Podcast
Dental Marketing Theory - A Podcast by Gary Bird
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! 👋
- Episodes
- 230
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Typical length
- 30 min
- On air since
- 2021
- Latest episode
- 17 hours ago
Episodes
230 episodes, newest first
-
11 min
#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
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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 industryConnect with our Guest Here ⤵️
Website: https://dentistryingeneral.com/Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZyWant the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
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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
#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 MarketingConnect 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/3SCEQZyWant the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
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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
#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
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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 SupportConnect with our Guest Here ⤵️
Website: https://smilesbyjiveh.com/Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZyWant the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
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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
#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
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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 DentistryConnect 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/3SCEQZyWant the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
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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
#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
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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 PracticeConnect with our Guest Here ⤵️
Website: https://unityleadershipgroup.com/
Email: blake@unityleadershipgroup.comConnect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZyWant the strategies we talk about delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to Dental Marketing Digest: https://hubs.la/Q0436vZG0
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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
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
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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 remarksConnect 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 -
13 min
#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 informationConnect 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 -
53 min
#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
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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 AIConnect 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 -
35 min
#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
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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 LandscapeConnect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
Personal: https://bit.ly/3SCEQZyWant 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
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 TransformationConnect 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
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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
#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
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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 ResourcesConnect 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
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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
#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
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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 fatigueConnect with our Guest Here ⤵️
Website: https://vault.dental/Connect with our Host, Gary Bird, Here ⤵️
SMC: https://bit.ly/4jFhb5T
Personal:https://bit.ly/3SCEQZyWant 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
#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
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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 storyConnect 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/3SCEQZyWant 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
#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/3SCEQZyWant 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
#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
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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/3SCEQZyWant 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
#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
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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/3SCEQZyWant 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
#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/3SCEQZyWant 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 -
14 min
#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 -
20 min
#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 VoiceWebsite: 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 -
25 min
#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, NYWebsite: 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
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