The DIRTY Secret About Dental Podcasts!
There's a dirty little secret about dental podcasts, and it's just one of the many things that Dr. Richard Madow reveals on this episode of The Dental Practice Fixers. Then we go to our mystery shopper calls and figure out the best way to answer the question "why isn't fluoride treatment covered by my insurance?" So much great stuff here - give it a listen!! Key Takeaways: Money-Saving Tips for Dentists * Credit Card Processing: Switch to Stax for flat monthly fees and eliminate overage charges. Dr. Madow claims tens of thousands saved. * Dental Scrap: Sell dental scrap to Southern Dental Refining for high returns due to gold prices being at an all-time high. Some practices have received up to $10,000. Handling Inherited Patients from a Retiring Dentist * Avoid criticizing the previous dentist, even if their care was substandard. * When asked “Why didn’t Dr. Jones tell me this?”, redirect the conversation to current findings and focus on today’s diagnosis and care plan. * Use relatable language—explain like you’re speaking to a smart fifth grader (but don’t say that out loud!). Getting Your Team On Board with Change * Start with the “Why” – Explain the benefits for both team and patients. * Involve the Team – Ask for input before announcing changes. * Start Small – Introduce changes gradually. * Positive Challenge – Challenge your team in ways that make their jobs easier or more meaningful. * Lead by Example – Your consistency and belief in the change will influence your team. Patient Experience Tip * Don’t allow cleaning crews to begin while patients are still in chairs. It sends a message that the day is over and the patient is an afterthought. * Use the restaurant analogy: no one likes to feel rushed out while they’re still eating. The “Dirty” Truth About Dental Podcast Rankings * Most “Top 25” podcast lists are biased and based on mutual votes rather than actual listenership. * Many so-called top dental podcasts have barely any real audience. * Dental Practice Fixers ranks in the top 2.5% of all podcasts, not just dental ones—based on real download and engagement data. Mystery Shopper Calls: Lessons for Front Desk Teams * Always invite the caller to schedule an appointment—especially if they ask, “Are you taking new patients?” * Don’t let fluoride cost or insurance questions go unanswered or unaddressed. * Instead of saying “I don’t know,” offer confident, patient-focused language like: “We recommend fluoride because it helps protect your teeth, even if it’s not covered. Let’s get you scheduled to talk about what’s best for your smile.” * Never make insurance the first topic of conversation—it puts up an unnecessary barrier. Here are some very important and easy ways to help enhance your practice and your life! 1 – Sign up for our e-newsletter. It’s filled with up-to-date practice building tips, event announcements, and more! madow.com/newsletter When you sign up for the newsletter, you are automatically enrolled in our drawings for your own personal Dental Practice Fixers coffee mug!! 2 - Download our special free report, "The Dirty Dozen: HOW TO ANSWER THE MOST DIFFICULT QUESTIONS THAT PATIENTS ASK!" madow.com/ask 3 – Schedule time on Dr. Rich’s personal calendar to discuss any practice issues or ways to improve! (This is for practice-owning dentists only!)