Insurance Untangled

Why do so many dental practices depend on one highly capable person to keep everything running? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Manjali Kulathunga sits down with Rebecca Herring, Chief Executive Officer of Transformational Dental Coaching, to discuss one of the biggest hidden leadership risks inside dental practices: building a business that depends too heavily on one person. Rebecca explains why having a strong office manager can be a major asset, but also how it can become a serious vulnerability when passwords, insurance knowledge, scheduling decisions, team processes, and daily problem-solving all live inside one person's head. The conversation explores the warning signs of "superhero dependency," how dental teams become too reliant on one default problem-solver, and why this can limit the growth of both the practice and the office manager. Rebecca also shares how documentation, cross-training, workflows, accountability, and clear systems can help practices move from dependence to stability. Instead of one person constantly saving the day, the goal is to build a team that can confidently operate with shared knowledge and trusted systems. Whether you are a dentist, practice owner, office manager, or dental team leader, this episode will help you understand how to build a stronger practice that does not fall apart when one key person is out of the office. Topics discussed include: • Why depending on one highly capable office manager can become risky • The difference between being valuable and becoming a bottleneck • Warning signs of "superhero dependency" in a dental practice • What happens when every question is routed back to one person • Why office managers should not fear documenting and sharing knowledge • How cross-training can make leaders more valuable, not replaceable • Where to start when important information lives in one person's head • What should be documented first inside the practice • How to identify the areas most vulnerable to one-person dependency • Why strong systems create stronger teams and healthier practices Connect with Rebecca Herring: Chief Executive Officer, Transformational Dental Coaching Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, insurance, leadership, marketing, profitability, and stronger practice systems through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders.

Why do so many dental practice owners have access to plenty of numbers — but still struggle to know which ones should guide their decisions? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Manjali Kulathunga sits down with Kristie Kapp, Co-Founder of EBITDent.co, to discuss how dental practice owners can stop guessing, start leading, and use their KPIs to make better business decisions. Kristie explains why the problem is not usually a lack of data. Most practices already have dashboards, reports, and performance metrics. The real challenge is knowing which numbers actually matter, how they connect to the profit and loss statement, and how to turn those insights into confident leadership decisions. The conversation explores the KPIs every practice owner should understand, the mistakes that happen when owners react emotionally to incomplete data, and how to create a rhythm of daily huddles, weekly meetings, and monthly scorecards that turns numbers into meaningful action. Kristie also shares how leaders can introduce KPIs without making the team feel watched or judged. Instead, the right numbers can create clarity, shared accountability, and a stronger sense of winning together. Whether you are a solo practice owner, managing a growing team, or trying to improve profitability without guessing your way through decisions, this episode will help you understand how to use your numbers as a leadership tool — not a source of pressure. Topics discussed include: • Why dental practices struggle to turn data into better decisions • Which KPIs matter most for practice profitability • How KPIs connect to the profit and loss statement • Common mistakes owners make when reviewing metrics • Why incomplete data can lead to poor business decisions • How to introduce KPIs without making the team feel judged • Creating shared accountability through numbers • The role of daily huddles, weekly meetings, and monthly scorecards • How to turn insight into action and lead with more confidence Connect with Kristie Kapp: Co-Founder, EBITDent.co Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, insurance, leadership, marketing, profitability, and smarter business decision-making through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders.

Why is the future of dentistry moving beyond teeth — and into sleep, airway, breathing, and whole-body health? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Manjali Kulathunga sits down with Dr. Rad to explore one of the biggest emerging opportunities in modern dentistry: integrating sleep and airway services into the dental practice. Dr. Rad explains why dentists are in a unique position to recognize signs connected to sleep-disordered breathing, airway issues, bruxism, dry mouth, periodontal problems, and overall patient health. While many patients struggle with sleep-related issues without ever receiving the right evaluation, dental teams often see warning signs every day during routine visits. The conversation dives into why many dentists overlook sleep and airway dentistry, what holds practices back, and how simple systems, training, screening, home sleep testing partnerships, medical billing support, and patient education can help practices introduce these services responsibly. Dr. Rad also shares how sleep dentistry can create a stronger and more sustainable practice model without simply adding more patients, working longer hours, or becoming more dependent on insurance-driven dentistry. Whether you are a solo practice owner, a growing dental team, or a practice leader looking for new ways to improve patient outcomes and build long-term value, this episode will help you think differently about the future of dentistry.  

Why do so many dental practices feel like insurance companies control their fees, their write-offs, and their profitability? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Manjali Kulathunga sits down with Tessina Bullock, President of Verus Dental, to discuss one of the most frustrating challenges dental practices face today: managing insurance fees without allowing insurance companies to control the financial health of the practice. Tessina explains why many practice owners mistakenly believe PPO fee schedules are fixed, negotiations are impossible, and insurance write-downs are just part of doing business. In reality, practices may have more opportunities to negotiate, strengthen their systems, and protect their revenue than they realize. The conversation dives into what practices need to understand before starting the negotiation process, including office fee schedules, frequently billed procedures, contract structures, write-offs, downgrade codes, provider leverage, and how to find the right contacts inside insurance networks. Tessina also shares why dental offices must stop allowing insurance companies to "train" their teams, how denials and claim requirements can be challenged, and why understanding contracts, documentation, and legal rights is essential for protecting revenue. From PPO negotiations and umbrella networks to IPAs, claim appeals, and knowing when a plan may no longer be a good business relationship, this episode gives dental leaders a clearer path to take back control. Whether you are a solo practice owner, managing multiple providers, or trying to reduce dependence on PPO-driven revenue, this episode will help you think more strategically about insurance participation, fee negotiations, and practice profitability.

Why do so many dental practices accept low PPO reimbursements as if they have no other choice? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Manjali Kulathunga sits down with Benjamin Tuinei, President of Veritas Dental Resources, to discuss one of the most frustrating and financially important challenges dental practices face today: PPO fee negotiation. Ben explains why PPO fees are not always as fixed as many practice owners believe, and how that mindset can quietly cost practices thousands in lost revenue, unnecessary write-offs, and reduced profitability. The conversation explores where reimbursement opportunities are often hiding, why many practices miss them, and how the right negotiation strategy can help dental teams increase revenue without simply working harder or adding more production. Ben also breaks down common "insurance games" that can lead to unnecessary income loss, confusing contract terms, credentialing issues, and payer communication challenges that leave practice owners feeling overwhelmed. Whether you are a solo practice owner, managing a growing team, or trying to reduce your dependence on PPOs, this episode offers practical insight into how to negotiate smarter, protect profitability, and take back more control over the revenue your practice has already earned. Topics discussed include: • Why PPO fee negotiation matters for dental practice profitability • The mindset shift practice owners need around PPO reimbursements • Where hidden reimbursement opportunities are often found • Why many practices leave money on the table without realizing it • Common insurance tactics that increase write-offs and reduce income • How contract and credentialing issues can affect revenue • First steps practices can take to negotiate from a stronger position • Why PPO strategy is a leadership and sustainability issue • How better fees and stronger systems can protect long-term practice health Connect with Benjamin Tuinei: President, Veritas Dental Resources Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, insurance, billing, leadership, marketing, and profitability through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders.

Why do some patients stay loyal to a dental practice for years, while others disappear after just one visit? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Kelly Fox-Galvagni, Owner of Smile Potential Dental Coaching, to explore how patient experience plays a powerful role in retention, referrals, and long-term practice growth. Kelly shares why creating a great clinical outcome is only one part of the equation. From the first phone call to the final follow-up, every interaction shapes how patients feel about the practice, the team, and the care they receive. The conversation dives into the habits, systems, and leadership decisions that help dental practices create a consistent experience patients remember, trust, and want to return to. Kelly also discusses how stronger communication, team alignment, and intentional patient touchpoints can improve retention without relying only on marketing or discounts. Whether you're a solo practice owner, leading a growing team, or working to improve patient loyalty, this episode offers practical insights into building an experience that keeps patients coming back. Topics discussed include: • Why patient experience directly impacts retention and growth • The moments that shape a patient's decision to return • How dental teams can create more consistent patient interactions • Why communication matters before, during, and after the appointment • Building trust through small details and intentional systems • How leadership influences the patient experience • Practical ways to improve loyalty, referrals, and long-term practice success Connect with Kelly Fox-Galvagni: Smile Potential Dental Coaching Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, leadership, marketing, patient experience, and profitability through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders. 

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Perrin Desportes, founder of Next Level Executive, to break down the math behind real, sustainable revenue growth for dental practices. Perrin shares the simple revenue equation every practice owner should understand: opportunities, conversion rate, and average treatment value. He explains why so many practices focus on just one of these levers instead of improving all three, and how that gap quietly limits growth. The conversation dives into phone conversion rates, revealing that industry wide, only about half of new patient inquiries actually convert into booked appointments once you factor in answered calls and follow through. Perrin also addresses case acceptance without the sales pressure, offering practical ways to help patients say yes to treatment while keeping the experience trustworthy and low pressure for both patients and staff. Whether you are running a solo practice or scaling a group, this episode offers a clear framework for identifying where revenue is being left on the table and what to do about it. Topics discussed include: The three part revenue equation: opportunities, conversion, and average treatment value Why focusing on only one lever limits overall growth How phone conversion rates impact new patient flow Increasing case acceptance without feeling salesy or pushy How scheduling and broken appointments affect financial performance Where to start if you can only focus on one lever for the next 90 days Common mistakes practices make when building or scaling a group Connect with Perrin Desport: Next Level Executive Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, insurance, billing, leadership, compliance, and profitability through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders.

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Devon Banks, CEO of DTECH Billing and Claims, to discuss the hidden revenue risks that many dental practices overlook — from aging accounts receivable and unresolved credit balances to Medicaid CRUSH compliance concerns. Devon shares why AR assessments are more than just a billing cleanup task. They are a powerful way to uncover missed revenue, identify workflow gaps, and protect the financial health of the practice. She also explains how credit balances can create compliance risks when they are not managed correctly, and why strong systems are essential for practices that want clean books, better cash flow, and fewer surprises. The conversation explores how dental leaders can strengthen billing processes, improve accountability, and build a more proactive approach to revenue protection. Whether you are a solo practice owner, managing a growing team, or overseeing multiple locations, this episode offers practical insights into keeping your financial operations organized, compliant, and profitable. Topics discussed include: • Why AR assessments matter for dental practice profitability • Common issues hidden inside aging accounts receivable • How credit balances can create financial and compliance risks • What dental practices need to know about Medicaid CRUSH compliance • The importance of clean billing systems and accurate reporting • How to identify revenue leaks before they become bigger problems • Practical steps to protect cash flow and strengthen operations Connect with Devon Banks: DTECH Billing and Claims Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, insurance, billing, leadership, compliance, and profitability through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders.

Why do some dental practices grow into successful multi-location groups while others struggle to scale beyond a second office? In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Courtney Staiger, CFE, to explore one of the most overlooked threats facing dental practices today: fraud, embezzlement, and financial vulnerabilities hiding in plain sight. Drawing from her experience investigating fraud and helping businesses strengthen internal controls, Courtney shares the warning signs practice owners often miss, why trust alone is never a financial strategy, and the systems every practice should have in place to protect revenue and reduce risk. The conversation dives into common embezzlement schemes, the importance of segregation of duties, how to identify red flags before they become costly problems, and practical steps dental leaders can take to create a culture of accountability without damaging team trust. Whether you're a solo practice owner, managing multiple locations, or preparing for future growth, this episode offers valuable insights into protecting the business you've worked so hard to build. Topics discussed include: • Common fraud and embezzlement schemes in dental practices • Warning signs owners and managers often overlook • Why internal controls matter, even in close-knit teams • Creating accountability without creating distrust • Financial safeguards every growing practice should implement • The role of leadership in reducing organizational risk • Practical steps to protect revenue and strengthen operations Connect with Courtney Staiger: LinkedIn: Courtney Staiger, CFE Insurance Untangled is dedicated to helping dental practice owners navigate growth, operations, leadership, marketing, and profitability through conversations with industry experts and successful practice leaders.

When a dental practice grows beyond one location, the things that used to live in your head suddenly need systems, dashboards, and clean data behind them. Without that foundation, growth slows, problems hide longer, and decisions get made on instinct instead of insight. In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, host Don Adeesha sits down with Vincent Cardillo, founder of Mava Dental Advisors and a 25+ year veteran in scaling dental service organizations. Vincent led one group to #14 on the Inc. 500 list with 12,896% growth, and today he provides outsourced C-suite services to emerging dental groups through Mava and their proprietary performance platform, Pronto. Don and Vincent unpack what actually changes when a single practice becomes a group, why most owners struggle with the same five gaps (org chart, accountability, SOPs, training, and numbers), and how to coach yourself out of the "I'll just do it myself" trap. Vincent also breaks down the four KPI buckets every group should be tracking — financial, operational, clinical, and culture — and shares a powerful insight: focusing on just two metrics (missed calls and percentage of new patient calls booked) can grow your new patient count by 20% in three months without spending another dollar on marketing. In this episode, you'll learn: The five biggest operational gaps owners hit when scaling from one to multiple locations Why promoting your most loyal team member into management can backfire — and how to handle it How to have the honest "what do you really want?" conversation with long-tenured staff The four KPI buckets every dental group should track (financial, operational, clinical, culture) The two metrics that can lift new patient numbers 20% in 90 days Why benchmarks matter more than dashboards How data-driven groups build the confidence to open practice #2  

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, hosts Ben Tuinei and Tessina Bullock dive into one of the most overlooked revenue opportunities for dental practices: PPO fee negotiations. Many practices assume insurance reimbursements are fixed, but Ben and Tessina explain why that is not always the case. They discuss why practices often avoid negotiations, how to prepare before approaching insurance companies, and what data matters most when evaluating PPO relationships. You'll learn why knowing your office fees, tracking write-offs, understanding plan profitability, and building leverage are essential steps toward improving reimbursements. Even small fee increases can create a major financial impact over time, especially for practices that remain in-network. This episode is a practical, straight-to-the-point conversation for dental teams looking to take more control of their insurance relationships and stop leaving revenue on the table. Topics covered include: Why many dental practices delay or avoid PPO negotiations Whether insurance companies really negotiate fees How to prepare your data before starting the negotiation process The importance of tracking write-offs and plan profitability Why small reimbursement increases can make a big difference Key takeaways for practices ready to start negotiating For more resources, visit Insuranceuntangled.com

In this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah uncover why doing more—more ads, more PPOs, more hustle—often leads to burnout and lower profitability. Learn how to identify what's actually holding your practice back, and how to solve the right problems using data, call tracking, and smarter marketing and insurance participation. Real stories, practical tips, and a powerful reminder: less is more when done right.

In this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah talk about why so many dentists feel stuck with busy but unproductive schedules. They explain how the real problem often starts with ignoring marketing until it's too late—and how depending on insurance just makes things worse. You'll learn how to take control by attracting the right patients, building long-term marketing habits, and setting smart goals. If you're ready to stress less and gain more freedom, this episode will show you where to start.

In this episode, Ben Tunei and Naren Arulrajah break down what Google truly wants from your dental website in 2026. They explore how Google's AI-first approach is reshaping search, why beautiful websites alone won't cut it, and how E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust), mobile performance, and helpful, trustworthy content are now essential for ranking. Learn what it takes to stand out online and attract more of the right patients to your practice.

In this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah dive into one of the most overlooked threats facing dental practices today: the long-term damage caused by the wrong kind of marketing. Through relatable stories, including a surprising tale about a broken hard drive, Ben and Naren reveal how DIY marketing, copied tactics, and "doing something just to be busy" can quietly sabotage a practice's growth. From slow websites and poor SEO to discount-driven ads that attract the wrong patients, this episode uncovers the invisible leaks that hurt practices without dentists ever realizing it.

What's the secret to keeping patients for life? In this episode, Naren Arulrajah and Ben Tuinei unpack how trust, empathy, and consistency, not gimmicks or discounts, are the real keys to patient loyalty. They dive into how emotional connections, marketing beyond the chair, and strong internal team culture drive long-term retention. Whether you're overwhelmed by insurance or struggling with patient turnover, this episode gives you practical, proven strategies to build lasting relationships and take back control of your practice's growth.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei is joined once again by insurance expert Tessina Bullock. Together, they dive into one of the most frustrating issues dental teams face today — the rising culture of insurance claim denials. From scaling and root planing (SRP) denials to unfair bundling of buildups and other procedures, Ben and Tessina break down what's really happening and why so many valid claims are getting rejected. They also share smart ways to appeal denials, how to hold insurance companies accountable, and when to report trends to the ADA and your insurance commissioner. If your team is stressed, wasting hours on appeals, or constantly underpaid, this episode offers powerful insights and actionable tips to help you push back and get paid what you've earned.  

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, Naren Arulrajah and Ben Tuinei dive into one of the biggest challenges in dentistry: the feeling of being trapped by PPOs. They discuss the emotional and financial toll of insurance dependence, why many dentists fear leaving PPO networks, and practical strategies to regain control and profitability. You'll hear real examples, including a dentist who doubled her income while working fewer days, and actionable insights into how SEO, Google reviews, and smart marketing can help you build a fee-for-service practice that thrives without insurance constraints.

In this powerful episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, co-hosts Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah break down what it really means to have a PPO exit strategy. If you're a dentist feeling stuck with shrinking reimbursements and rising administrative work from insurance companies, this episode is for you. Ben and Naren walk through the steps to evaluate which PPO plans are helping or hurting your bottom line and share how marketing can replace low-value patients with ones who value your care and pay full fees. If you've been thinking about cutting ties with insurance—or just want to stop losing money on low-paying plans—this episode gives you the roadmap to start that journey.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, host Ben Tunei breaks down urgent 2025 changes in umbrella networks — also known as leasing or rental networks — and how they impact your PPO contracts, fee schedules, and in-network status. Learn how insurance companies like MetLife, Cigna, and Delta Dental use these networks to lower your reimbursements without notice. Ben shares smart, practical tips to help you protect your income, reduce insurance dependence, and make informed decisions when new network announcements hit your inbox. If you want to stay ahead of shifting insurance strategies and keep your dental practice profitable, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, host Ben Tunei sits down with co-host and marketing expert Naren Arulrajah to talk about one thing every dental practice needs: strong marketing basics. They break down what really works in 2025, like how to build a website that turns visitors into real patients, why SEO is a long-term win, and how Google Ads can help when you need patients fast. Naren also explains why dentists shouldn't rely too much on social media for new patients, and instead focus on things that bring real results. Whether you're starting fresh or just want to make sure you're doing the right things, this episode gives you a clear path forward  

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, hosts Naren Arulrajah and Ben Tunei discuss how slowing down and spending more time building real relationships with your patients can help you reduce your dependence on PPOs, increase profitability, and rediscover the joy in dentistry. Learn how patient trust leads to stronger case acceptance, happier teams, and lasting practice growth. Featuring practical insights, personal stories, and proven strategies, this episode is a must-listen for dentists who want to build a thriving, relationship-driven, fee-for-service practice.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, hosts Ben Tuinei and Tessina Bullock talk about why more dentists are walking away from insurance networks. They share the top reasons behind this shift — like unfair SRP denials, confusing contract limits, and low reimbursement rates that make it hard for doctors to give the care patients deserve. Ben and Tessina also explain how insurance companies' policies often go against what's best for patients and practices. They show why going out of network can give dentists more freedom, better income, and peace of mind while helping patients get the treatment they truly need.

SEO is often seen as complicated and overwhelming, but in this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah break down why it can be your dental practice's most powerful tool. Discover why there's no quick fix in SEO, the key benchmarks every dentist should measure, and how Google's shift to AI-driven search is changing the game. You'll also learn practical ways to attract ideal patients, reduce dependence on PPOs, and position your practice for long-term growth.

Are you stuck getting only 2 to 5 new patients a month? In this episode, Ben talks with marketing expert Naren about why some dental practices struggle to grow—while others are booked solid. They explore real reasons growth stalls, like poor online visibility, weak reviews, and low phone conversion. You'll also hear simple strategies that can help you attract more of the right patients. If you're ready to break through that plateau and finally see steady growth, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to make it happen.  

Are out-of-network insurance benefits getting better or worse? In this episode, Naren Arulrajah talks with dental insurance expert Ben Tuinei about the major changes happening in the dental world. They break down why more dentists are dropping insurance plans and how employers are pushing for stronger out-of-network benefits. Ben also shares what the future could look like for dental practices, including the possible return of old-school indemnity plans and what to expect as insurance companies try to hold on. If you're thinking about going out of network, this episode is packed with real talk, expert advice, and hope for what's ahead.

Why do so many dental practices work harder year after year, yet still feel like they're falling behind? In this eye-opening episode, Ben Tuinei sits down with marketing expert Naren Arulrajah to redefine what real growth means for dental practices. It's not just about attracting more patients, it's about attracting the right ones. Naren explains why depending on PPOs and price-driven advertising can actually shrink your profitability, and how practices can shift toward high-value, treatment-accepting patients who truly value dentistry. From SEO strategies that actually work to building trust with powerful patient stories and reviews, this episode breaks down a practical, modern approach to long-term practice growth.

Is your dental practice stuck in a cycle of doing everything yourself? In this insightful episode of Insurance Untangled, co-hosts Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah dive into why the most successful dental practices thrive on collaboration, not isolation. Naren introduces the concept of interdependence, a powerful business mindset shift that empowers practice owners to focus on what they do best and delegate the rest. From hiring the right marketing partner to building an empowered team, this episode explores how smart collaboration can elevate your practice, attract your ideal patients, and help you finally enjoy the freedom you deserve.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei and Tessina Bullock break down the current state of PPO fee negotiations in 2025. They explain why it's more important than ever to build your insurance profile, understand your leverage, and pay attention to hidden issues like code downgrades and umbrella networks. You'll learn simple, step-by-step tips to start negotiating smarter—whether you go it alone or work with a pro. Plus, discover how the right marketing strategy can help you attract better patients and reduce your insurance dependence for good.

How do you grow your dental practice when the economy feels shaky and patients are pulling back? In this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah answer the five biggest questions dentists are asking about growth during uncertain times. From rising costs to changing patient expectations, they break down what's really happening — and what you can do about it. Learn how to attract better patients, build lasting relationships, and use simple marketing strategies that work — even when others are shrinking. This is a must-listen if you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start growing with clarity and confidence.

In Episode 116 of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah explore how the 80/20 rule can transform your dental practice. Learn why just 20% of your efforts lead to 80% of your results—and how to stop wasting time and money on marketing that doesn't work. Naren shares a simple framework to help patients find you, like you, and trust you, using real examples and clear, no-fluff advice. You'll also hear mindset lessons from sports greats like Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan, showing how focus and consistency create long-term success. Whether you're stuck in insurance traps or just tired of going in circles, this episode will help you take control and grow with purpose.

Are the right people in the right roles on your dental team? In this episode of Insurance Untangled, host Ben Tuinei sits down with Christina Jones, dental coach and co-founder of New Wave Dental Solutions to explore how DISC personality assessments can transform team dynamics in a dental practice. Christina shares her journey from dental assistant to coach, and explains how understanding personality profiles leads to better role alignment, improved communication, stronger culture, and even increased profitability. Whether you're struggling with team morale or want to boost office efficiency, this episode is packed with actionable insight.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah dive deep into the shifting landscape of digital search and what AI means for your dental practice. Learn how "zero-click" searches, Google's evolving algorithms, and AI tools are already influencing whether patients find and choose your practice—often without ever clicking your website. From Google EEAT to voice search trends, this episode unpacks what it takes to stand out online in 2025 and beyond.

Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of packed schedules and low profitability? In this powerful episode of the Insurance Untangled podcast, co-hosts Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah explore the essential strategies every dental practice must know to attract more high-value cases and reduce their reliance on PPOs. Many dentists find themselves overwhelmed with a packed schedule but minimal profitability, this episode reveals why that happens and how to reverse it.

In this episode, Ben Tuinei welcomes back expert guest Perrin DesPortes to dive into the real reasons so many dental practices struggle to recruit and keep great associates. They share why hiring reactively leads to mistakes, and how a proactive recruiting mindset can completely change the game. You'll learn how to build a practice associates want to join—and stay with—from smart compensation models to culture, mentorship, and even ownership. Whether you're growing or tired of the "revolving door," this episode gives you a proven path forward.

What does it take to grow a struggling small-town dental practice into a $1M+ fee-for-service success story? In this episode, Ben and Naren break down the inspiring journey of a dentist who did just that, without working more days or relying on PPOs. You'll learn how smart strategy, a clear vision, and a commitment to value-driven care led to remarkable results, even through a pandemic. Whether you're in a rural town or a busy metro, this story proves that your mindset and model, not your location, determine your ceiling.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei is joined by Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to answer a key question: How much should a dental practice really spend on marketing? They discuss why 5% of revenue is a common benchmark, how some practices succeed with less than 1%, and why SEO provides a 5x cost advantage over paid ads. You'll also learn the importance of tracking key metrics, optimizing every step of the patient journey, and aligning your marketing efforts with your practice goals. If you're ready to make your marketing dollars work better don't miss this conversation.

In this episode, Ben Tuinei and marketing expert Naren Arulrajah explain how to build a dental brand that stands out online and brings in loyal, high-value patients. Learn how to use your reviews, website, and team to create a message that builds trust—and keeps the right patients coming back. Perfect for dentists who want to grow, reduce insurance dependence, and stand out in a crowded market.

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled Podcast, Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah tackle an important topic for every dental practice: the difference between being chosen intentionally versus being picked randomly. Discover why being a patient's deliberate choice leads to greater loyalty, better treatment outcomes, and a more fulfilling practice life. Naren outlines how to build a marketing strategy that attracts ideal patients,those who share your values and seek your expertise.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben and Tessina dive into a major challenge that dental offices face: what to do when insurance companies make mistakes and patients wrongly blame the doctor. You'll hear real talk about why these mistakes happen, how offices can better educate their patients, and what steps to take when plans drop your practice without warning. Tessina shares smart, simple strategies to protect your practice, help your patients, and stop insurance from running the show.  This episode is packed with honest stories, strong advice, and empowering steps that help you take control of your dental practice — and your peace of mind.  

Feeling stuck doing procedures you don't enjoy? In this episode of Insurance Untangled, Ben Tuinei sits down with Naren Arulrajah to unpack why so many dentists feel trapped in a cycle of low-value, PPO-driven dentistry and what you can do to break free. Discover how to attract patients who truly value your skills, align your schedule with the services you love, and regain control of your practice's direction. Learn how effective marketing, especially SEO can be your most powerful tool to build a practice that reflects your passion and purpose.

Struggling to boost hygiene production without overwhelming your team? In this episode, Erica chats with Jennifer about how to improve your office's perio performance. They break down what that number really means and why most offices treat way fewer patients than they should. Jennifer also shares how to use the D4346 code the right way, how to prep patients for treatment acceptance, and why clear systems matter more than ever. This episode is full of helpful tips to grow your practice and keep your team happy.  

Do your treatment talks feel too "salesy"? In this episode, Ben and Naren share how to help patients say "yes" with trust, not pressure. Learn why most marketing plans fail, how to avoid ad waste, and what really builds connection. Simple tips you can use today — even if you're just getting started.  

Are PPO plans quietly controlling your practice? In this episode, Ben Tuinei and Naren dive into how PPOs can feel like an addiction—pulling you in with the promise of more patients, but slowly taking away your freedom, your profits, and your peace of mind. They talk about the real struggles dentists face when trying to drop insurance plans—like fear of losing patients or not staying busy. But they also share how this cycle can be broken. It starts with marketing. When you bring in new patients who aren't tied to PPOs, you start to take back control. You'll hear a real story of a dentist who doubled her income while working fewer days—just by using smart marketing and letting go of bad PPO contracts one at a time. It's not about quitting everything overnight. It's about building a better path forward, step by step. If you feel stuck and want a way out, this episode gives you hope, a plan, and the push to start making changes that will free your practice from the grip of insurance.  

Are you making one of these 4 costly dental marketing mistakes?In this episode, we break down the most common missteps that hold practices back from consistent growth and what you can do to turn things around. From overspending on ads to ignoring local SEO and underestimating the power of Google reviews, we unpack why your current marketing strategy may not be delivering results. Tune in to learn how to shift your approach, attract better patients, and build a more profitable, insurance-independent practice.

In this episode of Insurance Untangled, host Ben Tuinei sits down with Dr. Jeff Grove, a former DSO owner and now a leadership coach for dentists. Dr. Grove shares his journey from scaling multiple locations to helping dentists refocus, rebuild culture, and lead with clarity.  If you've ever felt stuck between clinical work and leadership or unsure what direction your practice should take, this episode will give you the tools to build a practice with intention.

In this episode, Ben interviews Naren about his journey from getting fired four times to building a 300-person dental marketing company. Naren opens up about the struggles, hard lessons, and key mindset shifts that helped him succeed. You'll hear how focusing on helping others, creating long-term vision, and building real team culture can transform your practice and life.  If you're a dentist trying to break free from insurance reliance and grow your practice, book a FREE marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa today! Link - https://www.insuranceuntangled.org/msm/ 

In this episode, Ben Tuinei interviews Glen Jensen, a dental business advisor and author of Profound Mini-Lessons for Dentists. They discuss key lessons from Glen's decades of experience helping dental practices improve operations and increase profitability. Topics include common mistakes new practice owners make, how to prevent embezzlement, building strong team culture, and the importance of understanding the business side of dentistry. Glen also shares insights on leadership, systems, and long-term success strategies for dentists looking to create sustainable, thriving practices.  

In this episode of the Insurance Untangled podcast, hosts Ben Tuinei and Naren Arulrajah talk about building a dental practice that can handle any challenge. They discuss the difference between proactive and reactive practices. Ones that plan ahead versus ones always fixing problems. Naren shares three keys to success: strong leadership, solid systems, and building patient relationships. He also ties in marketing strategies, like Google reviews and videos, to attract new patients. They end with advice for practice owners to check their basics and keep improving.  

Tired of insurance companies paying you with virtual credit cards instead of direct deposits or checks? In this episode, Ben and Tessina explain why insurers do this, how it impacts your payments, and, most importantly, how to stop it. They walk through the steps to opt out, what to say when calling the insurance company, and how to avoid hidden fees. If you're dealing with this issue, this episode is a must-listen! Take control of your reimbursements today.