The Thriving Dentist Show

Gary Takacs has coached dental practices in all 50 states through PPO resignation - and has seen what happens when it is done without preparation. One practice lost half its revenue. This episode is the checklist that prevents that. Five specific steps in sequence: know your numbers, assess your relationality, train every team member, find out the hygiene copayment plan by plan, and get your marketing producing results before the first resignation letter goes out. Plus Dr. Ekta Pandya on air abrasion and a 40% bond strength boost, and Naren on the review and phone conversion standards a practice needs before dropping any plan.

Most dental practice growth plans fail by January 10th. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explain exactly why, and exactly what to do about it. Four specific rocks, individual champions, a three-meeting cadence, and the team incentive that took one practice from two Google reviews a month to twenty-six. Plus, Naren on AI search for dental practices, the five benchmarks that define a real patient acquisition engine, and cost-per-lead tracking that shows which channels to scale and which to drop. A mid-year reset episode with real time left in 2026 to act on it.

Most dental marketing advice focuses on getting the phone to ring. This episode covers what happens next. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the admin team traits that drive dental practice growth, the hiring mistakes that quietly cost practices new patients, and the systems behind one practice's jump from 25% to 76% phone conversion, more than tripling new patient acquisition from the same marketing spend. A practical episode on dental practice management, hiring, and turning marketing investment into real results. Plus, a clinical tip from Dr. Jared Williams on protecting the nerve during wisdom tooth extraction.

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on the most requested topic from Thriving Dentist listeners: how to increase treatment acceptance. Three benchmarks, four common mistakes, the family member technique, Dr. Frank Spear's six photos, the hygienist script, the consultation room argument, the 60/40 split for high-value dentistry, and the stat that stops every practice owner: less than 6% of insurance patients ever accepted non-urgent treatment.

Want to know how your dental practice really stacks up against your local competition? Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah walk you through a 30-minute dental competitor audit you can run yourself, covering keyword rankings, Google reviews, local SEO, and service landing pages, so you can find the gaps that are costing you new patients. Plus Dr. Jeff Buske on why patients say no to how treatment is presented, not the treatment itself. Get your free Audit Report at ekwa.com/td

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal how to make every year your new best year, from the four reasons growth matters to the exact strategies that take a plateaued practice to record production. You will also hear why 2026 is the year to master local search and what an appropriate marketing budget really looks like.

42% of Americans put off the dentist indefinitely because of fear and most of them are already in your market. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah unpack one of dentistry's biggest untapped opportunities: the anxious patient. They cover why fearful patients stay silent, the psychology of control and the simple "stop signal" that puts patients at ease, sedation options worth knowing, and the SEO and landing page strategy for reaching patients who search "afraid of going to the dentist." Plus, a live discovery - men are far more likely to avoid the dentist than women, an underserved segment hiding in plain sight. Want to know how many anxious patients you're missing and where your practice is leaving growth on the table? Book a free 30-minute Practice Growth Assessment with an Ekwa dental marketing advisor. You'll get a review of your new patient acquisition, an audit of your top 3 growth bottlenecks, and a simple action plan to keep. No pitch, no pressure. Book yours at ekwa.com/td

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on the complete guide to hiring an associate dentist: why the DDS is not a hiring filter, the 54% indifference statistic, Gary's four-area screening framework, the #1 mistake practices make, compensation on adjusted production, and the mentoring rhythm that determines long-term success. Plus, Naren's AI search marketing segment.

Most dental practices lose new patients the moment a call goes unanswered - and most don't know it's happening. In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the after-hours and missed-call response system every dental practice needs in 2026. Inside: why 95% of new patients won't leave a voicemail, the 60-second response standard, when Book Now buttons help (and when they kill new patient numbers), and the simple audit every practice should run on its own phone system. Plus the wake-up call: a $15M multi-location practice that was missing 1,400 calls a month with no idea it was happening. Bonus guest segment from Dr. Jeff Buske on the work-to-home transition no one in dentistry talks about. Want to find out how many calls YOUR practice is missing? Book a free Marketing Strategy Meeting with Ekwa - we'll pull your actual call data: ekwa.com/td Want help building the after-hours response protocol? Book a free Coaching Strategy Meeting with Gary Takacs: thrivingdentist.com/csm

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah dig into why dentists underprice their work, how the UCR percentile system sets fee ceilings in your zip code, what insurance companies actually pay (and where they downgrade), and why only 0.24% of dentists — 1 in 400 have fees set at the 80th percentile of their market. You'll also learn the annual fee-increase rhythm Gary recommends, how to handle the patient conversation without ever "announcing" a fee increase, and when value pricing works in a dental practice. Essential listening for any practice owner reviewing their dental fee schedule in 2026.

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on how to stay visible and trusted in the new AI search era. ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Bing AI are already recommending dental practices and the signals they use are different from traditional SEO. This episode tells you exactly what to fix, what to build, and how to get your AI report card.

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah on the three leadership mindsets that separate thriving practices from struggling ones: curiosity over judgment, humility, and a genuine embrace of experimentation. Plus, the solopreneur trap, how to evaluate AI and technology correctly, and the vision exercise that Gary uses with every coaching client.

Gary Takacs and Victoria Peterson of Productive Dentist Academy explore what it takes to build an Investment Grade Practice — financially strong, personally fulfilling, and built to last. Two real case studies, a financial freedom formula, and a framework that changes how dentists think about their work and their future.

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah walk through the five business lessons every new dental practice owner must learn - fast. From why leadership is the governor on your practice's growth to why your production number is an illusion, this episode is a masterclass in running a dental business, not just a dental practice.

Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the High Value Dentistry Growth Plan - why discounting destroys trust, how to attract implant and cosmetic patients through SEO, and why call training is the most overlooked growth lever. Plus, a clinical tip from Dr. Nick Sharma: why every child should see a dentist by age one. Ready to grow your practice? Book a complimentary Marketing Strategy Meeting: ekwa.com/td Get personalized coaching with Gary: thrivingdentist.com/csm

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah make the case for prevention-based dentistry - and give you the tools to build it. From CAMBRA and AI diagnosis tools to six digital photos and hygiene systems, this is a practical roadmap for building a practice that patients trust. Plus, Naren's marketing tip on why SEO patients spend 6x longer on your website than ad patients - and what that means for your marketing spend.

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah expose one of the most overlooked revenue leaks in dental practices: missed calls and poor phone conversion. They share real data, conversion benchmarks, and proven strategies to help your team turn more phone calls into booked appointments. Plus, catch a clinical tip from Dr. Howard Ochs on the fastest way to clear and fill implant access channels - a two-second technique that saves significant chair time.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share practical ways to reduce no-shows for high-value dentistry like implants, Invisalign, and sedation cases. You'll learn why patients skip these appointments and how to fix it by building desire, asking for full payment upfront, using strong confirmation systems, and training your team to support the process. Plus, hear a powerful marketing tip on Google EEAT and why it matters for your practice's online visibility. Don't miss this value-packed episode!

In this episode, Gary and Naren talk about how to take control of your practice's money with something called revenue cycle management. They explain simple ways to get paid on time, avoid billing surprises, and keep patients happy. Plus, Dr. Andrew Adly shares a smart tip to save a crown when the buildup breaks. If you want less stress and more profit, this episode is for you!

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah tackle one of the biggest hidden profit leaks in dentistry. Unscheduled treatment plans. They explain why many dental practices have thousands of patients in their database but only a small number who move forward with recommended care. You will learn why patients say no to treatment, how to create real interest instead of pushing solutions, and why showing clear photos can increase case acceptance. Gary shares simple text message scripts that work better than phone calls, how far back you should go when following up on incomplete treatment, and why every practice needs a weekly system to track and schedule pending dentistry. If you want to increase treatment acceptance, boost production without adding more new patients, improve patient follow up, and build a stress free dental practice with strong systems, this episode gives you clear, practical steps you can use right away. For a complimentary Marketing Strategy Meeting visit ekwa.com/td and for a Coaching Session with Gary visit thrivingdentist.com/csm

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explain how AI is changing the way patients find and choose a dentist in 2026. They break down how Google AI, ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI Overviews now shape search results, and why dentists must show up in Google Maps, organic SEO, and AI generated answers to stay competitive. You will learn what EEAT means for your dental website, why expert written content builds trust, and how AI driven search impacts dental marketing strategy and online visibility. Gary also shares why tracking new patient calls is still the most important marketing metric, and how to measure real ROI instead of chasing rankings alone. If you want more new patients, stronger Google rankings, and a clear plan for AI powered dental marketing, this episode delivers practical guidance you can act on right away. For a complimentary Marketing Strategy Meeting visit ekwa.com/td and for a Coaching Session with Gary visit thrivingdentist.com/csm.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore why many dentists avoid hard or "crucial" conversations—and how that avoidance can quietly limit practice growth, leadership effectiveness, and personal fulfillment. Gary breaks down how DISC personality styles and conflict avoidance are wired into many dentists, why behavioral mastery is just as critical as clinical excellence, and how reframing difficult conversations as acts of service can change everything. Listeners will gain practical insights into emotional intelligence, setting boundaries with patients and team members, and developing the communication skills necessary to help their practice—and themselves—reach their full potential.

What would happen to your schedule - and your profitability - if you resigned from a PPO tomorrow? In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share a practical readiness checklist to help practice owners drop PPO plans the right way - without creating "Swiss cheese" holes in the schedule. They break down the three must-have signs you're ready to go out-of-network: a relationship-driven practice, real schedule demand, and a proven dental marketing system that consistently attracts high-quality new patients. You'll also hear about membership plans, high-value services, and team training - including how to confidently answer, "Do you take my insurance?" - can strengthen your transition and protect cash flow.

How do you move patients from basic, insurance-driven dentistry to comprehensive care they truly value? In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah unpack why traditional case presentation often fails—and what actually works instead. They explore the mindset shifts, relationship-building strategies, and marketing fundamentals that help patients understand, want, and accept comprehensive dentistry. From the role of hygiene and team communication to SEO, Google reviews, and patient trust, this conversation offers actionable insights for dentists who want to grow high-value care without feeling like they're "selling."

In this episode, Gary talks with Dr. Amreesh Khanna about how AI is changing dentistry. They explore how OraQ helps dentists give more consistent care, improve case acceptance, and even connect dental and medical data. Dr. Khanna also shares his personal journey—from rebuilding his flooded practice to building a tech company helping dental teams every day.

What does it truly take to be happy as a dentist? In this powerful and reflective episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore why so many dentists feel burned out, unfulfilled, or disconnected from the profession they once loved and what can be done to change that. Drawing from decades of experience working with thousands of dental practice owners, Gary shares why chasing the wrong definition of success often leads to dissatisfaction, how comparison and PPO dependence contribute to burnout, and why clarity, purpose, and balance matter more than ever. Together, Gary and Naren unpack practical habits, mindset shifts, and systems that help dentists regain control of their time, energy, and professional joy.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore how dental practices can grow without adding more dental insurance plans. They unpack the real cost of PPO participation, share proven systems that support insurance independence, and explain how strategic marketing attracts patients who value quality care. The episode also features a listener contribution from Dr. Darryl Burke, who discusses increasing clinical value through implant dentistry and investing in skills that elevate profitability and professional satisfaction.

Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share five key decisions every dentist should make to build a more profitable, less stressful practice this year. From setting clear goals to reducing PPO dependence, these strategies are simple, actionable, and proven to work. You'll also learn how to track the right numbers, build a stronger team, and grow high-value services that patients want. Whether you're looking to grow by 10% or just gain more control over your time, this episode will help you create your best year yet.

In this special New Year's Eve episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reflect on the biggest lessons and transformations dental practices experienced in 2025. From navigating inflation, staffing shortages, and PPO pressures to leveraging marketing and AI, they unpack what set successful practices apart and where others fell short. Discover the key moves top practices made to not only survive but thrive, plus practical advice to make 2026 your most fulfilling and profitable year yet.

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share a practical plan for dentists who want to move toward a 4-day workweek without sacrificing income. They explain the numbers behind cutting a day, how to raise production per day with smarter dental scheduling, stronger delegation, and a better procedure mix, and how hygiene production can drive steady practice growth—plus when adding an associate dentist actually fits. You'll also hear a quick clinical note from Dr. Omar Montaser on cleaning the isthmus in root canals using activated irrigation.

In this episode, Gary and Naren dive into a major growth opportunity for dentists—sleep and airway services. They talk about why sleep apnea is a serious but often untreated problem, and how dentists can help patients who struggle with CPAP machines by offering easier, more comfortable solutions. You'll also learn how to market these services using the right keywords, how to screen patients, and why this could be a great long-term fit for your practice. Whether you're just curious or ready to jump in, this episode is full of tips to help you start strong and grow with confidence.

In this inspiring conversation, Gary Takacs interviews Dr. Whitney Weiner, periodontist, multi-location practice owner, and Chief Growth Officer at Icon Dental Partners. They explore Whitney's journey from clinician to leader, the power of growing people from within, the oral–systemic connection, and the philosophy of "growth for the right reasons." With real stories of team members rising into transformative roles, insights on HR challenges, and a refreshing abundance-minded approach to dentistry, this episode is a must-listen for dentists committed to building meaningful, people-centered practices.

Your first impression used to happen at the front desk. Now, it happens online—before a patient ever calls. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down how your website, reviews, and Google profile shape trust in 2025. They explain how small online problems (like a slow site or outdated reviews) can silently push new patients away—and how to fix them. You'll also hear how to make your site faster, easier to use, and more welcoming—with tools like video, real photos, and better content. If you're ready to turn your website into your practice's best conversion tool, this episode is packed with clear, actionable tips to help you start now.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore how dental teams can not only handle change - but thrive through it. From new technology to shifting patient behavior, change is everywhere. Gary shares real-life stories, mindset tips, and team strategies that help practices stay flexible, focused, and future-ready. You'll also hear a powerful marketing tip from Naren on the 3 biggest SEO mistakes most practices make (and how to avoid them). If you're looking to build a stronger, more confident team that grows with your practice - this episode is packed with simple, actionable advice you can use right away.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs sits down with Dr. Chris Phelps, dentist, entrepreneur, and certified trainer at the Cialdini Institute, to explore the science behind ethical persuasion and how it applies to dentistry. Dr. Phelps shares how understanding principles such as reciprocity, scarcity, consistency, liking, and social proof can elevate patient trust, improve case acceptance, and strengthen team communication. He also discusses the difference between persuasion and coercion, the power of creating the right mindset before communication (persuasion), and how to ethically apply these concepts in daily practice. Listeners will gain actionable insights into transforming their practice culture through psychology-driven communication and learn how to access training directly from the Cialdini Institute.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share how to fast-track your dental team's performance in just 90 days using a focused framework inspired by The 12-Week Year. Discover how short-term goals drive long-term success as Gary explains how to prioritize the right objectives, motivate your team through purpose-driven leadership, and use check-ins to sustain accountability. From improving case acceptance and handling emergencies effectively to measuring KPIs like the Accounts Receivable Ratio, this conversation offers practical, proven steps to help your team work smarter, stay aligned, and achieve measurable growth.

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share real-world strategies to fix a weak dental schedule and keep your practice thriving all year long. Learn how to overcome slow months, reactivate hygiene patients, follow up on unscheduled treatment, and use same-day dentistry to fill your chairs fast. You'll also hear a powerful Clinical Tip from Dr. Raabiha Maan of London on how to build stronger patient trust by slowing down your exams and focusing on connection over pressure. Whether your schedule feels light or you just want to grow production, this episode gives you simple, proven steps to boost appointments, reduce stress, and achieve steady dental practice growth.

In this eye-opening episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs uncovers a shocking truth about dental insurance that most professionals aren't aware of — only 2.8% of patients with dental insurance use their full annual benefit. Gary explains why this matters, how insurance companies profit from unused benefits, and what steps dentists can take to better educate their patients. He also discusses practical strategies for reducing insurance dependence, improving call conversion rates, and creating stronger patient connections. This episode sheds light on the hidden dynamics of dental insurance and empowers dental professionals to take proactive steps toward greater independence and profitability. If you're ready to understand the real impact of dental insurance on your practice and how to create long-term success, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs welcomes Dr. Wardah Inam, CEO and Co-Founder of Overjet, the global leader in AI-powered dental technology. Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming modern dentistry - from analyzing x-rays with remarkable precision to improving case acceptance, insurance verification, and credentialing workflows. Dr. Inam reveals how Overjet's cutting-edge innovations are helping dental professionals deliver better patient care, reduce administrative stress, and increase profitability. Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, or dental team member, this episode will give you actionable insights into how AI can simplify workflows, enhance diagnostics, and help patients truly understand their oral health. Tune in now to learn how Overjet is helping practices work smarter, save time, and elevate the overall patient experience.

In this powerful episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs reveals the common traits shared by thriving dental practices. Drawing from over 45 years of coaching and consulting experience, Gary outlines the seven goals of a thriving practice—from achieving financial independence and reducing insurance dependence to strengthening leadership and team satisfaction. You'll learn how to measure what matters, build a high-performance dental team, and leverage AI-driven marketing to stay ahead in 2025. Whether you're a solo practitioner or leading a multi-doctor office, this episode offers a proven framework to create your own version of success. Tune in now to discover what it really takes to build a thriving, profitable, and fulfilling dental practice!

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal how patients decide within seconds whether your dental office is the right choice for them. Discover why attention spans are shrinking, how website design and trust cues shape first impressions, and which visual elements instantly turn browsers into booked patients. You'll learn actionable strategies to help your practice stand out - including: • Using authentic team photos and full-face smile transformations • Adding short, friendly welcome videos to build patient trust • Creating a mobile-first website that converts visitors fast • Leveraging Google reviews (10+ "love letter" reviews per month!) to boost credibility and social proof Whether you want to attract more high-quality patients, improve SEO performance, or increase call conversion rates, this episode is packed with insights to help your practice thrive in today's digital world. Listen now and transform your website into a patient-converting powerhouse!

Running a successful dental practice in 2025 takes more than production numbers. In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the five essential metrics every dentist should track to build a profitable, patient-focused, and stress-free practice. Learn how to shift from production to profitability, reduce PPO dependence, boost patient loyalty, and keep a high-performing dental team you truly enjoy working with. We'll also cover practical strategies to protect your work-life balance so you can thrive in and out of the office. If you're ready to grow your dental practice, strengthen patient relationships, and achieve lasting financial freedom, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, host Gary Takacs talks with Ian McNickle, CEO of Icon Dental Partners, about the shift from DSOs to Dental Partnership Organizations (DPOs) and how they're reshaping dentistry. Discover how true clinical autonomy, stronger ownership opportunities, and smart staffing solutions help dentists reduce insurance dependence and build lasting profitability. Whether you're planning a transition, scaling your practice, or seeking financial freedom, this episode is packed with proven strategies to support your career and lifestyle goals.

Struggling with patients rejecting periodontal therapy? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share proven strategies to increase patient acceptance of conservative periodontal therapy, highlight the oral-systemic health connection, and provide simple verbal skills for hygienists to boost gum disease treatment acceptance and grow hygiene-driven production.

By 2025, almost one-third of US dentists are expected to resign from PPO plans. In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal why rising costs, wage pressures, and shrinking reimbursements are making PPO participation unsustainable—and how many practices are unknowingly losing $500k+ each year in write-offs. You'll also learn Gary's proven six-step blueprint to reduce insurance dependence without losing patients. Listen now to discover how to build a profitable, patient-centered practice without being controlled by PPOs.

Are hidden profit killers draining your dental practice? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal 4 overlooked areas — from mishandled new patient calls to weak treatment follow-ups — that could be costing you thousands. Learn simple, proven strategies to boost conversions, improve case acceptance, and strengthen practice profitability.

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the 4 proven steps to building a dental marketing funnel that attracts quality new patients and gets them to book—without depending on PPO plans. Discover how to rank higher with SEO, use Google reviews and patient stories to build trust, and train your team to turn calls into appointments. Listen now and start growing your practice with a funnel that actually works!

Discover why the new patient experience in dentistry is the key to case acceptance and loyalty. Gary Takacs shares a 7-step process to improve patient trust, reduce PPO dependence, and transition to a fee for-service dental practice.

In this episode of The Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and co-host Naren Arulrajah reveal seven goals that can transform your dental practice into one that delivers greater profit, satisfaction, and balance. Gary explains how these goals work together to help you control overhead, achieve financial independence, build a strong team, and enjoy a better work-life balance—whether you run a solo or multi-doctor office. Special guest Dr. Omar Khaled returns with a vital clinical tip on managing necrotic cases in emergency visits. Packed with practical strategies and real-world examples, this episode shows you how to take control of your practice and create the career—and life—you want.

In this episode of the Thriving Dentist Show, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah address a critical financial challenge in dental practices; how to keep team member wages within a sustainable budget. With inflation and wage expectations on the rise, this episode outlines actionable strategies to maintain financial health without compromising team satisfaction. Gary shares a proven wage budget formula (28% or less of collections) and explores the power of increasing production versus cutting costs. Naren provides marketing tips on accurately tracking new patient sources to maximize ROI. Together, they offer expert insights on the importance of reducing PPO dependence, using AI to boost productivity, and implementing performance-based compensation.