Dental Unfiltered

In this episode of "Dental Unfiltered," host Matt Brown welcomes Jamie Marboe, a seasoned dental coach, to discuss a sensitive yet crucial topic: affairs in dentistry. They explore the hidden costs and impacts of workplace romances on dental practices, drawing from Jamie's extensive experience and research. The conversation delves into the prevalence of such affairs, the emotional and professional repercussions, and the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism in the workplace. This candid discussion aims to shed light on an often-overlooked issue, offering insights and potential solutions to mitigate these challenges.

Discover how Dr, Andrew Vallow uses strategic lease negotiations to secure up to 13 months of free rent for dental startups. Learn why prioritizing free rent over tenant improvement allowances can boost cash flow, fund marketing efforts, and accelerate practice growth. This episode reveals actionable insights to help you negotiate better lease terms and build a thriving practice from day one.

Most dental practices are leaving hidden profits on the table because they ignore one of the most critical bottlenecks in revenue—insurance processing and verification. In this eye-opening episode, Zach Shelley, a top industry expert from Management Unfiltered, reveals how a simple shift—outlining clear systems and embracing outsourcing—can unlock hundreds of thousands of dollars and dramatically boost patient experience.You’ll discover why verification delays and errors are quietly draining your practice’s cash flow, often leading to collections that linger over 60 or even 90 days. Zach shares concrete frameworks on streamlining insurance workflows and why manual processing is a costly trap. He reveals startling data: in a $150,000/month practice, half of an employee’s time can be consumed just on insurance verification—time that could be spent on case presentation or patient care if properly systematized.We break down the hidden costs of neglect—from theft by neglect to inefficiencies that cause your accounts receivable to balloon beyond 100 days. Zach walks through how to identify breakdowns in your current system and why leadership failure is often at the root. You’ll learn actionable steps to delegate intelligently, leverage outsourcing to reduce stress on your team, and increase practice profitability without burnout.This episode is perfect for every practice owner who wants to stop leaving money on the table and create a more predictable, stress-free revenue cycle. If you’re tired of chasing your AR, frustrated with inconsistent collections, or simply want a smarter way to grow, this is your blueprint. Don’t wait until your cash flow hits a crisis—start implementing these proven strategies today.Guest credibility: Zach Shelley is CEO of Management Unfiltered, a renowned industry consultant specializing in operational excellence and revenue optimization for dental practices. His insights have helped hundreds of practices transform their systems—and their bottom line.If improving your cash flow, reducing team stress, and elevating patient experience sounds valuable, this episode is essential listening. Get ready to overhaul your insurance processing for a smoother, more profitable practice—your future self will thank you.

This episode of "Dental Unfiltered" features Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discussing the "State of the Startup" segment. They explore Andrew's aggressive expansion of dental practices, going from 10 to 14 locations. Andrew shares insights into his decision-making process, emphasizing quick decisions and leveraging opportunities. He talks about the importance of strategic growth, avoiding over-optimization, and focusing on impactful opportunities. The episode also covers their financial achievements, with a goal to reach $30 million in revenue by the end of the year.

Join Dr. Sasha as he sits down with Dr. Nika Iranmanesh & Nima Iranmanesh, two prosthodontic pros from Tampa to unravel the mysteries of photogrammetry, grammatry, and their role at the fixture and implant level. They share real-world insights and practical tricks that have saved them countless hours and avoided costly errors. You'll discover how these technologies compare to traditional intraoral scans, the limitations of each, and why the shape of scan bodies, cylindrical, hexagonal, or custom—matters more than ever.

In this episode, Matt Brown and Andrew Vallo discuss Andrew's experience meeting Alex Hormozi. They explore the insights gained from Hormozi on growth and talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of hiring young, ambitious individuals and developing a strong sales process. Andrew shares how these lessons apply to his dental practice, focusing on talent acquisition and leveraging cash flow for growth.

In this episode of "Management Unfiltered," Kirk Teachout discusses the common pitfalls of being busy versus being productive in dental practices. He emphasizes that many office managers and practice owners confuse activity with progress, leading to a cycle of constant reaction rather than proactive leadership. Kirk highlights the importance of building systems to prevent recurring issues and encourages leaders to focus on creating clarity and improving processes. He offers insights into how real productivity can lead to more freedom and growth within a practice.

In the latest episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Greg Essenmacher are pulling back the curtain on the red flags you need to watch for in dental marketing.Too many marketers get caught up in the "vanity metrics"—lead counts and clicks—while ignoring the only two numbers that matter: Production and Collections. 📈In this deep dive, we’re talking about:How to spot a "shady" marketer before you sign the check. 🚩Why transparency is the non-negotiable foundation of your budget.The human element: Treating a practice like a business, not just a clinical machine.Moving from a "service provider" to a consultative partner.Stop spending money on marketing that doesn't move the needle. Listen to the full episode now!#DentalUnfiltered #DentalMarketing #PracticeManagement #DentalROI #MarketingRedFlags

In this episode of "Management Unfiltered," hosts Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout tackle the compelling topic of "Ego vs. Confidence in Leadership." They explore the delicate balance between confidence and egotism, discussing how these traits influence leadership styles and team dynamics. Through engaging dialogue and personal stories, the hosts offer insights into recognizing warning signs, balancing transactional and relational approaches, and the importance of humility and empowerment in leadership. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own leadership styles and the impact of ego versus confidence in their professional lives.

In this episode, Andrew reveals how his team is creating an unparalleled experience for growing practices, with a focus on strategic decision-making, team optimization, and scalability. You’ll discover how to leverage in-person events to tap into the collective wisdom of successful entrepreneurs, with a special focus on practical applications in dentistry. From insider tips on choosing the right locations, negotiating lease terms like free rent versus tenant improvements, to scaling efficiently with smarter financing — this conversation shifts the mindset from reactive to proactive practice growth.

In this episode of Clinical Unfiltered, Dr. Sausha and Dr. Varisha Parikh discuss implant abutment connections and their role in restoration success. They cover key connection types, microleakage, and the value of custom abutments, along with challenges in selection and seating. They also highlight the settling effect and the importance of strong communication between surgical and restorative teams to improve patient outcomes.

In this episode, Matt Brown and Justin Klingshirn break down how dental practitioners can successfully navigate the practice sale market. They discuss choosing the right broker, understanding market dynamics, and strategies to maximize your practice’s value.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown sits down with dental startup consultant Stacey Peters to discuss what drives truly successful dental practices. They explore the importance of clear vision, strong culture, effective systems, and hiring for cultural fit. Stacey shares practical insights on leadership, staff management, and how intentional practice management leads to long-term growth.

Matt Brown and Kirk Teachout discuss the impact of dental industry events, sharing insights from the Yankee Dental meeting. They explore the value of face-to-face networking, tips for improving your speaking skills, and how engaging with industry leaders can elevate your practice and professional growth.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout tackle the real challenges facing dental front office teams. They share practical strategies to boost provider revenue, elevate the patient experience, and improve time management. The conversation also explores the pros and cons of outsourcing revenue cycle management, the true costs of insurance processing, and why building patient trust is essential to long-term success. A must-listen for practices looking to maximize performance while managing resources wisely.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Dr. Vallo and Matt Brown explore the decision between outsourcing and insourcing key dental practice operations such as call centers, labs, and insurance processing. They break down the costs, risks, and growth implications of each approach, sharing practical insights to help dental groups improve efficiency while staying focused on patient care.

Matt Brown and Dr. Avi Patel explore the practice-growing potential of clear aligners, especially Invisalign. They cover misconceptions around lab fees, the power of digital scanners for case acceptance, overcoming fear of new treatments, and unlocking growth within your existing patient base. A focused conversation on confidence, communication, and opportunity in modern dentistry.

In this episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down EBITDA and why it matters for dental practice owners. They clear up common misconceptions, explain how to adjust for one-time expenses, and discuss how to work effectively with CPAs for accurate financial reporting. Tune in to learn how understanding and optimizing your EBITDA can strengthen your practice’s financial health and long-term value.

In this episode, Dr. Sausha Toghranegar and Dr. Polly compare Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) with flap surgery, discussing treatment effectiveness, instrumentation advances, and the hygienist’s role in patient education. They emphasize clear communication, thorough calculus removal, and the importance of staying current with evolving periodontal techniques.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss why a 100% reappointment rate is essential for sustainable practice growth. They cover the role of hygiene, effective scripting, team accountability, and patient experience in improving retention—sharing practical strategies to build a more predictable and profitable dental practice.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Spencer Greer discuss how production-based coaching can help dentists grow their practices with confidence and clarity. They explore identifying production opportunities, overcoming fear, increasing case acceptance, and balancing strong production with exceptional patient care. Dr. Greer also shares insights on self-management, personal growth, and building meaningful patient connections that drive long-term success.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss why Dr. Vallo moved away from in-house Invisalign payment plans and what that decision revealed about cash flow, default rates, and profitability. They break down the importance of tracking key financial metrics and using real data to shape smarter payment strategies.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley tackle the challenge of working with a problematic boss. They share practical strategies for communicating effectively, asking better questions, and leading upward within a hierarchy—while emphasizing the role of leadership in creating a supportive, high-performing work environment.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, hosts Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo dive into high-performance biohacking and what it takes to optimize health and fitness. They share personal health challenges, dietary changes, and how tools like ChatGPT can support smarter lifestyle decisions. Dr. Vallo also walks through his health reset journey, focused on sustainable habits that improve performance—both inside and outside the practice.

In this episode of Clinical Unfiltered, Dr. Sausha Toghranegar and Dr. Polly break down the complexities of the periodontal classification system and what it means for modern dentistry. They discuss the shift from old to new terminology, staging and grading, the Cairo and Miller classifications, and how social media is shaping dental education—while highlighting the ongoing challenge of clearly communicating these concepts to patients.

Success isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, hosts Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo explore the idea of the “success tax”—the emotional and social costs that often come with achievement in dentistry. They discuss loneliness, changing relationships, and the pressure of meeting external expectations, while emphasizing the importance of defining success on your own terms and building a strong support system along the way.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout explore the hidden costs of leaders wearing too many hats and how it impacts growth, trust, and team dynamics. They break down why delegation is so hard, the psychology behind control, and practical strategies for empowering your team to improve productivity and efficiency.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down the milestones behind Dr. Vallo’s rapidly growing practices, including an incredible $165,000 in collections in a single day. They dive into strategies for maximizing revenue—especially during the holiday season—along with the power of delegation, trust, and strong leadership. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of dental practice growth, general dentistry, and the expanding role of implant dentistry.

Unexpected weather can disrupt even the best-run practices. In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout discuss how dental leaders can navigate weather-related closures with clear communication, realistic expectations, and compassion. They share practical strategies for managing patients, supporting team members, and leaning on community relationships during challenging situations.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss how dentists can better position themselves to secure practice funding. They break down common loan challenges, why banks often misread dentists as employees instead of business owners, and what it takes to stand out—organized financials, clear plans, and speaking the bank’s language. A practical episode for dentists looking to fund growth with confidence.

Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley take on toxic positivity in leadership and why “staying positive” can sometimes do more harm than good. They discuss how avoiding hard conversations and tolerating underperformance erodes trust, accountability, and team respect. Through real experiences and practical insights, Kirk and Zach explain why honest dialogue and addressing root issues—not surface-level optimism—are essential to building a healthy, high-performing team.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo break down why daily goals matter more than you think. They explore how tracking daily metrics drives long-term practice success, the value of transparency around financial goals, and how celebrating small wins keeps teams motivated. From setting ambitious targets to adjusting goals around holidays and slower months, this episode offers practical strategies to help dental practices stay focused, aligned, and performing at a higher level.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into how to handle difficult workplace conversations without creating unnecessary tension. They discuss why approach, tone, and body language matter, share practical tips for giving and receiving feedback, and explore how leaders can encourage open communication within their teams. Through real-world examples, they highlight how addressing issues early and listening actively can prevent conflict and build a healthier, more effective work environment.

Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss how dental practices can improve cash flow by leveraging free iTero scanners and smart vendor negotiations. Dr. Vallo shares real-world insights on working with labs to secure equipment without upfront costs, optimizing payment terms, and creating flexible Invisalign payment plans. This episode highlights practical strategies to strengthen cash flow, improve efficiency, and support sustainable practice growth.

In this celebratory episode, Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo reflect on Matt being named Dental Podcaster of the Year. They discuss the podcast’s impact on the dental community, and share gratitude for their listeners and support team. They also tease exciting future projects aimed at further engaging and inspiring their audience.

In this episode of Management Unfiltered,, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley break down the role of bonus systems in dental practices. They discuss different bonus structures, how they impact team motivation and productivity, and why tracking and accountability are essential for success. The conversation also touches on valuable educational resources for office managers and the importance of team-driven bonuses in creating a positive, engaging work environment that supports both staff satisfaction and patient care.

In this episode, Matt Brown, Dr. Andrew Vallo, and Dr. Matt Vogt discuss what it takes to build a lifestyle practice in dentistry. They explore intentionality, balancing personal passions with practice growth, and the challenges of defining success. Dr. Vogt shares lessons from qualifying for the US Open and how elite performance translates to dentistry, highlighting the value of clear vision and thoughtful consulting.

In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley dive into the power of team buy-in and why it’s essential for building a cohesive, high-performing workplace. They discuss how leaders can reduce friction during change, communicate more effectively, and set clear goals and metrics that keep teams aligned and accountable. Through practical insights on leadership and engagement, the conversation shows how involving your team in decision-making and clearly explaining the “why” behind changes can lead to smoother implementation and a thriving practice.

Ken Kaufman and Dallin Kaufman clear up common misconceptions about accrual accounting, explaining why it’s more accurate and reliable than cash basis accounting. They discuss why many businesses overlook its value and why accrual accounting remains the standard across industries.

In this episode, Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley challenge the myth of work-life balance and introduce the idea of work-life rhythm—a more intentional way to be fully present at work and at home. They discuss setting boundaries, prioritizing what matters most, and using time effectively to boost productivity. The conversation encourages embracing discomfort and designing a rhythm that leads to a more focused, fulfilling life.

Matt Brown sits down with Laura Nelson, founder of Front Office Rocks, to discuss why the front desk is critical to practice success. Laura shares insights on common front office breakdowns, using data to improve patient engagement, and how AI can support—without replacing—human connection. They also explore the shift from staying busy to working efficiently and preview Laura’s upcoming phone skills training designed to elevate the patient experience.

Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout tackle the growing issue of burnout among practice leaders. They break down what causes burnout, the role of personal responsibility, and how team culture impacts long-term sustainability. This episode shares practical strategies like setting boundaries, delegating effectively, prioritizing self-care, and creating a supportive team environment—essential insights for leaders looking to reset and lead with clarity and energy.

Matt Brown sits down with Dr. Tom Orent (The Gems Guy) to discuss his journey from PPOs to a successful fee-for-service dental practice. Dr. Orent shares what sparked the transition, how to improve patient flow and case acceptance, and why clear communication and mindset are critical during change. A concise, practical conversation for dentists looking to build a more profitable and fulfilling practice.

Dr. Sausha Toghranegar takes a deep dive into osseodensification and its role in crestal sinus lifts. He breaks down the evolution and design of osseodensification drills, addresses common controversies, and shares practical techniques for improving implant outcomes. Through a detailed case study, Dr. Toghranegar highlights the importance of understanding bone density, healing dynamics, and proper surgical execution. The episode wraps with insight into emerging learning opportunities and what’s next in this advancing area of dental surgery.

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.