Beyond Bitewings

Hosted by Edwards & Associates, PC

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141

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Beyond Bitewings focuses on helping dentists with the business side of dentistry. Our podcast episodes are a mix of outside experts, and discussions within our own team of CPA's, financial planning, and business experts. This is the podcast for those looking to strengthen your dental practice, run a practice more smoothly, and increase your take-home pay.

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60 recent

June 11, 202645 min

The AI Dentist Marketing Reset: What Changed in 2026 and Why Most Practices Aren't Ready.

In this episode, marketing strategist and entrepreneur Sean Garner joins the show to discuss how AI is changing the landscape of marketing for dental practices. Sean outlines the evolving definition of SEO, now known as Search Everywhere Optimization, emphasizing the need for practices to show up wherever patients are searching, from Google to ChatGPT and social platforms. He breaks down the four main pillars of SEO: technical SEO, user experience, content, and authority, explaining how each is critical to digital visibility and practice growth.The conversation covers common pitfalls of relying solely on external marketing agencies, highlighting the importance of strong collaboration between dentists and marketers for authentic, unique content. Sean provides practical solutions for time-strapped practitioners, including the use of CEO time and video podcasts to generate content that reflects their expertise. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on website audits, collaboration strategies, and why balancing AI tools with human context gives practices an edge in a competitive market.To find out more and connect with Sean, visit: www.SeanGarner.co/BeyondBitewingsKey Topics Discussed:Shifts in marketing driven by AI and new search behaviorsThe evolution from traditional SEO to Search Everywhere OptimizationThe four pillars of effective SEO: technical, user experience, content, and authorityCommon pitfalls in outsourcing marketing and how to avoid themThe importance of authentic, unique content versus generic AI-generated articlesStrategies for collaborating with marketing agencies and maximizing owner inputThe value of CEO time and content repurposing through video podcastsTools and approaches to auditing website technical SEO and content structureCollaborating with other practitioners for increased authority and visibilityDifferentiation, competition, and mindset for practice growth

May 28, 202646 min

Why Vacation Doesn’t Cure Burnout: Exploring Deeper Mental Health Triggers in Dentistry

Ash speaks with mental health counselor Priyanka Abul Khair about the realities of burnout in the dental profession, especially among practice owners. They discuss how burnout often goes beyond physical exhaustion and is usually rooted in unresolved relational stress and open loops—tasks or conversations that weigh on the mind. Priyanka explains how these open loops, avoidance of difficult conversations, and unaddressed team dynamics create persistent stress that vacations or surface-level strategies do not resolve.The discussion covers the subtle ways burnout shows up in high-achieving health professionals, the difference between high standards and overfunctioning, and the importance of recognizing the freeze response in the body. Priyanka shares practical steps for breaking the burnout cycle, including awareness, regulation, and the long-term work of repair. They also talk about the importance of seeking help and looking inward for lasting change. To find out more or connect, visit: https://www.priyankaabulkhair.com/Key Topics Discussed:Understanding burnout among dentistsThe concept of open loops and their mental impactAvoidance of difficult conversations and its consequencesRelational vs. financial sources of stressTeam turnover and the underlying causesAttachment styles and burnout in high performersThe freeze response and its effect on leadershipMisleading productivity and overfunctioningPractical steps: awareness, regulation, repairThe importance of seeking help and inner reflection

May 14, 202634 min

Staying Ahead in Dentistry: The New Era of AI-Driven Marketing

Ash welcomes Jennifer Christiansen, Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media and Marketing, for an in-depth discussion about the growing impact of AI in dental marketing and business operations. Jennifer shares her journey as an early adopter of technology and details how AI is reshaping digital marketing, particularly the ways prospective patients find and choose dental practices. She explains how traditional SEO strategies are evolving into an AI-driven landscape, where personalized, expert-authored content is critical for standing out in AI-powered overviews and search results. They also discuss practical tips for dentists and small business owners aiming to leverage these changes. She highlights the shift in consumer behavior toward zero-click searches and the importance of transparency, especially with pricing and service details. The conversation also touches on how AI can enhance internal operations—improving efficiency in communication, appointment scheduling, and even diagnostic processes. Key Topics Discussed:Jennifer Christiansen’s approach to adopting AI in marketingDifferences between traditional SEO and AI-driven searchHow AI is shifting the way patients find dental practicesImportance of personalized, credible content and expert authorityThe rise of zero-click searches and AI-powered overviewsTransparency with service information and pricingHow AI can enhance internal practice operationsThe impact of AI on niche dental practicesAdvice for small business owners navigating AI adoptionEthical considerations and maintaining control amid rapid changeWhere to find more resources and direct contact information for Jennifer

April 23, 202642 min

Minimizing Legal Exposure in Your Dental Office: Practical Strategies and Real-Life Scenarios

Ash welcomes Dr. Jordan Romano, an internal medicine hospitalist and experienced expert witness to discuss the legal aspects of dentistry and the importance of proactively protecting a dental practice from legal risk. Dr. Jordan Romano explains the role of expert witnesses in malpractice and professional liability cases, particularly their responsibility to define and evaluate the standard of care. He highlights how involvement in expert witness work not only supports the legal system but can also make clinicians more conscientious and careful practitioners by exposing them to real-life cases where things went wrong.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Jordan Romano focuses on the practical elements that help mitigate legal exposure, such as robust documentation, effective communication among team members, and the importance of follow-up procedures. He also addresses common scenarios that lead to liability, the technological challenges surrounding communication, and the value of periodic system reviews or peer evaluations.To learn more and connect with Dr. Romano, visit: https://medicalexpertwitness.com/Key Topics Discussed:The role and responsibilities of a medical expert witnessUnderstanding and applying the standard of care in dentistryProactive strategies for reducing legal exposureImportance and challenges of clear documentationEffective team communication within dental practicesManaging referrals and patient follow-upLegal discoverability and safe use of technologyTeam member liability and the "captain of the ship" conceptIdentifying and addressing high-risk procedures or momentsSystem audits, peer review, and study clubs for practice improvementStandardizing and securing communication and documentation practices

April 9, 202641 min

Common Triggers and Solutions for Dental Practice Bankruptcy

In this episode, Ash sits down with Jen Lee, a bankruptcy attorney at Lawyer Success Network with extensive experience advising dental and healthcare professionals. They discuss the common fears and misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy, clarifying that bankruptcy can be a practical financial tool, not just a sign of failure. Jen shares the financial challenges dentists face, including high student loan debt, business loans with personal guarantees, merchant cash advances, and the risks of intertwining personal and business finances.The discussion covers the main types of bankruptcy relevant to dentists: Chapter 7, Chapter 11 (including Subchapter V), and Chapter 13, explaining when each is applicable and what outcomes dentists can expect. They also talk about the importance of keeping business and personal finances separate, understanding cash flow, and seeking professional advice early. The episode also highlights warning signs that should not be ignored, alternatives to bankruptcy such as loan consolidation and practice sales, and practical steps for dentists to reduce financial risk and make informed decisions.To find out more about Jen, visit: https://lawyersuccessnetwork.com/Key Topics Discussed:The stigma and realities of bankruptcy for dental professionalsCommon financial struggles and sources of debt for dentistsThe risks of mixing personal and practice financesThe importance of understanding and monitoring cash flowAn overview of Chapter 7, Chapter 11 (and Subchapter V), and Chapter 13 bankruptciesHandling student loans and practice loans in bankruptcyImpact of bankruptcy on future financing, credit, and professional lifeEarly warning signs of financial distress and steps to takeAlternatives to bankruptcy and when to consider selling a practiceLegal and financial steps to protect your practice before problems arise

March 19, 202645 min

Dental Practice Resilience: Systems, Leadership, and the Path to Owner Freedom

Ash welcomes Matt Gruber, founder of COtingency, to discuss how dental practice owners can safeguard their businesses against unexpected absences and transitions. The conversation covers why even successful practices often remain heavily dependent on one or two key people, and the risks that arise when essential knowledge and operational secret sauce aren’t adequately documented. They discuss how owners can reduce the business's dependence on them, including identifying critical gaps, building resilient systems, and preserving both short-term continuity and long-term succession. Matt also discusses his legal and business experience, highlighting common pitfalls when a founder’s intuition or involvement becomes a liability rather than an asset. They explore scenarios such as sudden health incidents, the involvement of spouses as key players, and operational blind spots that threaten continuity. They also talk about how owners can best document decision-making, how to recognize operational risks, and how to make mindset shifts—especially for owners who tie their self-worth to their business. To learn more about Matt and COtingency, visit: COtingency.comKey Topics Discussed:Owner dependency and risks in dental practicesMotivators for continuity planning (money, time, empowerment, health)Documenting institutional knowledge and secret sauceOperational and relationship breakdowns during sudden exitsDifferences between continuity and succession planningPreparing successors and managing transitionsCommunication strategies for successionSilent operational risks and the role of spousesPractical documentation and empowerment tipsMindset shifts for founders and legacy businessesBenefits of planning for resilience and future opportunitiesBusiness readiness for private equity and acquisitions

March 4, 202630 min

Creating a Culture of Radical Accountability - Part 2

Ash continues the conversation with Dave Rosenberg, focusing on building accountability and effective team leadership within dental practices. Dave explains why true accountability starts with clear communication from leadership and outlines how open-ended questions help ensure team members understand both expectations and the broader intent behind their roles. He emphasizes that leaders need to own their communication and be proactive in supporting their staff to understand downstream impacts of their actions so everyone works toward common goals.The discussion covers practical steps for creating an accountability map, highlighting the importance of assigning responsibility to a single person rather than a group or department. Dave also clarifies the difference between motivation and inspiration in the workplace, recommending professionals hire individuals who find personal meaning in the value their business provides. The episode concludes with advice for dental practice owners: model the standards you want to see, address your own behaviors first, and be open about improvement with your team. This approach helps create a culture where team members hold each other accountable and drive stronger results together.For our listeners who own or lead a dental practice, Dave Rosenberg is offering a complimentary 30-minute coaching debrief following today’s conversation on Radical Accountability™.The session is designed to help practice owners identify where accountability is unclear, where decisions slow down, and what adjustments will create more consistent execution from the team.This is not a sales call. It’s a focused working conversation intended to create clarity. https://lockedonleadership.com/debriefKey Topics CoveredAccountability as a leadership responsibilityCommunication techniques for leadersCreating and using accountability mapsMindset and workplace cultureDifference between motivation and inspirationMaslow’s hierarchy of needs in the workplaceImpact of individual actions on teamsAddressing performance issues with strong performersLearning responses versus punitive theatricsSelf-reflection and modeling standards as a leaderFirst steps for improving accountability in a dental practiceMeasuring progress in team accountability

February 19, 202625 min

Creating a Culture of Radical Accountability - Part 1

In this episode, Ash welcomes Dave Rosenberg, a leadership expert with decades of experience in both the military and the business sector. They discuss the difference between team accountability and individual performance, highlighting how true accountability is built into systems and processes rather than just expecting team members to do the right thing. Dave talks about his background in leadership and engineering to explain the importance of clear job descriptions, formal training, and standards as the foundation for a culture where employees consistently meet expectations.The conversation covers how leaders can shift their approach from assigning blame to focusing on process improvements and how modeling the right behaviors sets the tone for the entire team. They also discuss the distinction between responsibility (responding in the moment) and accountability (ability to follow and assess the process), using real-world examples to make the concepts practical for dental practices and other businesses. Dave also talks about the need for leaders to actively solicit feedback to ensure that intent is truly understood by the team.Key TopicsBuilding team accountability as a system, not just a people issueThe differences between responsibility and accountabilityWhy clear job descriptions and formal processes are essentialThe role of leadership in setting and modeling standardsCreating a culture where mistakes lead to improvement rather than blameHow to solicit feedback to confirm understanding of intentCommon gaps in mechanical processes within leadership teamsFor our listeners, Dave is offering a complimentary 30-minute coaching debrief following today’s conversation on Radical Accountability™.The session is designed to help practice owners identify where accountability is unclear, where decisions slow down, and what adjustments will create more consistent execution from the team.You can book your free session here: https://lockedonleadership.com/debrief.

February 5, 202632 min

Enhancing Dental Patient Experience with AI and Virtual Receptionists

Ash welcomes Nathan Strum from Abby Connect to discuss the evolving role of technology, especially AI, in enhancing the patient experience at dental practices. They break down the traditional functions of the front desk, highlighting the importance of both in-person and phone interactions, and the challenges associated with each—especially the common pain point of phone overload. They also discuss why separating in-person tasks from phone duties leads to better service and a less stressful work environment for dental staff. They also talk about the role of AI-powered and virtual receptionists, including their capabilities, advantages, and their current limitations when handling patient interactions and urgent calls. Compliance and HIPAA considerations for practices using these technologies are also discussed. It’s clear that, rather than replacing human roles, AI is best used as a support tool to improve efficiency, help staff retention, and keep up with patient expectations in a competitive dental landscape. Nathan offers practical advice for practice owners and team members on vetting virtual receptionist services and stresses the importance of ongoing training and adaptability in adopting new technologies. To connect with and learn more about Nathan, visit: https://www.abby.com/Key Topics Discussed:Dividing front desk and phone responsibilities for better patient experienceHow slow or missed phone responses can lose new patient leadsThe role of AI and virtual receptionists in dental practicesHandling urgent and emergency patient calls with AI and human backupImpact of phone tasks on front desk stress and staff turnoverCost, training, and staff retention benefits of using virtual receptionistsEnsuring HIPAA compliance with third-party phone servicesHow to evaluate and choose a virtual receptionist providerThe importance of ongoing staff training in new technologies

January 22, 202637 min

How Design Trends Are Changing Dental Practices and Patient Experiences

In this episode of Beyond Bitewings, Ash sits down with Mark Brodson, Managing Broker at Resource Commercial Advisors, to discuss current design and real estate trends for dental practices. Mark shares insights on how dental office design now focuses more on patient comfort and the overall experience, moving away from the traditional, clinical atmosphere to environments that feel more like spas or lounges. He gives a detailed look at space planning, explaining typical square footage requirements for modern practices and the growing interest among dentists in expanding services to include aesthetic treatments like Botox. The conversation also explores key considerations for dentists deciding between leasing or buying their office space. Mark Brodson explains the importance of lease clauses, including rights of first refusal and demolition or relocation clauses, and the value of working with a professional broker throughout the process. The episode wraps up with a discussion on suburban versus urban demand for dental spaces post-COVID and the significant impact that updated office design can have on the value and marketability of a dental practice.To find out more and connect with Mark, visit: https://www.resourcecommercial.net/mark-brodson/Key Topics Discussed:• Design trends in dental office spaces• Patient experience and comfort in dental practices• Typical dental office sizes and efficient use of space• Leasing vs. buying dental practice real estate• Important lease clauses to consider (right of first refusal, demolition/relocation)• Tenant improvement allowances and lease renewal strategies• Factors that influence the value of a dental practice• The shift from urban to suburban dental practice locations• The role of professional brokers in real estate decisions