The Millennial Dentist

Latest Episodes:

118. Sully Lost His First Associate Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

It’s important to learn through every experience and Sully certainly has learned a lot from the loss of his first associate. This conversation with TBone is all about where Sully and the practice went wrong in keeping this associate and what they could have done better to prevent it.

Failure isn’t a bad thing. There are different challenges presented when hiring associates and those challenges vary by person. And keeping with that mindset of learning never stops, Sully has learned something new from every associate he’s had.

Listen to this episode of Millennial Dentist to learn some of the pitfalls you can avoid and reflect on ways you can make the associateship experience better for you and your associates.

Show Notes:

[01:13] - We learn from everything and the goal is to move forward.

[02:28] - There are different challenges presented with different associates.

[03:36] - Why did they move forward with Jackson as an associate?

[05:49] - Ideally you want an associate that can level up the skills in the practice.

[07:11] - It’s easy for owners to hire associates to do the things they don’t want to do.

[10:05] - Part of the practice growth can be hard for owners to change their mindset.

[12:06] - Sully admits that he should have taken more of a mentor role.

[13:14] - A good relationship is when both parties have skin in the game.

[16:21] - If you want associateship to work, you have to know that they won’t do things the same exact way as you.

[19:35] - Training comes first and you have to keep learning.

[21:08] - Sully shares what he feels his practice has done well with associates.

[23:04] - What comes next for the practice?

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at millennialdentist@gmail.com.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

c. (615)574-8208

w. (615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter

Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram

Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

117. Associateship to Ownership Part 2 with Dr. Jackson Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to part 2 of a previous conversation with former associate Dr. Jackson. Dr. Jackson has recently taken the opportunity to shift from associateship to ownership and with that change comes a lot of decisions. In part 1, Dr. Jackson shared his journey, how he made decisions for his new practice so far, and he laid his fears all out on the table. In today’s installment of this conversation, we talk more about the team he’s inheriting with the purchase of an existing practice as well as leadership skills Dr. Jackson will need to learn on the way to being the best leader the team can have.

Shifting from associateship to ownership is a huge decision, but one that many dentists make. We are confident that Dr. Jackson has been prepared for this new endeavor through his work with us and are thrilled for this new opportunity for him.

Show Notes:

[01:20] - An early area of struggle for Sully was coaching the team.

[03:51] - When is it right to expand?

[06:04] - Dr. Jackson is going to have to change the way he practices initially.

[09:26] - Sully tends to come across as “winging it,” but decisions are calculated.

[10:52] - Find somebody that does things well and use their strategies to work for you.

[12:43] - You need to know where your decisions are coming from.

[13:54] - Sully describes what he would do at first if he were in Dr. Jackson’s position.

[16:42] - Suly doesn’t believe in hygienists being paid by production.

[18:13] - The best leadership strategy is Immediate Daily Feedback.

[23:10] - It’s better to stick with one plan than to have four plans.

[24:28] - Is marketing something Dr. Jackson needs to focus on?

[26:07] - The best way to fire someone is to hire someone to replace them.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

c. (615)574-8208

w. (615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter

Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram

Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

116. Associateship to Ownership Part 1 with Dr. Jackson Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Jackson is a current associate who is about to take the leap to ownership! It’s very exciting for him and we’re really happy for him and this opportunity. Of course it is a blessing and a curse because we are now faced with replacing him, but with transparency early on, we knew this would happen one day when we took Dr. Jackson on as an associate.

Our conversation today is all about this upcoming transition for Dr. Jackson. He is moving from associateship to ownership and it’s going to happen quickly, so in addition to him sharing the process he’s gone through, he also takes the time to ask questions, share his fears, and discuss the big decisions he’s faced with.

If you’ve ever considered moving from associateship to ownership or you are a current owner aiding an associate to do the same, this episode is full of the ins and outs of making this adjustment.

Show Notes:

[01:26] - As an associate, you only work on dentistry. As an owner, there’s more behind the scenes.

[04:13] - Part of Dr. Jackson’s decision was a personal choice for his family.

[06:31] - Dr. Jackson shares his search for a practice.

[10:23] - Moving from an existing and successful practice to owning a smaller one in need of improvements is an adjustment.

[13:10] - Where should you focus your spending on updating your new practice?

[18:50] - It’s important to consider sales reps and distributors.

[26:42] - Should you keep things the way they are when you take over a practice or rip off the bandaid and make changes right away?

[29:47] - Consider what needs to change when it comes to current team members.

[33:52] - In the first two years, the challenge is to focus on closing dentistry.

[36:03] - Learning to effectively communicate is the least flashy skills to improve but it is the one that moves the needle forward the most.

[37:47] - You’re going to be successful early on.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

c. (615)574-8208

w. (615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter

Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram

Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

115. Sully & TBone Talking VHF Milling Unit Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

For years we have used CEREC Dental Milling machines and they are excellent. But it is so exciting to get something new in the door. So today, we’re talking all about some new tech in the practice and why the clear choice was a new VHF lab mill. You’ll learn all about some of the challenges we’ve run into with existing technology which you may also relate to and you’ll learn the things we hope to see in alternatives for specific uses.

CEREC Dental Milling Machines are great for specific things and we’ll be keeping them around, but we discuss the pros and cons, what’s lacking, and what we’re able to do to add efficiency with new machines as well as new software. In the long run, it's not about saving revenue. It’s about driving revenue in.

Show Notes:

[01:58] - There are specific uses that we need some new tech for.

[03:51] - The process and workflow using existing tech.

[08:16] - Software differences and opportunities in new tech.

[10:04] - New tech is expensive, but it’s about driving revenue instead of saving it.

[13:13] - What programs and machines TBone is using now.

[14:53] - The unique competitiveness with new tech additions to the practice.

[17:12] - How mock-ups impact patients and the selling process.

[19:23] - Response possibilities when cost is an issue.

[22:16] - Why we chose our new VHF lab mill.

[30:19] - Examples of how efficiency has been impacted.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

c. (615)574-8208

w. (615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter

Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram

Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

114. Aubrey and End of Year Reporting Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

Goal setting and reflecting on last year are big buzz words at the start of a new year, but for business owners, these things are crucial. But when it comes to reading reports, what numbers are important? What do they all mean? And most importantly, how can we use these numbers to set goals and drive the business forward?

In this episode, Aubrey joins me as we dig into our own metrics and discuss some key points that will keep us moving forward in 2023. Metrics are only as good as what you do with them and these numbers are sure to create conversations that will not only benefit the business’s bottom line, but also each team member’s growth and development.

Show Notes:

[02:04] - Aubrey explains what she looks at compared to their financial goals.

[05:55] - Reverse engineer your numbers and move from the top down.

[08:09] - Should you track procedures or time?

[10:36] - Reports may be skewed depending on how your practice is set up.

[11:51] - List out the services you provide and how much time it takes for each one.

[14:03] - Reports can shed light on some challenges in the practice.

[17:18] - Feed your associate first, but give new patients to your best treatment planner.

[21:23] - You need to understand each number.

[23:47] - Reports help create conversations.

[26:18] - Block administrative time into your schedule.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

c. (615)574-8208

w. (615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter

Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram

Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

113. Feed Your Associate First Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

When it comes to the owner and associate relationship, sometimes things can get a little uncomfortable. As the owner, how do you manage the associate that is growing and is being successful? There’s a natural hesitation in associates growing and doing more because what does that mean for you?

You can look at it in one of two ways. You can be threatened by it and refuse to give them the work they can handle. Or you can step aside and give them the opportunities to grow and level up. The latter means that you can focus on other things. You can focus on leveling yourself up, honing your craft, or working on the business.

In this episode, you’ll learn some of the different options you have as the owner or the associate and why feeding the associate first benefits everyone. Remember that if associates aren’t given the opportunities to grow, they’ll leave. There’s definitely a reality check in this episode, but it’s an important conversation to have.

Show Notes:[01:53] - There’s a hesitancy in the owner and associate relationship.[03:28] - What are challenges to associates wanting to level up?[05:08] - You have options when this happens. You can focus on other things.[07:06] - There will be some fears that will come up in this situation but feed the associate first.[10:34] - Everyone’s timeline to success is different and shouldn’t be compared.[13:01] - If associates aren’t given the opportunity to grow, they’ll leave.[14:41] - The last thing that should be delegated away is new-patient hygiene checks.[18:11] - You might be letting dentistry walk out the door.[21:44] - It’s better to give associates the means to level up and replace them because they’re doing more advanced work.

Links and ResourcesRichard Sullivan, DDSPartner, Sullivan Dental PartnersCo-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcasthttp://www.millennialdentist.com www.drsullysullivan.com

(615)574-8208
(615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social MediaMillennialDentist@gmail.com The Millennial Dentist Website @Millennialdentist on Facebook @MillennialDDS on Twitter Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram Dr. Sully’s website and blog

112. Comeback Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Welcome Back!

Well, it has been a minute since you’ve heard a new Millennial Dentist episode! So much has happened and I am thrilled to bring more content your way.

Listen to this quick episode to learn what to expect in coming episodes. There has been so much change and so much growth within our practice and what we are doing with education. The podcast is going to be an extension of that to help each other push our professions forward.

We’re coming back with a vengeance and already have several episodes ready to go recorded with the movers and shakers in the industry!

Show Notes:[01:13] - The podcast started in 2017 and was an opportunity to grow my own knowledge[02:26] - What you can expect moving forward.[03:59] - We are pumped to talk about emerging technology in future episodes.[05:17] - Let’s connect in a way that pushes our profession forward.

Links and ResourcesRichard Sullivan, DDSPartner, Sullivan Dental PartnersCo-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcasthttp://www.millennialdentist.com www.drsullysullivan.com

(615)574-8208
(615)373-1012

111 Building a Dental Practice While Raising a Family Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Today, we are chatting with a fellow dentist, Amy. She talks about what she has learned in buying her practice, having her husband as a business partner, and how she started out in her new practice as an office manager doing the behind-the-scenes work.

When she transitioned over to working full-time at her practice, Amy found that she wasn’t as stressed working in-between her practice and her full-time job. However, as they want to maximize their production at their practice, they take on emergencies as much as possible.

Box scheduling is a great way to get those last-minute emergencies in. When you only fill your schedule to 90%, you leave room for those patients who need to come in the same day.

Dentistry is changing. Technology, education, and resources are closer to our fingertips now more than ever! Are you ready to learn what millennial dentists are doing to exceed patient expectations, enjoy dentistry more and take vacations and how this generation can join up with the previous generation to make for an unstoppable dental team? Wait no longer! Listen in and find out how to push your lifestyle to the next level.

Show Notes:

[01:51] How Amy started her practice with her husband.

[10:38] Creating better production inside the dental office.

[15:30] When to take full-mouth pictures of patients.

[22:30] Why adopt technology and use a milling unit in practice.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

(615)574-8208
(615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

110 The Future of AI in Dentistry Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

Today, we are chatting live in Miami with Dr. Rusty and Dr. Corey to chat about the future of AI in dentistry and predictions on where we think that technology will be taking dentistry in the future.

Dr. Corey has been creating online courses with his newest course, Transcendental Education, to show others how to fabricate components in-house. There’s so much AI in dentistry today; he and his team are focusing on full-arch guides in his lab.

When you utilize technology efficiently, your team can create much of the work for patient impressions. Now, with trained staff, your workload lessens, and you have more time to work with patients instead of creating products for them.

Show Notes:

[05:32] Pricing out dental equipment and Dr. Corey’s new course for dentists.

[13:25] Make sure not to miss the boat when it comes to technology.

[14:30] The benefits of having a properly trained staff to take work off your hands.

[21:51] Why 3D printers are an essential tool in your dentist’s office.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com

(615)574-8208
(615)373-1012

Visit Us On Social Media

MillennialDentist@gmail.com

The Millennial Dentist Website

@Millennialdentist on Facebook

@MillennialDDS on Twitter Dr. Sully…@Millennialdentist on Instagram Dr. Peyman…@drpeyray on Instagram

Dr. Sully’s website and blog

109 How to Build Wealth as a Dentist Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

Today, we are chatting with Dr. Jackson Hall, our new team member! Dr. Hall graduated from the University of Memphis and is here to talk to us about the gap in dental education regarding income, tax write-offs, and how to run a practice as a business.

The most significant checks I’ve written since I’ve started my business were for taxes, by a long shot. When you run a business, you need to find out how to mitigate taxes with tax write-offs and lower your taxable income legally. My advice to young dentists is to make sure you find a good CPA who can guide you with taxes and tax shelters.

After you have your student loans and other debt paid off, your next step is to think about wealth management. Investing in your retirement is similar to buying time, which is why you want to invest a lot of your money as soon as possible. Once you can max out your 401K, you’re on the right path to retirement.

Show Notes:

[05:07] The first steps in financial security for a dentist.

[07:42] Leveraging risk to build and manage our wealth.

[27:36] Active investing versus passive investing.

[35:05] Summary overview of steps to building wealth.

Links and Resources

Richard Sullivan, DDS

Partner, Sullivan Dental Partners

Co-host/Founder of the Millennial Dentist Podcast

http://www.millennialdentist.com

www.drsullysullivan.com