The Dental Practice Heroes Podcast With Dr. Paul Etchison

Ever feel like your dental practice is an endless cycle of putting out fires, managing team drama, and squeezing in "just one more patient"? That overwhelming weight on your shoulders isn't just in your head—and you're definitely not alone in feeling it.Dr. Paul Etchison breaks down the three fundamental stressors that make practice ownership feel impossibly heavy: team management challenges, operational overwhelm, and the crushing clinical demands that keep you trapped chairside. But rather than offering quick fixes or motivational platitudes, he provides concrete, tested solutions that have transformed practices across the country.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September.  Go Here The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Yo

Claims keep getting denied? Here’s a hard truth: it’s probably your fault. But in this episode, Dr. Travis Campbell shares everything he's learned about how to master the insurance game, get your denial rate under 2% and stop wasting hours on appeals.His insights cover everything from the common reasons SRP claims get denied to the simple step that makes crown approvals almost automatic. We also talk about what insurance reviewers actually want to see in claims, how to avoid surprise patient bills, and what every out-of-network practice should have in their office.Topics discussed in this episode:Why practices are going out-of-networkThe biggest reason claims get deniedPerio protocols and insurance strategyHow to overcome the AI problem and get claims approvedTips for dealing with insurance reviewersThe foundational restoration codeHow to reduce crown denialsMetrics you should track in your officeHow to calculate better estimatesThe Dental Insurance Guy membershipText us your feedback! (please note: we c

Leadership's echo effect shapes dental practice culture far more than we realize. As practice owners, even when we're not actively leading, our behavior creates rippling effects that influence team dynamics long after we've left the building.True practice culture isn't what you declare in mission statements or team meetings—it's the accumulation of every feeling your team members have about working in your practice. These feelings develop through countless small interactions where your actual behaviors either reinforce or contradict your stated values. A deep sigh when interrupted, multitasking during conversations, or inconsistently holding people accountable all send powerful unspoken messages that can undermine everything you claim to stand for as a leader.Ready to create a practice that runs smoothly with less stress and higher profits? Consider joining our September mastermind where we'll help you build leadership skills and systems that create positive cultural echoes throu

You get it, you need to let go. But how do you actually step back, stop micromanaging and see what your team can really do?In this episode, we share actionable ways to reduce your workload, delegate the right tasks, and leave work stress at the office. Learn how you might be getting in your own way and why letting your practice fail is the first step to real growth!Topics discussed in this episode:Why letting go is so hard for practice ownersHow to manage the guilt of letting goExercises to redefine your role and delegate effectivelyWhy you should let your practice failBuilding your perfect work weekText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Sign up for the life changing Hero Collective 12 month program 2025 starting in September.  Go Here The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while maki

Discover the psychological key that unlocks patient follow-through with the endowed progress effect—a powerful concept that transforms how dental professionals communicate about treatment plans. This game-changing approach doesn't require changing your fees, procedures, or recommendations—just the way you frame patient progress.Through a fascinating car wash punch card study, we explore why patients who feel they've already made progress are dramatically more likely to complete their treatment. Rather than overwhelming patients with everything that needs to be done, learn to recognize and celebrate the steps they've already taken. For new patients with extensive needs, acknowledge that simply coming in was "half the battle." For returning patients after a hiatus, reinforce that they're "the type of person who cares for their teeth" rather than making them feel they're starting over.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 20

Thinking about making your associate a partner? This episode will help you decide if it’s the right move for you and what other options you have to keep associates in your practice without giving up equity.You'll learn the must-haves of a successful partnership, the common reasons they fail, and what to look for in a potential partner. Listen now to hear the benefits of partnership and why you might want to stay solo!Topics discussed in this episode:The first step to partnershipThe benefits of partnershipWhy Dr. Henry chose to stay soloWhy partnerships failHow to make partnerships successfulAlternative ways to structure partnershipsText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creat

There’s an easy solution for patients who can’t afford treatment: membership plans. In this episode, you’ll learn how to structure your plan, price it so patients sign up, and get your team on board.The DPH coaches share what’s worked in their practices and easy mistakes you can avoid, whether you're creating a plan or revamping one you already have. Tune in for tips to build a plan that keeps patients coming back and feels like a win for everyone!Topics discussed in this episode:Why membership plans are good for your practiceHow membership plans benefit patientsPlan structures and pricingHow to get team buy-inMarketing and getting patients to sign upTo download the Membership Plan Documents mentioned in the episode click here! Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you decided to create the practice you've always dreamed about!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentist

Most owners manage the day-to-day; Dr. Sten Erickson is turning doctors into partners. He joins me in this episode to share how he stepped into a true leadership role and expanded his practice after leaving clinical work behind.From scheduling weekly meetings across multiple practices to case reviews, we talk about the strategies and systems that help him get doctors ready to lead, drive culture, and grow a multi-location practice without micromanaging or seeing patients. Tune in to hear how he structures his time to mentor doctors and scale without burning out!Topics discussed in this episode:Mistakes as a young practice ownerThe ideal practice size of new ownersMaintaining culture as you expandDr. Erickson’s meeting schedule and training systemHow your role changes when you step back from clinicalStrategies to keep associates engaged and growingText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel)) The 2025-2026 DPH Mastermind is now taking applications!  Make this the year you

Practice ownership doesn’t have to mean running an office or signing a lease. Dr. Jennifer Haddad designed her practice around a hybrid model that keeps her schedule and clinical decisions all within her control. In this episode, she shares how it works inside an existing practice, the benefits of this non-traditional path, and how she began building a brand before ownership. Tune in to find out if this model is right for the career and lifestyle you want!Topics discussed in this episode:Struggling with work-life balance as a new motherLogistics of the co-working hybrid modelBalancing responsibilities and patient careStarting a brand before ownershipBuilding a brand based on referralsText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/DPHcoaching Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Ma

Feeling trapped in the operatory five days a week? Imagine reclaiming an entire workday without sacrificing income or patient care. That's exactly what today's episode delivers—a practical blueprint for dental practice owners who want to work smarter, not harder.I break down five seemingly small schedule adjustments that combine to create massive efficiency gains. From the simple act of staggering assistant lunches (yes, you can eat quickly!) to training your team to handle crown deliveries up to the final cementation, these strategies address the hidden time thieves lurking in your daily operations. By implementing these changes, you'll reclaim a staggering 16 hours of production time weekly while simultaneously increasing your hourly production value.The math is compelling: just two crown appointments daily at $1,500 each generates $3,000 daily—that's $430 per hour or nearly $331,000 annually. Combined with your newly reclaimed production time, this approach transforms practice economics

Ever felt that mounting frustration when someone keeps crossing a line you never actually drew? That's exactly what happens in dental practices without clear boundaries. When you're constantly putting out fires, feeling resentful toward team members, or watching work bleed relentlessly into your personal time, it's not just about difficult people—it's about undefined limits.The truth is uncomfortable but liberating: your practice will take whatever you allow it to take. Those late-night texts from team members, patients who expect weekend emergency care despite ignoring your treatment recommendations for years, staff who consistently arrive late to morning huddles—these aren't just isolated annoyances. They're symptoms of boundary deficiency.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking HereTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentists ta

Why have dozens of DSOs collapsed? What’s the impact on the dental industry? And how can you protect yourself, even if you never plan to sell? Tune in to learn what’s really happening in the DSO market, and what YOU should look for if you're considering a DSO!Topics discussed in this episode:Why so many DSOs are failingWhat investors look for in DSOs today3 characteristics of an ideal partnerRisks of the DSO business modelBenefits of partnering with a DSO_________________________________****To learn more about MB2 and get a free valuation for your practice:  Text "MB2" to (312)910-2603****Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/DPHcoaching Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking HereTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentist

A sellable practice runs smoother, earns more, and stresses you less. But what does it mean to have a sellable practice? In this episode, the DPH coaches share the seven signs your practice is sellable and explain why you should build a sellable practice even if you never plan to sell. Learn how to increase the value of your practice, what metrics matter to buyers, and how long it takes to make a practice sellable. Tune in to find out if your practice checks all the boxes of a sellable practice!Topics discussed in this episode:The benefits of building a sellable practiceWhat healthy businesses have in commonCharacteristics of sellable practiceHow long it takes to build a sellable practiceIncreasing the value of your practiceWhen to sell vs. keep building Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Get your free demo with Relevance Marketing by Clicking HereTake Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentists take more time off

Ever have one of those nights where you're exhausted but someone talks you into staying up anyway—and it turns into the most fun night ever? That's exactly what happened when my family convinced me to play our ridiculous Italian-themed drinking game called "Garlic and Oil" at the lake house.The truth is that strong practice cultures aren't built through mission statements—they're created through shared experiences, inside jokes, and rituals that bond your team together. People connect through experiences more than tasks. In my practice, we've developed unique cultural elements like our appreciation token system, morning huddle rituals, and our notorious "P2P" feedback approach where team members literally ask, "Can I pee on you for a second?" before offering constructive feedback. These might sound silly, but they create our identity.WText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Use the same marketing company as Dr. Etch!Ge

When’s the last time you reviewed your office policies? Regular check-ins keep your practice running smoothly and your team on the same page. In this episode, the DPH coaches share how they've updated their own policies to reflect today’s workplace, cut down stress, and avoid playing favorites.Get tips on managing cell phone use, stopping patients who start recording in the chair, and creating policies that are fair to all employees. Plus, find out how staff discounts can strengthen your team and grow your practice!Topics discussed in this episode:Evolving cell phone policiesHow to handle cell phone use by patientsAppearance policies: tattoos, piercings, and apparelCreating fair, consistent policiesThe benefits of employee discountsWhy you need updated policies in your practiceText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticehe

What would happen if your entire dental team quit tomorrow? Rather than just a nightmare scenario, this thought experiment reveals critical insights about your practice's foundation. I share the story of a dentist who actually experienced this situation—when he laid out his vision for the practice and gave his team of seven the option to leave if they didn't align with it, five walked out. Surprisingly, this became one of the best things that ever happened to his practice.Ready to transform your practice with proven systems and leadership strategies? Visit dentalpracticheroes.com to explore our one-on-one coaching opportunities and work with someone who's been exactly where you are.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/DPHcoaching Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentists take m

You can be a great dentist and still struggle to grow — and here's why: your mindset. It's what keeps some practice owners stuck and helps others build the type of practice they want.In this episode, find out how to shift out of "survival mode" and run your business instead of just working in it. From perfectionism and fear to day-to-day fundamentals, we discuss common mindset traps and habits that stall growth and how you can move past them. Tune in for tips to build a strong team and become a better leader!Topics discussed in this episode:The mindset of successful practice ownersFundamentals of an efficient dental practiceCommon mental roadblocks to growthTips to accelerate growth and lead more effectivelyWhy you should stress test your practiceText us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Join our Online Mastermind Community with All the Training, Systems, and Plug and Play Protocols for you and your team.  https://www.dentalpracticeheroes.com/DPHcoac

Ever struggled with hygiene cancellations while simultaneously facing a backlog of patients desperate for appointments? You're not alone, and there's a brilliant solution hiding in plain sight.What makes this approach so powerful is its triple benefit structure. Your practice maintains a more predictable schedule and improves productivity. Your patients gain more consistent access to care when they need it. And your local community organizations receive much-needed support. It's a win-win-win that aligns perfectly with modern dental practices that aim to be forces for good beyond their clinical contributions.Ready to transform your practice's cancellation policy while making a real difference in your community? Try this approach and email us at dentalpracticeheroes@gmail.com to share your results. For more innovative practice management solutions and to join our community of growth-minded dental professionals, visit dentalpracticeheroes.com and become part of the DPH Hero Collective today.

Ever feel like the stress of dental practice is overwhelming? Join us on Dental Practice Heroes as we sit down with the insightful dental life coach Chelsea Myers to explore how dentists can manage stress and avoid feeling trapped in their profession. Chelsea offers practical advice on setting boundaries between work and home life and emphasizes the importance of personal and professional growth. Discover how taking control of your own happiness, instead of relying on external factors, can lead to a more fulfilling career and personal life.In our deep-dive discussion, Chelsea also sheds light on achieving flow and authenticity in dentistry. She explains how practices like writing, meditation, and structured routines can uncover personal insights and alleviate stress. Learn how traits that contribute to professional excellence, like perfectionism, can be managed to improve personal relationships. Chelsea also shares about her one-on-one and group coaching, her foundation supporting families in need, and how yo

How can you keep your team, grow your practice, AND reclaim your time? Discover how Dr. Ryan Bradley did all three without burnout, spending big on marketing, or micromanaging his team. We talk about what worked to reduce turnover through a merger, create work-life balance, and scale while cutting back clinical days. Tune in to learn how working less can actually help you grow your practice faster!Topics discussed in this episode:How to successfully take over a practiceBuilding a culture that reduces turnoverChallenges expanding from 4 to 8 opsMaintaining low turnover through a mergerStrategies to achieve work-life balanceAvoid these common growth mistakesWhat it takes to be a good leader and practice owner Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch.  Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentists take more time