In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, host Matt Brown talks with Dr. Michael Wollock—top Invisalign provider and founder of Diamond Makers—about his path in dentistry and the value of mentorship and education. Dr. Wollock shares practical tips for strengthening Invisalign offerings and emphasizes treating patients as whole individuals. The conversation highlights how community, support, and genuine connection drive success in modern dental practice.

In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley break down the nine essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) every dental practice should track to stay healthy and grow. From new patient acquisition and retention to treatment acceptance, collections, and payroll management, they explain what each metric means—and why it matters. Kirk and Zach also share practical strategies for improving these numbers and using data to drive smarter, more efficient practice management.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down the often-overlooked art of patient follow-up—and why it can make or break a dental practice. They dive into common misconceptions, the importance of having a structured, consistent system, and the missed opportunities that happen when follow-up isn’t done well. Dr. Vallo also shares his simple three-step follow-up framework for reconnecting with late or no-show patients, along with tips on using automation without losing the human touch. The conversation wraps with practical advice on auditing your processes to ensure they actually work.

Varisha Parikh discusses managing patient expectations in a world that often demands perfection. She breaks down the pressures clinicians face, why honest communication matters, and how setting realistic expectations can lead to better long-term outcomes. With a candid, patient-focused approach, Dr. Parikh shares strategies for helping patients understand the realities of dental work while keeping their well-being at the center of every decision.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo dive into one of the most debated topics in dentistry today: expanded hours. From the push for weekend availability to what truly drives practice growth, they unpack how patient convenience, scheduling flexibility, and modern consumer expectations are reshaping the dental landscape.

They also break down the real-world challenges—staffing, call centers, and the growing demand for online scheduling—and share why having the right systems in place is crucial for capturing every appointment. If you’re looking to future-proof your practice and meet patients where they are, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into what truly drives hygiene retention in a thriving dental practice. They explore how clear communication, collaborative teamwork, and ongoing education can strengthen your hygiene department and reduce turnover. From breaking down role-based silos to empowering the front office for smoother operations, this conversation highlights practical strategies for building a supportive, growth-focused culture. Discover how investing in your team leads to loyal hygienists, stronger relationships, and long-term practice success.

In this episode, Andrew Vallo and Matt Brown dive into smart, sustainable strategies for growing a dental practice without adding more hours to the schedule. They break down how innovative marketing—especially turning “junk mail” into meaningful patient communication—can drive results, and why clear, concise messaging matters more than ever. Tune in for practical insights designed to help dental professionals elevate their outreach, strengthen patient connections, and succeed efficiently.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley unpack how to determine the right time to bring on an additional hygienist. They discuss the operational and clinical indicators to watch for, how patient demand and scheduling bottlenecks factor in, and why proactive hiring can prevent burnout across the team. The conversation also covers how clear systems, strong culture, and team alignment make it easier to onboard new hygiene team members and maintain a smooth, efficient practice as you grow.