have a marketing problem. In reality, their biggest bottleneck is usually leadership, operations, scheduling, or team execution.

    In this episode, Gary Bird, Dr. Shane Wingler, and Richard Low break down how one practice grew from approximately $1.2M to over $3M while increasing new patients from 30 to nearly 90 per month. You'll learn how to identify the real constraint in your practice, improve phone conversion, use AI the right way, build scalable systems, and create sustainable growth without sacrificing your family or health.

    Drawing from real-world experience helping hundreds of dental practices grow, Gary shares the operational and marketing principles that separate practices that plateau from those that continue scaling.

    If you're serious about dental marketing, practice management, AI, leadership, fee-for-service growth, new patient acquisition, or building a high-performing dental practice, subscribe for weekly episodes packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨

    00:00 - Dr. Shane’s Practice Journey
    03:53 - Acquisition and Vision for Growth
    06:33 - Overcoming Growth Pains
    09:30 - The Value of Masterminds and Leadership
    14:20 - Operational Bottlenecks in Growing Practices
    18:04 - Managing Capacity and Hiring Strategies
    22:04 - Building and Protecting Culture
    25:46 - The Theory of Constraints
    28:55 - Implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
    31:00 - Recruitment as Marketing
    39:07 - Shifting from Capacity to Demand
    44:46 - Scaling Specialty Services
    48:05 - The Math of Marketing Budgets
    55:56 - AI Integration in the Patient Journey
    58:12 - Patient Financing for Case Acceptance
    01:05:08 - Dr. Shane’s Personal Transformation

    Connect with our Guests Here ⤵️
    Website: https://nextlevelfathers.com/
    Website: https://carolinapinesdentistry.com/

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    1 hr 18 min
  11. #217 Why Your Practice is Losing $100K a Year

    Show notes

    🚀 Free Resource: https://go.dentalmarketingtheory.com/resources/beyond-basic-chatbots
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://hubs.la/Q04m7MK80
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://hubs.la/Q04m7Q_S0
    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental practices are losing as much as $100,000 a year without even noticing. With 30–35% of calls going unanswered and most patients never leaving a voicemail, every missed call is a missed opportunity. What appears to be a simple front desk issue is actually a deeper system breakdown, one that’s draining marketing budgets and limiting growth.

    In this episode, Adrian Lefler explains how AI chatbots and voice agents are changing the way practices handle patient communication. You’ll discover how leading offices are capturing missed and after-hours calls, boosting scheduling conversion rates to 70–80%, and automating follow-ups while maintaining a strong patient experience. The conversation covers what makes AI effective, from proper training and sales frameworks to handling objections, and how to implement it across calls, texts, and web channels while supporting your front desk team.

    Hosted by Gary Bird of SMC, this episode delivers practical dental marketing insights alongside real operational strategies from Adrian Lefler, Founder of My Social Practice. If you want to increase conversions, eliminate revenue leaks, and modernize your systems, this is a must-watch.

    Subscribe for weekly conversations that help dentists grow smarter and lead better.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 — Intro: AI in Dental Marketing
    02:30 — Why Everyone Got Burned by AI
    03:17 — The Real Problem: Missed Calls
    05:38 — Wasted Marketing Spend Explained
    07:10 — Why Voicemail Doesn’t Work Anymore
    10:30 — What Changed: AI Is Now Working
    12:00 — What Makes AI Actually Convert
    15:12 — AI Agent vs Front Desk Performance
    17:57 — Real Revenue Gains From AI
    20:36 — How to Implement AI Correctly
    23:40 — The Future of Dental Practices
    25:07 — Understanding the Cost of AI
    27:40 — AI vs. Human Receptionists
    31:10 — The Future of Automated Patient Communication
    34:15 — Technical Integration: API Read and Write
    41:27 — The Risks of DIY AI Marketing (e.g., OpenClaw)
    50:23 — Final Thoughts and Resources

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website:https://mysocialpractice.com/

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    🚀 Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📱 Book a call here:➡️ https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    51 min
  12. #216 How AI is Changing the Business of Dentistry

    Show notes

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    In this episode of Dental Marketing Theory, Gary Bird and Eddie Coleman discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming dental practice management, including legal decision support, hiring and onboarding associates, team training, practice transitions, and selling to DSOs vs private buyers. Learn how AI tools for dentists can reduce decision fatigue, improve dental office systems, support business strategy, and help practice owners make smarter financial and operational decisions. This episode explores the future of AI in dentistry, the growth of dental practices, and how dentists can use AI to run more efficient, profitable practices.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 – Introduction to AI for dental practices & business decision-making
    05:09 – Using AI for legal questions, research, and business decisions
    08:10 – Onboarding associates, training, and aligning clinical expectations
    12:33 – Practice transitions, DSOs vs private practice sales, and financial decisions
    17:30 – Team training, hiring, systems, and reducing decision fatigue

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://vault.dental/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal:https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    30 min
  13. #215 The Physical Side of Dentistry No One Talks About

    Show notes

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    In this episode, we discuss dental ergonomics, posture, and injury prevention for dentists, hygienists, and dental professionals, including how to prevent back pain, neck pain, and wrist pain while practicing dentistry. Stephanie Botts shares the most important ergonomic habits, equipment recommendations, strength training tips, and operatory positioning strategies to help dental professionals extend their careers and avoid burnout and chronic pain. This conversation covers dental ergonomics training, posture for dentists, dental career longevity, and how to practice dentistry without pain.

    ✨ Timestamps ✨
    00:00 – Why dentists must protect their bodies to sustain long careers
    02:41 – The three most important ergonomic habits for dental professionals
    07:19 – Sitting vs standing, strength training, and preventing long-term pain
    12:03 – New ergonomic tools, equipment, and operatory setup improvements
    13:50 – Patient communication, ergonomic assessments, and Stephanie’s story

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://www.polishedposture.net/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal:https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    17 min
  14. #214 3 Steps to Get Your Dental Financial House in Order

    Show notes

    📥Resource Download: https://go.smcnational.com/resources/3-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-scaling
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    Are you thinking about expanding your dental practice or adding a second location?
    In this episode, Gary Bird with Jared Duckett and Bill Ladd break down the financial blueprint for smart dental practice growth, covering KPIs, profit and loss statements, cash flow, fixed vs. variable costs, production per operatory, and how to scale a multi-location dental practice without multiplying chaos. If you want to increase profitability, strengthen systems, and grow your dental practice the right way, this video will show you how to build a stable foundation before you scale.

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DentalMomentum
    Website: https://duckettladd.com/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal:https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    24 min
  15. #213 3 Revenue Benchmarks for Your Dental Office

    Show notes

    📥Resource Download: https://go.smcnational.com/resources/dental-practice-expansion-guide
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    ➖➖➖➖
    In this episode of Dental Marketing Theory, Gary Bird and Perrin DesPortes break down dental practice growth benchmarks, explaining how dentists can grow revenue faster than inflation, outperform industry averages, and increase profitability through organic growth. Learn the key metrics for scaling a dental practice, including revenue per chair hour, EBITDA margins, new patient acquisition, case acceptance, and strategies for expanding from a single practice to a multi-location dental group. If you're a dentist, practice owner, or dental entrepreneur looking to increase dental practice revenue, gain market share, and build a scalable group practice, this episode covers the frameworks and growth strategies you need.

    Thinking about building or scaling a group practice?

    Download Perrin’s “Top 20 Mistakes People Make in Building a Group Practice” and register for his upcoming 3-part video series here: 👉https://grouppractice.coach

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal:https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    48 min
  16. #212 Dentist: Systemization Comes Before Incentivization

    Show notes

    📥 Download Free Resource: http://go.dentalmarketingtheory.com/resources/hygiene-growth-playbook
    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    🚀Spots are limited - secure your seat in the mastermind that’s changing how dentists grow: https://shorturl.at/AenIt
    ➖➖➖➖
    Discover how to scale your hygiene department without increasing your marketing budget. In this episode, Gary Bird & Colin Ambler reveal proven strategies to boost hygiene production, improve patient retention, and motivate your team through smart incentives and gamification. Learn the exact systems top-performing dental practices use to turn hygiene into a growth engine and drive consistent revenue.

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website:https://teamcaredental.com/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal:https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0

    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    24 min
  17. #211 AI, SEO, & the Future of Dental Marketing

    Show notes

    🚀Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist! It schedules better than humans: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://bit.ly/4p48qoC
    🚀Spots are limited - secure your seat in the mastermind that’s changing how dentists grow: https://shorturl.at/AenIt
    ➖➖➖➖
    Discover how AI, SEO, and the future of dental marketing are reshaping local search, online visibility, and patient acquisition for modern dental practices. In this expert roundtable, Adrian Lefler, Evan Maass, Jordan Nelson & Kathryn Alderman break down AI search optimization (AEO), local SEO, authority building, structured data, site speed, reviews, social media, and user-generated content, and what dentists must do now to stay competitive in Google and AI-driven search results. Learn how to future-proof your dental practice with proven strategies that align SEO, AI, and digital marketing for sustainable growth.

    Connect with our Guests Here ⤵️
    Website: https://mysocialpractice.com/
    Website: https://dentistoffices.com/
    Website: https://bestresultsdentalmarketing.com/
    Website: https://intelligentcarealliance.com/

    Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
    SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
    Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZy

    Want the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
    ➖➖➖➖
    Dental Marketing Theory gives dentists real strategies to grow smarter and scale faster. Hosted by Gary Bird, founder of SMC — recently recognized as the best dental marketing company — the show features candid conversations with top dental leaders about marketing, operations, and what’s actually working in today’s practices. If you want predictable, profitable growth, this is your podcast.

    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    54 min
  18. #210 Top 10 Tax Hacks for 2026 - Practices Over $1M in Collections

    Show notes

    📥 Download the E-book: https://go.smcnational.com/resources/30-tax-strategies
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://withcherry.com/partnerships/smc
    🚀What are top-performing dentists doing differently? Find out inside the mastermind: https://shorturl.at/AenIt
    Stop overpaying taxes as a dental practice owner. In this episode, Dental CPA Omar Virjee breaks down the biggest money-saving moves for dentists, including entity structure strategies, cost segregation and real estate ownership, Section 199A deductions, and how to legally hire your kids to reduce taxable income. Learn how high-producing dental practices can save six figures in taxes by planning ahead instead of waiting until tax season.

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Website: https://www.dentalcpausa.com/

    Want to Master The Business Side of Dental and get free resources?
    Visit ➡️ https://smcnational.com/dsoacademy
    *85% of DSO Academy students would recommend it to a friend!

    ➖➖➖➖
    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    14 min
  19. #209 How AI is Solving the Biggest Front Desk Problems in Dentistry

    Show notes

    🚀Ready to transform your front desk? Check out our new Dental AI Receptionist: https://bit.ly/48RHMt2

    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://withcherry.com/partnerships/smc
    🚀What are top-performing dentists doing differently? Find out inside the mastermind: https://shorturl.at/AenIt
    Discover how AI is transforming dental front desk management by solving the biggest problems in patient communication, missed calls, and follow-ups. In this episode, Gary Bird and Laura Nelson from Mango Voice reveal how AI for dental practices improves scheduling, patient engagement, and revenue retention—while helping teams work smarter, not harder. Learn how artificial intelligence in dentistry is changing the way offices operate and serve patients.

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️
    Laura Nelson
    Vice President of AI, Training and Development at Mango Voice

    Website: https://mangovoice.com/

    Want to Master The Business Side of Dental and get free resources?
    Visit ➡️ https://smcnational.com/dsoacademy
    *85% of DSO Academy students would recommend it to a friend!

    ➖➖➖➖
    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    20 min
  20. #208 Inside A Dental Startup: Financing, Location, & Growth with Dr. Singh

    Show notes

    🚀Free resource: https://go.smcnational.com/resources/proven-launch-roadmap
    🚀Grow Your Practice with Cherry Payment Plans: https://withcherry.com/partnerships/smc
    Thinking about starting a dental practice from scratch? In this video, Gary Bird, together with Dr. Sidak Singh goes inside a real dental startup to cover financing a new dental office, choosing the right location, building your team, marketing strategies, and planning for growth. Learn the essential steps dentists need to take to launch and scale a successful dental practice in a competitive market.

    Connect with our Guest Here ⤵️

    Dr. Sidak Singh
    Founder of Columbus Park Dental, NY

    Website: https://columbusparkdental.com/

    🚀Spots are limited - secure your seat in the mastermind that’s changing how dentists grow: https://shorturl.at/AenIt

    Want to Master The Business Side of Dental and get free resources?
    Visit ➡️ https://smcnational.com/dsoacademy
    *85% of DSO Academy students would recommend it to a friend!
    ➖➖➖➖
    ➡️Want to see how SMC can help you grow?
    📅Book a call here:➡️https://smcnational.com/

    🎙️ Check out our 3 Dental Podcasts ➡️ https://smcnational.com/podcasts/
    📅 Upcoming Events ➡️https://smcnational.com/events

    25 min