The Numbers No One Taught Us: Four Reports to Pull Right Now

In this episode, Brittani and Whitney talk about the financial wake-up calls that came after stepping into ownership and management of their dental practices.Thrown into leadership roles with little preparation, both quickly realized there were four critical numbers they didn’t fully understand, and ignoring them nearly cost them their profitability.They talk about:Buying a practice earlier than planned while raising young kidsThe chaos of ownership transitions and being forced to learn on the flyFocusing on what feels comfortable (like hygiene systems) while unknowingly neglecting business fundamentalsThe difference between production, adjusted production, and collectionsWhy collections below 92–98% can quietly drain tens of thousands of dollarsHow poor follow-up systems and unclear accountability hurt cash flowWhat Accounts Receivable should look like (and why the “ice cream cone” matters)The importance of tracking insurance claims before deadlines expireWhen outsourcing billing can save your practiceThe shocking impact of supply spending on overheadHow one simple change turned losses into profitWhether you're new to ownership or years in, this episode highlights the numbers that keep your practice alive, and the systems that prevent financial panic.The four reports you should pull right now:Production vs. Adjusted Production vs. Collections ReportCompares what you produce, what gets written off, and what you actually collectHelps you identify if money is slipping through the cracksAccounts Receivable Aging Report (AR Aging)Shows how long money has been owedShould ideally look like an “ice cream cone” (largest in 0–30 days, tapering off after)Outstanding Insurance Claims ReportTracks unpaid claims and prevents missing filing deadlinesEnsures claims are followed up before they become uncollectibleOverhead / Supply Spending ReportTracks supply costs (and optionally labs) as a percentage of productionHelps prevent excessive spending from quietly eliminating profitFind this week’s handout here!Follow along on Instagram:Brittani: https://www.instagram.com/brittanicardosoWhitney: https://www.instagram.com/bmwkbishopPodcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwifelife