Dental Practice by Design | Amplify360

EBITDA is one of the most talked-about numbers in dentistry—but many practice owners misunderstand what it really means and how it impacts the value of their practice.In this episode, Dr. Frank Clayton breaks down the financial metric that private equity firms and DSOs use to evaluate dental practices. You’ll learn how EBITDA differs from collections, why DSOs focus on margins, and what factors actually drive practice valuations—from revenue mix and associate doctors to operational systems and growth potential.Whether you plan to sell to a DSO someday or remain independent for the long haul, understanding how investors analyze your practice can help you build a stronger, more valuable business.

Private practice doesn’t lose to corporate dentistry because of marketing budgets—it loses when patients stop feeling known. In this episode, Dr. Frank Clayton and hygienist Lindsay Murphy break down how the hygiene chair becomes your practice’s real “moat”: the place where trust is built, treatment is understood, and loyalty is earned visit after visit.What you’ll learn from listening:Why hygiene is your strongest defense against corporate dentistry (and your biggest growth engine)How to turn “routine cleanings” into relationship-driven visits that boost retention and referralsThe patient-experience standard that keeps people calm, cared for, and consistently reappointedHow to handle “difficult” patients by getting to the real issue behind the behavior—and making the appointment easier for everyoneThe “planned spontaneity” doctor exam: how hygienist + doctor alignment makes treatment feel natural, not salesyA simple, repeatable handoff system (clinical → doctor → front desk) that increases case acceptance through consistencyHow internal team communication (quick messaging, not headsets) keeps everyone coordinated without disrupting the patientWhat seasoned hygienists do differently: connecting life factors (stress, sleep, bruxism) to clinical findings and preventionHow to improve hygiene profitability ethically by using the right codes, time, and diagnostic opportunities—without “pushing”Leadership lessons that keep teams loyal for years: trust, communication, and meaningful appreciation over generic bonus models