In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Zak Allmand—dentist, entrepreneur, and former Air Force officer—to explore his unique journey from military service to successful dental practice ownership. Dr. Allmand shares how his time in the Air Force shaped his leadership style and fueled his passion for building something of his own. We dive into the challenges he faced when stepping into ownership, how he overcame them, and the mindset shifts that helped him thrive as both a clinician and a business owner.

Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Allmand discusses the creation of Apex Payment Solutions, a company he co-founded to offer dentists a more transparent, tailored approach to payment processing. He reveals the story behind Apex’s growth, the importance of finding the right business partner, and how aligning on mission and values has been key to their success. His perspective offers valuable lessons for any dentist looking to expand beyond the operatory.

We also unpack the role of technology in modern dental practices and how innovations can drive both efficiency and profitability. Dr. Allmand shares practical strategies for managing overhead and increasing your bottom line without compromising patient care. Whether you’re a practice owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and real-world advice you can put to work right away. This is part one of a two-part episode, so be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for even more in the next installment!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[00:40] Meet Dr. Zak Allmand: From Dentist to Entrepreneur

[01:30] Dr. Allmand's Journey: From Air Force to Practice Ownership

[02:40] Challenges and Strategies in Practice Ownership

[04:05] The Birth of Apex Payment Solutions

[06:25] Partnership Dynamics and Business Growth

[11:25] Innovations in Dentistry: Technology and Efficiency

[15:00] Managing Overhead and Increasing Profitability

Learn more about Apex Payment Solution's Services: apexpaymentsolutions.com

Email Zak: zak@apexpaymentsolutions.com

Schedule a time with Apex: Contact Form

Learn more about Tooth and Coin's services: https://www.toothandcoin.com/

Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dentistmetrics

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Show Notes:

In this episode, I’m diving into a real-life business fraud case that serves as a wake-up call for practice owners everywhere. I’ll walk you through the shocking details of how one business fell victim to internal fraud—and the overlooked vulnerabilities that made it all too easy. As I break down this case, we’ll take a hard look at possible business banking security shortcomings that many dental and healthcare practices unknowingly expose themselves to every day.

One of the biggest misconceptions I tackle in this episode is the belief that your CPA is responsible for catching fraud. Preventing fraud is not a responsibility designated to CPA's from the AICPA. I’ll explain why relying on your accountant or bookkeeper for fraud prevention could be a dangerous mistake—and what you should be doing instead.

With so many practices increasingly dependent on online payment portals, the convenience comes at a price. The truth is, high online portal usage combined with low security measures creates the perfect storm for fraudsters. I’ll share what to look out for, where most practices drop the ball, and how to shore up your defenses without slowing down your operations.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:40] Real-Life Business Fraud Case

[1:50] Business Banking Security Flaws

[3:25] Preventive Measures for Fraud

[4:05] Preventing Fraud is Not a CPA's Responsibility

[5:50] High Online Portal Use

[6:40] Low Security Measure for Online Payment Portals

Learn more about Tooth and Coin's services: https://www.toothandcoin.com/

Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dentistmetrics

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toothandcoin/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/ToothandCoin

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toothandcoin/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toothandcoin/

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toothandcoin

In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most critical yet overlooked components of running a financially successful dental practice—knowing your numbers. Specifically, we’re breaking down how to understand your breakeven point, why it matters, and how it directly influences your profitability. If you've ever wondered what it truly takes for your practice to stay in the black, this episode is your blueprint.

I walk you through how to calculate your daily collections goal with clarity and purpose. It’s not just about throwing a number on the wall and hoping to hit it—this is about reverse engineering your success. From there, we take it a step further and break down those daily goals by department, giving you a clearer picture of where each segment of your practice needs to perform in order to meet and exceed your financial objectives. Whether it's hygiene, restorative, or specialty services, every department plays a crucial role in your practice’s financial ecosystem.

We also explore common challenges that may arise as you implement these strategies, from inconsistent collections and staff accountability to patient scheduling, and how to proactively address them without derailing your momentum. Running a dental practice means facing numbers head-on, and in this episode, I share practical insights and tools to help you take control of your financial future with confidence.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, hit play and join me for a focused, no-fluff conversation that will change the way you think about your practice’s daily performance. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your strategy and take a big step toward financial clarity on The Tooth and Coin Podcast.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:05] Understanding Your Breakeven Point

[1:20] Calculating Your Daily Collections Goal

[3:25] Breaking Down Daily Goals by Department

[4:55] Addressing Potential Challenges

[5:35] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Tooth and Coin's services: https://www.toothandcoin.com/

Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dentistmetrics

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toothandcoin/

Follow us on X: https://x.com/ToothandCoin

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toothandcoin/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toothandcoin/

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toothandcoin/