Dental Unfiltered

Most dental practices love showing off their team on social media. It builds trust, shows off your office culture, and makes your practice feel human. But there is a massive legal blind spot that most owners completely overlook: employee media rights.If you think a standard, generic media release covers you when an employee leaves, you could be setting yourself up for a costly legal battle.In this episode, we sit down with HR compliance expert Kara Kelly to expose the hidden legal landmines of employee social media. From TikTok trends to behind-the-scenes office photos, Kara breaks down why a simple "signature on a line" isn't enough, and how failing to secure a tailored, legally sound agreement can lead to devastating lawsuits, damaged reputations, and lost staff.What We Cover in This Episode:The Employee vs. Patient Release: Why you cannot use the same consent form for your team as you do for your patients.The "After" Problem: What happens to your social media content when an employee quits on bad terms (and why they can force you to take down years of marketing material).Real-World Horror Stories: How dental offices have ended up paying thousands in legal fees over seemingly harmless social media posts.The Culture of Consent: How to introduce media agreements during onboarding in a way that feels respectful and transparent, rather than restrictive.Beyond the Checkbox: Why compliance isn't a one-time task, and how often you need to update your agreements to stay legally protected.

Can a brand-new dental startup attract 200+ new patients in its first 30 days?In this episode, Dr. Andrew Vallo joins us to share the exact blueprint he uses to open practices that hit mature numbers in week one. If you've ever worried about launch delays, hiring struggles, or burning through capital on marketing, Andrew’s high-performance expansion strategy is exactly what you need.Learn how to navigate construction setbacks, master low-cost digital ads, and build a leadership foundation that allows you to scale multiple clinics at once without losing your mind.Hit play to learn how to turn your new practice into a thriving powerhouse from the moment the doors open!

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, we sit down with Dr. Julia L. Jackson to dive deep into implant dentistry, oral surgery, and the critical business decisions every practice owner faces.We discuss why general dentists need to elevate their implant techniques and shift to a "prosthetically driven" mindset rather than focusing solely on clinical execution. Plus, Dr. Jackson shares invaluable insights on how to build a highly successful practice with a clear, profitable exit strategy in mind from day one.What We Cover:Prosthetically Driven Implantology: Shifting your mindset to improve patient outcomes and restorative success.Elevating the General Dentist: Mastering oral surgery and advanced implant techniques in a GP setting.The Business of Endings: Key strategies for structuring your practice with a lucrative exit plan.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, Dr. Andrew Vallo breaks down exactly why his dental group transitioned to a call center model and how it’s delivering real ROI. He compares the pros and cons of call center coverage against traditional in-house teams and virtual assistants (VAs). Tune in to discover why capturing missed calls can translate directly into thousands of dollars in added production for your practice.

Most dental events are just sales pitches and superficial networking. If you’re tired of cluttered conferences with zero substance, this episode reveals why the legendary Dental Boost Camp is completely different.We sit down with thought leader Dr. Alan Stern to preview the "summer camp for dentists" an event built entirely on community, professional growth, and authentic connection, completely free of sales pressure.What we break down in this episode:Community Over Networking: How intentional social dinners turn strangers into lifelong colleagues.Top-Tier Experts: Why industry veterans and speakers like Todd Fleischman and Dee Fisher return year after year.The Mastermind Blueprint: How the event creator, Paul, builds a curated environment to elevate your dental IQ and peer network.The ROI of Relationships: Why high-quality professional tribes profoundly shift your career trajectory.If you are hungry to learn, healthily competitive, and ready to find your tribe, tune in to discover why Boost Camp is a truly transformative experience.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Vallo to discuss his official move to join ZERO Dental Billing; the leading dental insurance billing and verification platform—as a minority partner. Dr. Vallo shares his journey from initial client and beta-tester across his own practices to strategic investor. Tune in to hear how firsthand experience solving a massive dental office pain point convinced him to put his money where his practices are.#ZeroDental #DentalInsurance #DentalBilling #InsuranceVerification#DentalPodcast #DentalLife #Dentistry #DentistLife #DentalOffice#DentalPracticeManagement #DentalSoftware #DentalUnfiltered

In this episode of Management Unfiltered, hosts Kirk and Zach explore how dental practice owners and office managers can better support associates by setting clear expectations, building strong systems, and creating an environment where doctors can thrive without having to think like owners. They discuss onboarding, compensation transparency, regular check-ins, and ways to empower associates to feel valued, productive, and invested in the practice.

In this Dental Unfiltered episode, Cory Pinegar joins the show to share the nuanced playbook for integrating virtual support into your dental workflow. Learn why phone management and front-office support are the fastest-growing remote sectors, how to safeguard your practice against cybersecurity risks, and how upcoming AI tools will make remote teams smarter and more empathetic.Stop letting operational inefficiencies drain your profitability. Listen now to discover how to scale smartly!

Is your dental practice’s morning huddle a total waste of time? For most clinics, it’s treated as just another boring, routine meeting that breeds reactive chaos instead of proactive excellence.In this episode, dental practice experts Kirk Teachout and Zach Shelley expose the truth: your current morning routine might be sabotaging your growth and costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.Discover how a simple, intentional shift in your daily huddle process can transform your team culture, boost patient engagement, and unlock hidden revenue. Kirk and Zach break down concrete, actionable tactics—from pre-huddle prep to accountability frameworks—that will turn your morning meeting into a short, profit-driving powerhouse.

This episode focuses on "Net Payment Terms" in the dental industry. Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss strategies for managing cash flow by negotiating extended payment terms with vendors. Dr. Vallo emphasizes the importance of maintaining cash on hand to seize opportunities and manage unexpected events. They also touch on the benefits of negotiating discounts and how these financial strategies can improve business margins. The episode concludes with updates on their new book release and a call for listener engagement.

This episode of "Management Unfiltered" features Kirk Teachout and Kelly Schwartz discussing leadership and success in dental practices. They explore the importance of systems, team motivation, and leadership in transforming struggling practices into successful ones. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and insights into effective management strategies, emphasizing the role of clear vision and team empowerment.

Struggling with slow payments and unoptimized revenue flow? Discover the counterintuitive strategies that a rapidly growing dental group uses to maximize cash flow, extend net payment terms, and boost profitability, without sacrificing client relationships.In this episode, Dr. Andrew Vallo, breaks down his innovative approach to shortening payment cycles and negotiating better vendor terms. Whether you're worried about cash shortages or want to leverage delayed payments to fund expansion, this episode reveals precise tactics you can implement today.You'll discover:How to nearly double your cash flow by extending net payment terms from 30 to 90 days.The subtle art of vendor negotiations that saves thousands annually while maintaining strong partnerships.The crucial mindset shift: why cash is king, especially during rapid growth phases.Practical systems for tracking and motivating your team through timely bonuses aligned with performance targets.The importance of strategic follow-ups in closing high-dollar treatments and increasing acceptance rates.Missing out on these insights could mean leaving millions on the table, delaying growth, risking cash shortages, or falling behind competitors. This episode arms you with the knowledge to build a resilient cash flow system, even in uncertain times.Perfect for dental practice owners, managers, and growth-minded entrepreneurs ready to leverage delayed receivables, negotiate vendor terms, and fund their expansion plans.Get inspired to rethink your financial strategies, grow faster, and secure your practice’s future today.

This episode features a conversation between Matt Brown and Deana Zost, focusing on the evolution of dental office management. They discuss the shift from traditional practices to modern, technology-driven environments. Deana shares her extensive experience, highlighting how the role of office managers has changed over the years. They explore the importance of proactive management, the challenges of modern dental practices, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. The episode emphasizes the critical role of office managers in ensuring the success and compliance of dental practices.

This episode of "Dental Unfiltered" is titled "Second Chances." Matt Brown and Dr. Andrew Vallo discuss the importance of follow-up in dental practices, emphasizing how second chances can lead to successful treatment closures. They explore strategies for improving patient follow-up, such as scheduling financial consultations and offering incentives to return. Dr. Vallo shares insights from his experience as a CEO, focusing on optimizing sales processes and patient communication. The episode highlights the balance between being persistent in follow-ups and maintaining patient comfort, ultimately aiming to improve patient care and practice success.

In this episode of "Clinical Unfiltered," Dr. Sausha delves into the intricacies of bone grafting, focusing on the critical PASS Principles: Primary wound coverage, Angiogenesis, Space maintenance, and Stability. Dr. Sausha shares insights from a significant case involving a young patient with a severe vertical defect, illustrating how these principles guide successful grafting outcomes. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and considerations necessary for effective bone regeneration, including the use of custom titanium meshes and advanced suturing methods.

In this episode of Dental Unfiltered, host Matt Brown welcomes Dr. Alan Stern, a respected speaker in the dental community, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of total health for dentists. They explore the pressures and mental health challenges faced by dental professionals, emphasizing the importance of redefining prosperity and staying true to one's core values. Dr. Stern shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding fulfillment by focusing on patient-centered care and collaborative agreements. This insightful conversation highlights the significance of mental well-being and integrity in the dental profession.

This episode of "Management Unfiltered" with Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout focuses on strategies for reducing overhead costs in dental practices without compromising quality. They discuss the importance of understanding financial metrics, such as P&Ls and cash flow, and emphasize the need for systems to manage expenses effectively. The conversation highlights the significance of tracking material costs, setting budgets, and using buying groups to achieve savings. They also explore the pitfalls of cutting corners, such as underpaying staff or using subpar materials, and stress the value of investing in quality and team culture for long-term success.

This episode of "Dental Unfiltered" features a discussion with Alex Sharp, CEO of Shared Practices Group, focusing on the dynamics of De Novos versus acquisitions in dentistry. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies of building a dental group, emphasizing the importance of specialization, intentionality, and differentiation in practice. Alex shares insights on democratizing full arch implantology and the significance of focusing on high-value procedures. The episode also touches on leadership, team building, and the importance of having a clear vision and strategy in growing a successful dental practice.

In this episode of "Management Unfiltered," hosts Zach Shelley and Kirk Teachout dive into the unexpected challenges faced by dental practice managers and owners. They explore the often-overlooked aspects of leadership, such as dealing with office drama, scheduling chaos, and the emotional toll of being a practice manager. Kirk shares personal insights from his journey, highlighting the importance of intentional leadership and effective communication. The conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of managing a dental practice.

Discover the Badass Guide to Being a Dental Practice Owner, a transformative resource for dentists seeking real results. This guide distills years of podcast wisdom into actionable strategies, from lowering overhead to growing your patient base. Each chapter includes QR codes linking to original episodes, making learning engaging and practical. Perfect for new and seasoned dentists, this book is your roadmap to a thriving practice, offering insights your dental education missed. Elevate your practice today with this essential guide.

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.