Practice Pulse Podcast by PbN

Description:Leadership isn’t just about strategy. It’s about clarity, confidence, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. In this episode, Dr. Aditi Agarwal sits down with Executive Coach Thomas Passalacqua, Ascend Professional Pathways, LLC to discuss what it really takes to grow as a leader in today’s fast-evolving dental landscape.Thomas shares how executive coaching helps dentists and business leaders move beyond surface-level tactics and address the internal challenges that often hold them back. From overcoming doubt and decision paralysis to building stronger self-awareness, this conversation dives into the personal side of leadership that directly impacts business growth.If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain about your next move, or ready to step into a bigger leadership role, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to move forward with clarity and confidence.Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:10 – Thomas Passalacqua’s journey from being a teacher to executive coach04:50 – What executive coaching really is (and how it’s different from consulting)06:05 – Common challenges leaders face when stepping into bigger roles08:10 – The emotional side of leadership and why it matters11:57 – The cost of doing nothing: how to know if coaching is right for you13:47 – Real breakthroughs: what happens when clients discover their own solutions15:07 – Strategies leaders can use to move through fear and make confident decisions 18:07 – What the coaching actually looks like and how fast you can see results 21:14 – Overcoming resistance and breaking through self-inflicted barriers 24:48 – How to connect with Thomas and access the exclusive listener offerAbout the SpeakerThomas Passalacqua is a certified Executive Coach who specializes in customized professional & leadership development. With a master’s in education, Thomas started his career as a founding teacher in New York City. He then transitioned into dental manufacturing sales, where he was an award-winning consultant who trained and mentored other sales professionals. Transitioning again, Thomas was the director of business development for a growing dental group practice in the Northeast where he led sales and marketing for mergers & acquisitions. In his executive coaching and professional training platform, Ascend Professional Pathways LLC, he enables various industry leaders to gain clarity and improve their business leadership skills. His clients are empowered to reach the next level in their businesses and careers by overcoming doubts, fears, and uncertainty and making strategic decisions to better align with their goals.Exclusive Listener OfferPodcast listeners receive 5% off on any Executive Coaching program with Thomas Passalacqua. If you’re looking to gain clarity, strengthen your leadership, and make more confident decisions in your business or career, this is a great opportunity to take the next step.Don’t miss it, this is a limited offer!

Running a successful dental practice requires more than great clinical skills. Leadership, systems, and strategy are what ultimately determine whether a practice grows or becomes overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Aditi Agarwal sits down with Dr. Rehan Shahid, a practicing dentist, entrepreneur, and co-CEO of a multi-practice dental group, to discuss how dentists can transition from day-to-day operators into confident CEOs. Dr. Rehan shares the mindset shifts, systems, and leadership strategies that helped him scale multiple practices while avoiding the burnout that many practice owners experience. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the daily grind of dentistry, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, delegation, and building a practice that runs beyond you. About the Speaker Dr. Rehan Shahid is a practicing dentist, entrepreneur, and co-CEO of a multi-practice dental group. He is the founder of Practice Success Academy, where he helps dentists buy back their time and scale their practice through transitioning from being day-to-day operators into confident CEOs by building strong leadership, scalable systems, and data-driven accountability. Drawing from real-world experience leading multiple offices, Dr. Rehan is passionate about helping dentists create profitable, predictable practices that thrive without owner burnout. Exclusive Listener Offer Podcast listeners are invited to a complimentary 30-minute CEO Strategy Call where we’ll review leadership structure, key performance metrics, and the primary bottleneck preventing their practice from scaling. The goal is to provide clarity and actionable next steps, whether or not we work together. Don’t miss it, this is a limited offer! If you found this podcast helpful,👍 Like the video 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway or 2026 goal 🔔 Subscribe to the Practice Pulse Podcast for more real, practical conversations on modern dentistry

In this episode, we sit down with Dina Lynch Eisenberg, JD, EMBA, CEO and Founder of Talkola, to unpack a problem many dental practices feel but rarely name: shadow friction. Dina brings over 30 years of experience as a mediator, organizational ombuds, and former healthcare attorney, having resolved more than 6,000 workplace conflicts for organizations like Bank of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Coca-Cola, and Twitter. Now, through Talkola, she’s helping leaders use science-backed AI to practice difficult conversations before tension quietly erodes culture, performance, and profitability. Together, we explore: → What “shadow friction” looks like inside dental practices, even when things seem “mostly fine” → Why dentists struggle with hard conversations and what really happens when issues are avoided → How unspoken tension impacts patient experience, front-desk flow, hygiene schedules, and team morale → The real financial cost of unresolved conflict, from turnover to lost production → Dina’s FACTS framework for navigating tough conversations without HR training or a psychology degree → Why practicing difficult conversations builds confidence and transforms leadership effectiveness 🎁 Bonus for listeners: Dina is offering her Preamble Guide, a practical resource to help dentists start difficult conversations clearly and confidently. Reach out to Dina directly to receive it. Contact Dina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dina.eisenberg This episode is a must-listen for dentists who want stronger teams, better communication, and a healthier practice culture without burnout or drama.

Hiring feels more complex than it should, especially in dentistry. Short-staffed teams. Rushed interviews. Costly mis-hires. In this episode, Dr. Aditi Agarwal sits down with Wendy Aldhamen, Founder of Career Elevation, to break down how dental practices can hire better, faster, and more intentionally without burning out their teams or compromising culture. Whether you’re a practice owner, associate dentist, or team leader, this conversation will change how you think about recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding in today’s competitive market. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:03 – Wendy’s journey: from dental assistant to hiring leader. 04:27 – How dental hiring has changed over the last 5 years (and in 2025). 06:42 – The most common hiring mistakes dentists make under pressure. 09:52 – What a strong, effective dental interview really looks like. 11:53 – Must-ask interview questions to assess culture fit and accountability. 14:57 – What associate dentists should be asking during interviews. 22:08 – High-impact onboarding strategies that work, even in busy practices. 25:25 – Building repeatable hiring systems without losing the human touch. 34:55 – How to connect with Wendy. About the Speaker Wendy Aldhamen has been in dentistry for over a decade, starting as a dental assistant in 2010 and growing into an office manager and hiring leader by 2014. Experiencing both toxic and thriving practice cultures firsthand shaped her passion for helping dental teams get hiring right. In 2019, she founded Career Elevation, where she has since helped place hundreds of dental professionals by aligning the right people with the right practices. Today, Wendy is a CEO, speaker, and coach dedicated to making recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding easier and more human for dentistry. Exclusive Listener Offer Wendy is offering something special to our listeners. The first three people who reach out will receive either 1. A free, professionally written resume (for candidates exploring new opportunities), or 2. A complimentary 1-hour recruiting coaching session (for practice owners or leaders) Don’t miss it, this is a limited offer! Stay Connected with Practice Pulse! If you found this podcast helpful, 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway or 2026 goal 🔔 Subscribe to the Practice Pulse Podcast for more real, practical conversations on modern dentistry

Are you feeling the pressure of running a dental practice in 2025 — staffing headaches, shrinking margins, DSOs everywhere, and constant change? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Practice Pulse Podcast, host Dr. Aditi Agarwal sits down with Dr. George Hariri, dentist, CFO, and author of Dental Moneyball. George talks about what it really takes to survive and thrive in modern dentistry and how to set intentional, realistic 2026 goals for your practice. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 About George Hariri 01:50 How George got into Dentistry 03:00 George on Business Courses in Dental School 05:15 About Shared Practices 09:45 The evolution of Dentistry over years 12:23 Modern day challenges of a practice owner 17:00 How practices should prepare for 2026 21:30 How to tackle data overload (Data paralysis) 27:27 Important advice for 2026 goal-setting 30:00 Outro → Connect with Shared Practices & Dr. George: https://sharedpractices.com/ → Take the Free practice assessment here: https://sharedpractices.com/coaching-form/▶️ Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQV5jI-wKrY&list=PLMsQ8XtFVuXJ-smhkuEnGZMU44r1tmOyX

Dr. Aditi Agarwal hosts Anne Duffy, founder of Dental Entrepreneur Woman (DeW), to discuss her journey from hygienist to movement leader. Anne shares the DeW origin story, why women’s leadership is a “jungle gym,” the power of mentorship, avoiding burnout, and building authentic community. She also highlights the upcoming DeW Retreat in Charlotte, NC - a space for connection, growth, and celebrating women in dentistry. About the guest: Anne Duffy, Founder and CEO of Dental Entrepreneur Woman, has spent 45 years in dentistry championing women in leadership. She created DeW Life magazine and Dental Entrepreneur Woman to inspire, empower, and connect women, while helping the next generation discover the many opportunities in dentistry. Her message: “Just DeW it!”

In this episode, Dr. Aditi Agarwal and Ann Marie DePalma dive into why communication and team education are the foundation of a thriving dental practice. They discuss the role of AI in surfacing KPIs, the importance of team buy-in, patient-centered care, and how a well-informed team can turn insights into impact.

Dr. Amrita Patel joins Dr. Aditi Agarwal on the Practice Pulse Podcast to share her insights on practice ownership, building patient communication skills, understanding KPIs, and setting intentional goals. With experience as a multi-practice owner, educator, and national speaker, Dr. Patel also discusses trends in leadership and team dynamics that every dental practice should be prepared for, especially those led by new dentists. This episode is packed with practical wisdom!

Dr. Aditi Agarwal chats with Denise Williams-Jones, RDA, about building strong dental teams, delivering standout patient experiences, and leading from every seat in the office. With decades of hands-on experience, Denise shares practical tips on team culture, communication, and patient engagement trends every practice should know.

Dr. Aditi sits down with Jameson CEO Carrie Webber to talk leadership, systems, and creating a team culture that drives growth and treatment acceptance.

In this episode of Practice Pulse, Dr. Aditi Agarwal speaks with Melissa Turner about her transition from clinical hygiene to becoming a national voice for innovation in dentistry. Melissa shares how embracing creativity, technology, and teledentistry opened new doors - for both providers and patients. They discuss why texting and virtual care are essential for modern communication, how AI can reduce burnout, and why even small shifts in mindset can lead to big improvements. Melissa also offers advice on personal branding for dental professionals ready to grow beyond the operatory.

Dr. Rebecca Bockow, a dual-trained orthodontist and periodontist, reveals a groundbreaking approach to dentistry that goes far beyond traditional tooth alignment. In this compelling podcast episode, she shares her journey from a conventional dental practice to becoming a pioneer in airway-centered dentistry. Dr. Bockow explains how early expansion techniques can transform patient health, prevent future dental issues, and improve overall quality of life.

Join us as we chat with Joe Chickerillo, VP of Sales at My Dental SOP, about the power of centralizing resources for your dental practice. Joe highlights how a single hub for SOPs simplifies training, reduces turnover, saves time, and boosts practice valuation when selling. Learn how My Dental SOP helps distribute CE notes, protocols, and more to set your team up for success, ensuring efficiency and seamless knowledge sharing at every level.

In this Practice Pulse Podcast episode, Dr. Len Tau discusses balancing life outside of dentistry and being a solution in the field. He shares strategies for handling negative reviews, emphasizing that responses should target potential patients, not just the reviewer. Dr. Tau also covers automating feedback requests and the importance of reviews for local map SEO. They both discuss NAP and how to dominate your local landscape to attract new patients and grow your practice. Tune in for actionable insights on building a thriving dental business!

Heidi Mount, coaching expert and bestselling author, shares strategies to help dentists boost profitability and reduce stress. She emphasizes efficient systems, leveraging team expertise, and finding "hidden treasures" like offering whitening. Heidi stresses the importance of an engaged, accountable team aligned with the practice's vision. She encourages dentists to seek support to prevent burnout.

Minal Sampat, a marketing strategist in the dental industry, shares effective strategies to help dental practices grow their businesses. She discusses creating impactful marketing plans, leveraging social media, and developing content that connects with patients - all while saving on marketing costs. This is a must-listen for dentists and practice owners looking to take their marketing to new heights.

Burnout is a common challenge faced by many dental professionals. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sonia Chopra, a successful endodontist and practice owner, as she shares her personal journey of hitting rock bottom and finding her way back to professional fulfillment. Discover the strategies she used to regain control of her life, re-energize her passion for dentistry, and build a thriving practice while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're currently experiencing burnout or looking to prevent it, this episode will provide you with practical insights and inspiration to help you reclaim your joy in the profession.

In this Practice Pulse Podcast episode, Allison Lacoursiere discusses proactive patient care, focusing on orthodontics and a patient-centric approach. She emphasizes team training to build confidence and align with the practice vision while fostering well-being through her "humans first" philosophy. Topics include gratitude boards, energy shifts, the Women in Digital Dentistry movement, and Allison's 6-month clear aligner bootcamp to educate and motivate teams for increased case acceptance.

In this Practice Pulse episode, Rebecca Herring reveals how virtual assistants can ease front desk stress and enhance the patient experience. She shares practical tips for integrating virtual team members, from getting started to identifying key areas for impact. Rebecca also explains how she guides practices in onboarding and utilizing virtual assistants to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.

In this Practice Pulse episode, Dr. Howard Polansky shares his journey from dentistry to financial coaching after a health scare with his son. Discover how Howard helps dentists rethink finances, making money move efficiently to save on interest, boost cash flow, and reclaim time. He offers actionable strategies to reduce financial stress and achieve freedom faster. Tune in for insights to transform your financial outlook and take control of your future!

Join host Dr. Aditi Agarwal and Briean Clark, Founder of Pivotal Solutions, as they explore powerful communication strategies to boost patient treatment acceptance. Drawing on over two decades in dentistry, Briean shares how storytelling, layman’s terms, and tailored options build trust and clarity. Learn to overcome objections, address failed treatments proactively, and foster seamless team communication. Equip your team with tools to turn everyday conversations into successful outcomes.

Dr. Aditi Agarwal chats with Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy, orthodontist, mindset coach, and host of The Business of Happiness Podcast. Dr. MacCarthy shares her journey from burnout to building a thriving practice and advocating for stress management and happiness in dentistry. They discuss overcoming burnout, breaking the hard-work myth, managing stressful patients, redefining work-life balance, and building capacity through delegation. A must-listen for thriving in dentistry!

Brenda McNulty, owner of DSO Facts, shares insights on using dashboards to streamline KPI tracking, outsourcing to enhance efficiency, and leveraging software partnerships to optimize daily operations. She emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation for practice success and mindful communication to strengthen team morale and patient relationships. Brenda also discusses transparent bonus systems, clear goal-setting, and accessible resources as essential tools to drive practice results.

Dr. Aditi Agarwal interviews Lynda Sherman, a passionate advocate for sustainable dentistry, on how eco-friendly practices can increase profitability. Lynda shares her journey as an EFDA and founder of "Get Mouthy," an all-natural, accessible dental care box, and explains how dental offices can save by reducing waste. Catch a preview of her 2025 book, Waste Not, Profit More, aimed at reshaping dental practices for a greener future.

In this Practice Pulse Podcast episode, Greg Essenmacher of GnA Consult discusses the importance of organizational structure, financial challenges, and tailored consulting to stay competitive in dentistry. He shares insights on the Full Arch market, emphasizing proper marketing, treatment coordinator training, and a 360-degree approach. Greg also introduces his EAZ model (Empathy, Assurance, Zeal) and offers advice for entrepreneurs to stay true to their beliefs while remaining agile.

In this episode, Dr. Aditi Agarwal interviews Ashley Bond, co-founder of Wisdom, on "Dental Billing 101." Ashley offers expert tips on streamlining insurance verification, submitting clean claims, and managing aging reports to boost profitability. Key insights include attaching correct documents, “posting with purpose,” and reviewing monthly reports to enhance financial outcomes. Tune in for actionable advice to simplify billing and improve practice efficiency and cash flow.

Joelle Flynn and Sonia Hounsell, Co-CEOs of FunkkOFF!® Inc., discuss launching FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers—a reusable 2-in-1 toothbrush and toothpaste. Joelle shares insights on inventing the product and securing patents, while Sonia discusses branding and competitive marketing strategies, including leveraging Amazon and TikTok. They also reflect on their Shark Tank journey, offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on innovation, IP protection, and building brand loyalty. An inspiring look into

In this Practice Pulse Podcast episode, Dr. Alan Stern shares his wisdom on rekindling the love for dentistry and humanity. He discusses the five key elements that distinguish dentists as professionals, how to make Monday mornings enjoyable, and the importance of aligning with your core values. Dr. Stern emphasizes that greatness lies in the journey, not the destination, and offers inspiring tips for finding happiness in your career. This episode is packed with "Alan-isms" and inspiration.

In this episode, Jinesh Patel, co-founder of Uptime Health, discusses trends in dental software, emphasizing the demand for platforms that integrate multiple functions. He explains how software aggregation improves efficiency and how preventive maintenance can extend equipment life by 10-20%, reducing downtime and costs. Tune in to discover how Uptime Health is transforming equipment maintenance and practice management through smart software solutions.

In this episode of Practice Pulse Podcast, we chat with Margy Schaller, founder of Sober Life Rocks, about the importance of fostering inclusive environments that support sobriety at meetings and conferences. Margy shares her journey and offers practical strategies for dentists and event planners to provide alcohol-free options and create supportive spaces. Join us as we explore how to champion sober living and ensure all attendees feel empowered to make healthy choices in professional settings.

In this episode of the Practice Pulse Podcast, Matt Ornstein unpacks EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) and its importance in valuing a dental practice. Matt shares insights on how understanding EBITDA can help practice owners prepare for a successful sale, focusing on factors that drive valuation and attract buyers. Whether you're looking to sell or just improve financial health, this episode offers actionable advice for enhancing your practice’s value.

In this episode of Practice Pulse, Rebecka Clark, owner of Allimeden and an experienced massage therapist, shares her expertise on integrating intraoral massage into dental practices. Rebecka discusses the powerful benefits of intraoral massage for patients suffering from TMJ, teeth grinding, post-oral cancer pain, and sleep apnea. She explains how this specialized technique relieves tension in the jaw and facial muscles, helping patients manage pain and improve function.

In this episode of Practice Pulse, Dr. Laura Brenner and Dr. Aditi Agarwal discuss the courage to pursue your passions. Dr. Brenner shares insights from her course on transitioning from clinical to non-clinical careers in dentistry, offering practical advice for dental professionals exploring new paths. Whether you're a dentist questioning your career, seeking better balance, or ready for a change, this episode will inspire you to take steps toward a more fulfilling life.

In this episode, Laura Schwindt and Karen Tindall from The Mint Door discuss the importance of holistic well-being for dental professionals. They introduce The Mint Door Method, designed to help dental teams create a lasting legacy and find joy in their work, while also balancing physical, mental, and emotional health. They also share how they collaborate with consultants to optimize systems for professional success and personal fulfillment.

Dr. Mona Patel shares her personal and professional journey from a successful dental career to becoming a Shamanic Practitioner and energy medicine healer. She explains how shamanic healing connects individuals to their inner wisdom, helping them release trauma, self-sabotage, and negative patterns to transform their lives. Dr. Patel also discusses the role of intuitive readings in guiding clients and empowering them to overcome fear-based beliefs and live authentically as healthy empaths.

Join Dr. Aditi Agarwal in this insightful episode of the Practice Pulse as she interviews Kayvan Mott, co-founder of DocSites. Together, they explore various solutions available to practice owners, sharing practical advice and discussing innovative strategies to improve practice management. Whether you're seeking new ideas or expert guidance, this episode provides valuable insights for any dental practice owner looking to grow and thrive.

In this Practice Pulse episode, Dr. Jason Luchtefeld from CCO Solution shares his expertise in guiding emerging and mid-market DSOs. He and Dr. Agarwal discuss the importance of a clear career roadmap for long-term success, offering practical insights for dental professionals and DSOs. Dr. Luchtefeld also highlights how CCO Solution helps organizations achieve their full potential through customized growth strategies and leadership development.

In this episode, Dr. Rishita Jaju shares her journey of integrating lasers into pediatric dentistry, enhancing gum, teeth, and mouth health. She emphasizes the importance of taking on extra challenges, especially when working with newborns, patients with special needs, and families. Dr. Jaju also discusses balancing her roles as a dentist, mom, educator, and entrepreneur, encouraging others to stay committed, strategize for success, and find joy in their personal and professional lives.

In this episode, we welcome Katie Wienecke, Director of Partner Relations at Dental Lifeline Network (DLN). Katie shares how DLN makes it easy for dental practices to give back to their communities through volunteer programs that are both accessible and impactful. Whether you're looking to start or expand your community outreach efforts, this episode offers practical insights on how doing good can also be good for business. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference in your community.

What started as a lighthearted joke, with "NMG" standing for "No Me Gusta" (Spanish for "I don't like this"), evolved into a powerful business dedicated to solving the pain points that dental practices commonly face. In this episode of Practice Pulse, Lana Rivera explains how her company NMG Practice Solutions transforms the things dentists don't like into streamlined, effective solutions, helping practices thrive by addressing challenges head-on.

In this episode, Tiffany Wuebben shares her journey from dental assistant to hygiene consultant, discussing her shift from the "hygiene hustle" to hospitality-based care. She offers best practices for building productive, well-trained teams. As a gift to our listeners, Tiffany is offering the PDF of her book, "The Hygienepreneur"—a must-read for anyone looking to transform their hygiene department! Click here to claim your free copy: https://thehygienepreneur.com/sign-up-for-free-ebook/

In this episode, Angela Holland of Preferred Dental Solutions shares her journey of building and selling her company to a NASDAQ-listed company. She offers valuable insights on achieving success in dentistry through smart insurance strategies and explains the benefits of outsourcing fee negotiations. Tune in to learn how to win with insurance and optimize your practice's financial health.

In this episode, Dr. Aditi sits down with Dr Eric Block for a heart-to-heart about his triumph over struggles with burnout and his journey to becoming a stress-free dentist.

This Episode is a fireside chat with its founder and conceptualist Dr. Tina Saw and how she is helping and changing healthcare with making salivary testing mainstream.

Dental compliance training in OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control is essential for maintaining patient safety, legal compliance, and practice efficiency, but it doesn't just stop there. In this week's episode, Will Gilmore discusses how on-going compliance training builds trust, supports professional integrity, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement within the dental practice. By prioritizing compliance training, dental practices can ensure a safe, ethical, and high-performing environments.

In the inaugural episode of Practice Pulse, host Dr. Aditi Agarwal sits down for an open and insightful conversation with esteemed dentist Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, renowned for her dedication to oral health and her advocacy for early oral cancer detection, shares her mission to save lives through increased awareness and education.