Ash welcomes Jennifer Christensen, co-founder and CMO of Beacon Media and Marketing, to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in modern marketing for dental professionals. Jennifer shares her journey as an early adopter of AI, highlighting how new technologies have reshaped client search behaviors and what this rapid shift means for dental practices that want to maintain and grow their online presence. She explains how practices can benefit from AI-powered insights, especially by personalizing content, building credibility, and targeting AI-driven search overviews.

Jennifer discusses practical strategies dental offices can use to become more visible in AI searches, such as focusing on author-driven, expert content and being transparent with information like pricing and service details. She also explores the changing landscape of consumer trust and how dental practices need to adapt to remain relevant, noting that small businesses now have a unique window of opportunity to compete with larger competitors. The episode wraps up with a conversation about AI's broader role in operational efficiency and the importance of businesses understanding and implementing these tools sooner rather than later.

To find out more and connect with Jennifer, visit: https://www.beaconmm.com/

Key Topics Discussed:

• Jennifer’s introduction and experience as an early adopter of AI

• The evolution from information age marketing to the age of intelligence

• How AI impacts SEO, search habits, and website visibility

• Importance of author-driven, expert, and personalized content

• Strategies to get dental practices featured in AI overviews

• The significance of transparency in pricing and service details

• Increasing consumer trust through detailed, credible information

• Using AI for operational efficiencies in practice management

• Adapting to changing consumer behavior and search trends

• The window of opportunity for small businesses in AI-driven marketing

In this episode, Ash welcomes David Herman, founder of Web Marketing for Dentists, who draws on over 20 years of dental marketing experience to explain how specialized marketing helps dental practices achieve real returns on investment. David discusses the unique challenges of dental marketing and how his agency uses data-driven strategies, including tracking PMS data and return on investment, to provide transparency and results for clients.

David shares examples of quick and significant marketing turnarounds, noting that dentists can expect to see a return on their investment in as little as 30 days. He emphasizes the importance of individualized marketing plans—understanding the dentist’s preferred procedures and leveraging patient reviews and targeted content for better SEO. The conversation also covers actionable tips for startups with limited budgets, such as optimizing websites for speed, building out procedure-specific content, and prioritizing Google reviews. David concludes with strategies for balancing pay-per-click and long-term SEO, ensuring dental practices can continue to grow despite rising digital marketing costs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why dental-specific marketing expertise matters
• The challenge of educating dental consumers
• Ensuring HIPAA compliance in marketing efforts
• Using PMS data to track ROI accurately
• How quickly can dental practices expect results from digital marketing
• The agency’s unique 30-day contract and trial offer
• The importance of individualized marketing by dental procedure
• Value of video and audio for patient connection
• What dental procedures are easiest and most profitable to market
• Website optimization tips for startups
• Strategies for getting more Google reviews
• Differences between pay-per-click advertising and SEO
• Long-term digital marketing considerations for dental practices

Ash sits down with Mandy Madeline from Pay Proudly, a payment processing company with a unique understanding of dental practices. Drawing from her 18 years of experience in the dental field—from dental assisting to leadership and operations—Mandy shares how Pay Proudly is helping dental offices streamline payment systems, launch in-house membership programs, and ultimately improve patient experiences and practice profitability.

Ash and Mandy discuss the benefits of integrating payment processing with practice management software, ways to minimize manual entry errors, and solutions for managing recurring payments. They also explore the rising trend of surcharging fees, what it means for dental practices, and why transparency and compliance are key when implementing new payment models. Whether you’re an established practice or just starting out, you’ll hear practical tips on optimizing payment systems, retaining patients, and boosting your bottom line.

To find out more or connect with Mandy, visit: https://www.payproudly.com/.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mandy Madeline’s career in dental practice operations
• Pay Proudly’s integration with practice management systems
• Card vaulting and recurring payments
• Simplified in-house membership program setup
• Cost savings through surcharging and compliance considerations
• Detailed and simplified end-of-day reconciliation and reporting
• Transparent analysis of payment processing fees
• Importance of customer support and relationship building
• Migration timeline and training for switching systems

In this episode, Ash discusses the evolving landscape of dental practice ownership, particularly whether it’s still worth buying or starting a dental practice. Ash explains that the decision is much more nuanced than it was a decade ago. Factors such as market saturation, shrinking reimbursement rates, and increased competition from DSOs and PE-backed practices mean that buying or starting a practice requires extensive research and self-reflection. The conversation covers challenges unique to both startups and acquiring existing practices, including location selection, identifying business models, and coping with the demands of being both a clinician and a business owner.

He also addresses the realities of working with DSOs, selling a practice, and the trade-offs of joining larger organizations versus independent ownership. He also talks about why it's important to understand your career goals, personality fit, and risk tolerance amidst a shifting generational mindset and increasing concern about burnout.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The current viability of buying or starting a dental practice
• The impact of urban saturation and DSOs/PEs on dental ownership
• Key factors and research required for successful startups
• Startup vs. acquiring an existing practice: pros and cons
• Business acumen and the challenge for clinicians
• Effects of market demographics, location, and business models
• Lender requirements for practice acquisition
• The importance of team dynamics in transitions
• Differences between selling to DSOs vs. individual buyers
• Alternative equity opportunities for associates
• Generational differences in ownership goals
• Burnout and realistic career considerations
• Planning for exit strategies and financial obligations

In this episode, Ash welcomes Kevin Henry from Kevin Speaks Dental, a seasoned advocate for dental assistants with over twenty years of experience in the field. Kevin shares his insights about the evolving roles of dental assistants and the challenges they face, including compensation concerns, feelings of undervaluation, and workplace culture. They discuss the importance of communication, team accountability, and culture in retaining and supporting dental assistants, explaining how these factors often outweigh pay in promoting job satisfaction.

The conversation covers practical ways practice owners can support their assistants, from regular check-ins about career goals to fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging within the team. Kevin also discusses how technology and generational shifts are impacting dental practices, stressing that open dialogue and targeted training help ease the adoption of new tools and responsibilities. They also talk about why it's so important for practice owners to stay updated on state regulations and to invest in knowing their numbers, ensuring both patient care and a profitable, harmonious workplace.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Common challenges for dental assistants: pay, respect, and team culture
• Ways to add value for assistants beyond compensation
• Importance of regular check-ins and career goal discussions
• Team accountability and the role of leadership throughout the practice
• Improving the hiring process and assessing team fit
• The impact of technology on dental practice workflow
• Managing generational differences and communication styles
• Ensuring compliance with state regulations for assistant duties
• Balancing business profitability with patient care and staff satisfaction

To learn more about or connect with Kevin, you can find him at: https://www.kevinspeaksdental.com/

In this special episode of Beyond Bitewings we're sharing our favorite conversations with a few experts who discuss how dental practice owners can create generational wealth by thinking beyond their day-to-day income.

Ash is joined by former guests like Paul Montelongo, Eric Miller, and Nathan Turner as they share practice advice and non-traditional options when it comes to investing your hard-earned income.

In this episode, they unpack traditional and alternative investment strategies designed specifically for dental practice owners. From stocks and bonds to multifamily syndicates and mortgage note buying, this episode covers what you need to know to make your money work for you beyond the dental chair.

Discover how to evaluate different investment options, set up multiple revenue streams for your household, and ensure you're properly compensating yourself as a business owner. The episode also features a practical look at passive investing, how to navigate business plans for real estate syndications, and the ins and outs of buying mortgage notes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Approach to investing for dental practice owners
• How multifamily syndications work for passive investors
• Typical hold periods, returns, and distributions in real estate syndicates
• Defining the role of limited partners (LPs) and their rights
• Structuring practice owner compensation and ensuring proper payment
• The importance of generating additional revenue streams beyond practice income
• Overview of investment options: stocks, bonds, real estate, and insurance products
• Mortgage note investing: process, returns, and investor protection
• Reporting and payout timelines for investors

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, we're focusing on helping dental practice owners stand out in what may feel like a very overcrowded space. Ash shares some of his favorite insights from several different interviews he has done with marketing experts Erin Gregor, Darren Tesatori, and Brandon Hubbard. The conversation starts with Erin explaining the importance of creating engaging content and effectively using social media to connect with potential patients. She suggests starting by answering common patient questions and advises against generic posts, emphasizing the value of authenticity in differentiating a dental practice in a crowded market.

Darren sheds light on the critical role that Google Business Profiles play in attracting new patients. He highlights the importance of optimizing these profiles and accumulating positive reviews to secure a spot in the coveted Google three-pack. Brandon expands on the concept of marketing investment, advising that a proper budget and consistent branding efforts can significantly impact a practice's growth. Together, they discuss the idea that marketing shouldn't be passive and should reflect the unique style and story of the dentist to build a strong connection with potential patients.

You can find the full episodes of each of these interviews here:

Darren: https://eandassociates.com/secrets-to-growing-your-dental-practice-with-google-reviews-and-local-seo/

Brandon: https://eandassociates.com/dental-marketing-demystified-how-to-drive-growth-and-stand-out-in-the-industry/

Erin: https://eandassociates.com/how-to-use-social-media-to-grow-your-dental-practice/

Key Topics Discussed:

• Creating engaging content for social media
• Choosing the right social media platforms
• Time and resource allocation for social media efforts
• Setting and managing marketing budgets
• Understanding costs related to acquiring new patients
• Building and maintaining trust with marketing teams
• Importance of content in current marketing strategies
• Transition from traditional to content-driven marketing
• Optimizing Google Business Profiles
• Leveraging online reviews for better visibility

In this episode. Ash welcomes Lorraine Kent, the current tax manager at Edwards and Associates, to discuss essential tax strategies and tips specifically for dental practitioners. They start by discussing topics like deductible expenses, common tax mistakes, and audit red flags. Lorraine shares insights on what expenses are deductible for rental properties and the implications of depreciation recapture when selling such properties. She also provides guidance on loss harvesting strategies and the importance of tax planning while reviewing personal and business investments.

They also explore common tax mistakes that can be easily avoided, such as the importance of sharing all necessary tax documents with accountants, and they discuss key audit triggers like meals, travel, and auto expenses. They round the conversation with real-world examples of tax horror stories they've encountered due to miscommunication or oversight.

If you have specific questions about embezzlement or if you'd like to have another question answered on a future podcast, please reach out to the Edwards & Associates team.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Deductible expenses for rental properties
• Depreciation recapture and tax strategies
• Harvesting tax losses effectively
• Common tax mistakes to avoid
• Audit red flags: meals, travel, and auto expenses
• Community property state tax impacts
• Business property tax explanations
• Impact of volunteer services on taxes
• Importance of communicating with your CPA
• Real-world tax miscommunication examples