Less Insurance Dependence Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How to attract more patients that prefer fee- for- service care? Dec 11, 2025

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In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-host Don Adeesha sits down with Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to unpack one of the biggest opportunities in dentistry today: attracting more fee-for-service patients. With nearly half of Americans lacking dental insurance, dentists have a massive untapped market—but many are stuck thinking like PPO-based providers instead of value-based clinicians. Naren explains the essential mindset shift dentists must make, how to communicate value with confidence, and the marketing foundations that help practices break free from PPO dependence. From SEO and Google reviews to membership plans and long-term patient relationships, this episode provides a clear roadmap for dentists ready to elevate their practice, charge what they're worth, and attract patients who genuinely value quality care.

Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Plus, at the end of the session, get a free analysis report to find out where your practice stands online. It's our gift to you! https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/marketing-strategy-meeting/

If you're looking to boost your case acceptance rates and enhance patient communication, you can schedule a Coaching Strategy Meeting with Gary Takacs. With his experience in helping practices thrive, Gary will work with you on personalized coaching, ensuring you and your team are prepared to present treatment plans confidently, offer financing options, and communicate the value of essential dental services. https://www.lessinsurancedependence.com/csm/

Increasing Case Acceptance: How Dentists Can Grow Fee-for-Service Revenue with Joanne Villani Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Lester De Alwis is joined by Joanne Villani, co-founder of PreVu Software. Joanne shares her 35+ years of experience in dentistry and the biggest lessons she's learned about case acceptance. You'll discover why patients say no, how to build trust, and how powerful visuals like smile simulations can boost case acceptance. If you're looking to reduce your insurance dependence and grow your revenue with fee-for-service treatments, this episode is packed with practical insights you can act on right away.

How today's insurance and legislative environment are affecting dental practice sales and valuations. Nov 27, 2025

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In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Lester de Alwis welcomes Ryan Mingus, Managing Director at Tusk Practice Sales, to discuss how insurance dependence and evolving legislation are shaping dental practice valuations. From Medicaid cuts and PPO reimbursement stagnation to the impact of inflation and tariffs, Ryan explains how these trends affect profitability and deal structures in the dental M&A landscape. He offers practical insights for dentists planning to sell or transition, including how to strategically reduce insurance participation and prepare for a smooth and lucrative exit.

Building Financial Freedom in Dental Practice with Scott Plantenberg Nov 20, 2025

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In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, host Lester De Alwis sits down with dental business expert Scott Plantenberg to talk about building real financial freedom by reducing reliance on insurance. Scott brings 30+ years of experience in dental practice growth, consulting, and transitions, and shares why fee-for-service practices often have higher value, stronger profits, and better long-term outcomes. Together, they explore the warning signs of PPO overdependence, how to safely transition away from low-paying plans, and why small practices should think more like DSOs when planning for growth. This conversation is full of practical advice, especially for dentists looking to build a more profitable and independent practice—whether they're just starting out or preparing for sale.

Finding balance, the hybrid approach to insurance participation Nov 13, 2025

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In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, host Lester De Alwis talks with Dr. Tarun Agarwal about how dentists can take a smarter path with insurance through the hybrid model. Instead of dropping all plans or staying stuck in every PPO, Dr. Agarwal explains how to keep the practice in-network while giving lead doctors the freedom to be selective. He shares how to use supply and demand to guide decisions, why training your team matters, and how to talk with patients about plan changes without losing trust. With years of hands-on experience, Dr. Agarwal gives practical tips that help dentists take back control of their time, fees, and practice growth — without letting insurance run the show.

Is It Becoming Harder to Stand Out as a Dental Practice in the Age of AI? Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 365 of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Naren ArulRajah and Don Adeesha dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the dental industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities AI brings for dental practices, from standing out in a crowded digital space to how patients find and choose dentists. Naren emphasizes the growing value of human-generated content, the importance of strong SEO, AI Overview, and AI Mode, and how practices can leverage trusted partnerships to stay ahead. The episode also covers the role of reviews, website optimization, and strategic use of AI tools to maintain credibility and attract the right patients in an AI-driven world.

First steps to reduce Insurance, Build a strong and thriving fee for Service Practice Oct 30, 2025

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In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, host Lester De Alwis is joined by dental consultant Sandy Baird to share a practical, step-by-step approach for dentists who want to reduce PPO participation and build a stronger, more profitable practice. From tracking the right numbers to identifying which plans to drop first, Sandy outlines how to start the transition with confidence — without overwhelming your team or losing patient trust. Whether you're just starting to question the value of insurance plans or you're ready to take action, this episode offers real-world advice you can use right away to take back control and grow your practice on your terms.

Building skill through Simulation training and its impact on Doctor confidence Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Lincoln Harris, founder of RipeGlobal, shares how his team is revolutionizing dental education by delivering hands-on, cloud-based training directly into dental offices. No more travel, no more downtime—just real skill-building with real results.

We also dive deep into the mindset shifts dentists need to make to truly grow. From self-confidence to leadership, Dr. Harris explains why believing in your own value is the first step toward independence and profitability.

Financial Planning to facilitate Less Insurance Dependence Oct 16, 2025

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In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Ed Gabriel, CPA and President of DrillDown Solution, shares how financial preparation can empower dentists to confidently reduce their reliance on PPOs. From long-term retirement planning and PPO analysis to tax strategies and passive income investments, this conversation provides the financial clarity and tools dentists need to make intentional, profitable decisions. Whether you're considering a shift to fee-for-service or simply want to tighten your operations, this episode offers a roadmap to long-term freedom and reduced stress.

The BOSS Approach- Practical Financial Systems for reducing Inurance Dependence with Brandon ParkHurst Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Are you still unsure how to reduce your PPO dependence without sacrificing financial stability? In this episode, Lester De Alwis sits down with Brandon Parkhurst of Parkhurst Consulting to explore how outsourced CFO services can give you clarity, control, and confidence in your practice.

Brandon introduces his BOSS model and shares how real-time data, budgeting, and smarter decisions can help you work less, earn more, and build a team-driven, patient-centered practice. If you're looking for practical steps toward private practice freedom, this one's packed with value.

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