Episodios

  • Just Say No to the DSO: Exposing the Private Equity Takeover of Dentistry with Bob Spiel
    Jun 24 2025

    Bob Spiel is a dental practice consultant and co-founder of Dentist Partner Pros with over 25 years of business experience, including serving as a hospital and surgical center CEO before entering dentistry 17 years ago. With a mission to build high-performance practices that deliver exceptional service while doing more in less time with less stress, Spiel has transformed general and specialty practices by building leaders at all levels. His firm specializes in associate placement with an 85% success rate, dramatically outperforming the industry’s 75% failure rate. Beyond practice consulting, Spiel has become a vocal advocate for independent dentistry through his podcast “Just Say No to the DSO,” where he and financial analyst Nate Williams expose the predatory practices of private equity-backed dental service organizations and educate dentists about the hidden traps in acquisition offers.

    In this episode…

    Feeling tempted by those multi-million dollar DSO offers flooding your inbox? Many independent dentists are being courted by private equity-backed dental service organizations promising generational wealth, stress-free practice management, and the ability to “just focus on dentistry.” But what if these seemingly generous offers are actually sophisticated traps designed to extract maximum value from your life’s work while leaving you worse off than if you’d simply continued building your own practice?

    According to Bob Spiel, veteran business consultant and co-founder of Dentist Partner Pros, the private equity takeover of dentistry follows the same destructive playbook used in medicine, veterinary care, and other service industries. Through his podcast “Just Say No to the DSO,” Spiel and financial analyst Nate Williams have reviewed over 100 DSO acquisition offers and found that not a single one truly benefits the selling dentist. The typical deal structure involves massive upfront numbers designed to create “foggy-eyed” decision-making, but the fine print reveals clawback clauses, production requirements, and equity promises that essentially amount to working five years to pay back money you thought you’d already received. Spiel’s analysis shows that dentists would literally be better off burning down their practices after 5.5 years than selling to a DSO and working under their terms.

    In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Bob Spiel about the hidden dangers of DSO acquisition offers and the broader private equity assault on independent dentistry. They explore the four-step private equity playbook, why 75% of associate relationships fail in traditional hiring versus Spiel’s 85% success rate, and how DSOs are buying influence through dental schools, trade publications, and industry events. Spiel shares his mission to educate dentists about maintaining independence while building successful practices through proven leadership principles, strategic associate hiring, and surrounding themselves with quality service providers rather than selling their life’s work for empty promises.

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    33 m
  • The Revenue Problem Most Dentists Don’t Realize They Have with Morgan Hamon
    Jun 17 2025

    Morgan Hamon is a CPA and partner at Eisner Amper, bringing over 20 years of experience helping dental practices take control of their finances, increase profitability, and navigate complex tax strategies. As the former president of HDA Accounting Group, which he co-founded with his father after transitioning from an 11-year career as a Navy F-18 pilot, Hamon built a firm that grew to serve over 900 dental practices across all 50 states. Following a strategic merger with one of the top 20 accounting firms in the country, he now leads EAG Dental Advisors as a subsidiary of Eisner Amper, continuing his mission to help practice owners make smarter financial decisions. His unique approach focuses on monthly practice profitability analysis rather than just tax preparation, emphasizing revenue optimization before expense management to help dentists achieve their business goals of making a nice living, maintaining control over their professional lives, and building appreciating assets.

    In this episode…

    Are you feeling like you’re working harder in your practice than ever but not seeing the financial results you deserve? Many dental practice owners experience the frustrating disconnect between clinical productivity and actual profit, often assuming they must be overspending somewhere when the real issue lies elsewhere. What if the key to improving practice profitability isn’t cutting expenses, but rather optimizing the revenue side of the equation?

    According to Morgan Hamon, CPA and partner at Eisner Amper, most dental practices struggling with profitability have a revenue problem, not an expense problem. With experience serving over 1,000 dental practices, Hamon emphasizes that successful seven-figure practices should maintain profit margins of 35-40%, and when they fall short, the issue typically stems from not producing enough, not scheduling efficiently, not charging appropriately, or not collecting what’s owed. His diagnostic approach examines accounts receivable monthly, fee structures, and operational effectiveness before diving into expense analysis. Hamon’s philosophy centers on helping dentists achieve their real business goals: making a nice living, maintaining control over their professional lives, and building appreciating assets—not just filing tax returns.

    In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Morgan Hamon about taking a comprehensive approach to dental practice financial health. They explore the critical profit margin benchmarks for different practice sizes, why revenue optimization often trumps expense reduction, and how marketing budgets should scale based on practice phase and growth goals. Hamon shares insights from his unique journey from Navy pilot to dental industry CPA and explains why he believes accounts receivable management is the most important administrative function in any practice.

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    30 m
  • Skip the Fluff: Building Clinical Confidence with Dr. Aaron Nicholas
    Jun 10 2025

    Dr. Aaron Nicholas is the founder of Monday Morning Dentistry, a continuing education company focused on delivering immediately implementable clinical training for dental professionals. After growing frustrated with dental efficiency seminars and profitability programs that lacked actionable steps, Dr. Nicholas launched his company in 2014 with a clear mission: offer training that dentists can take back to their offices and put into practice on Monday morning. With over 35 years of practice experience since 1988, he has developed systematic approaches to procedures like molar root canals, extractions, and general practice efficiency. Through his signature "One Hour Molar Root Canal Buildup and Crown Course" and other programs, Dr. Nicholas has helped nearly 1,000 doctors build clinical confidence while working with existing equipment rather than requiring expensive technology investments.

    In this episode…

    Feeling overwhelmed by clinical procedures that seem to take forever, or watching profitable cases walk out the door to specialists? Many dentists struggle with clinical confidence, especially with procedures like molar root canals, leading them to refer out work that could be keeping revenue in-house. What if the key to clinical efficiency isn’t expensive technology or lengthy courses, but simply having proven systems that work with your existing equipment?

    According to Dr. Aaron Nicholas, founder of Monday Morning Dentistry, the solution lies in “cutting through the fluff” and providing dentists with systematic approaches that have been proven to work. His philosophy centers on giving doctors “the answers to the test” rather than forcing them to figure everything out through trial and error. With over 35 years of practice experience, Dr. Nicholas has developed efficient systems that allow doctors to complete procedures like molar root canals, buildups, and crowns in just one hour of doctor time when properly supported by trained assistants. His approach focuses on protecting clinical confidence while building skills, recognizing that repeated failures with procedures often lead dentists to abandon them entirely, costing practices significant revenue over time.

    In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Dr. Aaron Nicholas about transforming clinical efficiency through practical education. They explore how Monday Morning Dentistry differs from traditional CE programs, the importance of working with existing office equipment rather than requiring major technology investments, and Dr. Nicholas’s systematic approach to procedures that has helped nearly 1,000 doctors increase their clinical confidence. Dr. Nicholas also shares success stories from his programs and reveals his most powerful tip for improving practice efficiency: the often-overlooked practice of timing and recording yourself to identify workflow inefficiencies.

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    26 m
  • Membership Plans: The Secret Weapon for Doubling Dental Production with Megan Lohman
    Jun 3 2025

    Megan Lohman is the Founder and Co-CEO of Plan Forward, a software platform empowering dental practices to drive growth and profitability through smarter membership plan management. With a background in sales, marketing, and recruiting, Lohman discovered a critical gap in dental care access when working in a dental office during the Affordable Care Act implementation. What began as a homegrown solution evolved into Plan Forward, launched in 2018, which now helps practices create white-labeled membership plans that increase patient visits, treatment acceptance, and practice revenue. Through her data-driven approach and dedication to practice profitability, Lohman has transformed how dental offices approach uninsured patients, creating win-win solutions that benefit both practices and patients seeking affordable care options.

    In this episode…

    Feeling frustrated by uninsured patients who delay treatment or hesitate to get necessary x-rays? Many dental practices struggle with inconsistent revenue and patients who resist recommended care due to cost concerns, while others resort to random discounting that erodes profitability. What if there was a strategy that could increase visits, boost treatment acceptance, and create predictable recurring revenue without sacrificing your practice philosophy?

    According to Megan Lohman, Founder and Co-CEO of Plan Forward, dental membership plans represent a transformative opportunity when implemented properly. Data from their integrated software shows that membership plan patients generate 2-3X more revenue than typical uninsured patients, with nearly double the production per visit and 1.5-2X more frequent visits. The key difference? Patients who join membership plans no longer hesitate to get recommended x-rays and diagnostics that are bundled into their plan, leading to better diagnoses, increased treatment acceptance, and improved oral health outcomes. Lohman emphasizes that practices should stop giving random discounts and instead offer reduced fees only in exchange for the commitment and loyalty that comes with membership enrollment.

    In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Megan Lohman about the strategic implementation of dental membership plans. They explore how Plan Forward helps practices develop white-labeled plans that reinforce the practice’s brand identity, the importance of proper accounting procedures for membership revenue, and practical ways to promote plans through existing communication channels. Lohman shares insights on determining optimal pricing structures based on specific practice goals and emphasizes that membership plans serve as an attractive alternative to traditional dental insurance for the growing number of patients without employer-sponsored benefits.

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    26 m
  • The Real Reason Your Associate Dentist Didn’t Work Out (and How To Fix It) With Bryton Nield
    May 27 2025

    Bryton Nield is the CEO and Co-founder of Dentist Partner Pros, a consulting firm that helps private dental practices build thriving associateships, partnerships, and teams. Since co-founding the company in 2021, Bryton has been instrumental in developing systems that have transformed the dental industry's associate hiring success rate from 25% to 85%. With a background in building two successful startups into seven-figure businesses, he brings a passion for leadership, communication, and creating clear expectations to the dental field. Bryton is also a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on dental hiring, onboarding, and team development on various industry podcasts and events.

    In this episode…

    Most dentists don’t learn how to hire effectively in dental school — so when it comes time to bring on an associate, the process is often rushed, emotional, and costly. With over 70% of dental associateships ending in failure, it’s no wonder practice owners are frustrated and confused. Why do so many associate relationships fall apart, and what can be done to change the outcome?

    According to Bryton Nield, a nationally recognized expert in dental recruiting and leadership systems, most associate hires fail before they even begin because the practice owner isn’t actually ready. He highlights that emotional readiness, practice capacity, and financial metrics must all align before a new doctor can thrive. When dentists skip these foundational steps, they often default to “panic point hiring,” which leads to misaligned expectations and costly turnover. Bryton emphasizes that associate success isn’t just about finding the right person; it’s about becoming the right leader and creating a structured, win-win environment.

    In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Bryton Nield, Co-founder and CEO of Dentist Partner Pros, to discuss the real reasons associate dentists don’t work out — and how to fix it. They break down panic point hiring, practice readiness benchmarks, and the leadership mindset needed for successful associateships. Bryton also shares how to craft a recruiting and vetting process that gets it right the first time.

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    31 m
  • Helping Dentists Generate $9M in Aligner Revenue Without Flashy Marketing With Dr. Avi Patel
    May 20 2025

    Dr. Avi Patel is the Founder of Clear Aligner Advisor, a company that empowers dental professionals and dental service organizations to implement and scale clear aligner treatments through comprehensive, brand-agnostic training and support services. Dr. Patel began his career in private practice before transitioning to education and consulting. His flagship program, Clear Aligner Blueprint, offers dentists a step-by-step system to confidently integrate aligners into their workflow, enhancing clinical confidence and optimizing results. Dr. Patel is also a content creator and thought leader, regularly sharing insights on aligner therapy through social media and speaking engagements.

    In this episode…

    Most dentists know clear aligners can be a major revenue driver, but actually getting patients to say “yes” is a different story. Practices often rely on marketing to bring in leads, only to lose them due to shaky internal workflows and unclear roles. What if the key to scaling aligners isn’t more ads, but better in-office conversations?

    According to Dr. Avi Patel, a leading voice in aligner implementation for general dentists, the answer lies in converting the patients already in your chair. He highlights that most dentists don’t need more leads — they need better systems for communication, team handoffs, and patient education. By focusing on predictable cases and teaching every team member their role, practices can dramatically boost case acceptance without external marketing. This shift not only increases production, but also improves patient outcomes and practice morale.

    In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Dr. Avi Patel, Founder of Clear Aligner Advisor, to talk about how dentists can generate millions in aligner revenue without flashy marketing. They dive into internal conversion workflows, team-driven patient education, and why pitching oral health over cosmetics makes all the difference.

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    31 m
  • Helping Dentists Achieve Big Growth With Small Teams and Smarter Schedules With Kirk Teachout
    May 13 2025

    Kirk Teachout is the Founder of IV Quarter Coaching, where he leads The Seven Figure Dentist program, helping dental professionals scale their practices efficiently. Drawing from his experience co-owning a dental practice with his wife, he developed a model that emphasizes culture, team, systems, and scheduling to achieve high performance with reduced workdays. Beyond coaching, Kirk is a bestselling author of personal development books like Overcoming Overthinking and Credit Score Mastery, which focus on mental clarity and financial empowerment. His mission centers on empowering others to build fulfilling lives through intentional leadership and sustainable growth strategies.

    In this episode…

    How can a dental practice achieve explosive growth without expanding hours, adding providers, or hiring a large team? Many dentists assume scaling requires more people, more procedures, and more stress, but what if the real key lies in smarter systems? Is it possible to boost production while working fewer days a week?

    According to Kirk Teachout, a business coach and serial entrepreneur, the answer is a resounding “yes,” using intentional scheduling and operational efficiency. He highlights that by applying Parkinson’s Law — work expanding to fill the time allowed — dentists can streamline workflows, increase daily production, and create a more energized team culture. By refining systems and patient experience, practices can deliver high-value care in fewer clinical days without sacrificing quality or profitability. Kirk explains how breaking, testing, and refining these systems leads to sustainable, replicable results for practices of any size.

    In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Kirk Teachout, Founder of IV Quarter Coaching, to discuss building a high-revenue practice with a lean team and efficient schedule. They explore using Parkinson’s Law to redesign practice operations, boosting production with fewer clinical days, and creating systems that empower team members. Kirk also shares insights on who can benefit from his coaching retreat and operational strategies.

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    25 m
  • Redefining Dental Success Through Transitions, Mentorship, and Retreats With Dr. Jim Arnold
    May 6 2025

    Dr. Jim Arnold is the Founder and CEO of Luxury Dental Retreats, a company that blends high-end travel with immersive dental education to help growth-minded dentists elevate their practices and lives. A former multi-practice owner, Dr. Arnold built a dental group known for exceptional patient care and achieved a 31% EBITDA before transitioning into mentorship and strategic advising. Through Luxury Dental Retreats, he hosts exclusive, small-group events in luxurious destinations, offering dentists the opportunity to refine leadership skills, boost profitability, and achieve work-life balance.

    In this episode…

    Burnout, disillusionment, and overwhelming stress are more common than most dentists care to admit. While financial success might be within reach, emotional and professional fulfillment often lag behind. What if redefining success in dentistry could unlock both personal well-being and long-term business growth?

    According to Dr. Jim Arnold, a seasoned dental entrepreneur and educator, success is found not just in numbers, but in alignment — between your values, your practice, and your lifestyle. He highlights how mentorship and immersive continuing education can reignite purpose while guiding smoother practice transitions. After exiting his own thriving practices and advising on over 60 deals, Dr. Arnold discovered that the deepest transformation came from building intentional communities, supporting dentist-owned groups, and creating space for honest conversations about mental health, legacy, and leadership.

    In this episode of The Marketing 32 Show, host Brett Allen sits down with Dr. Jim Arnold, Founder and CEO of Luxury Dental Retreats, to discuss redefining success in dentistry through mentorship, CE retreats, and thoughtful transitions. He shares how burnout sparked a career reinvention, what makes small-group education so powerful, and why dentist-led groups are the future. Dr. Arnold also gives advice on navigating practice exits and protecting mental health.

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    33 m