Dentist on Demand - DentalBytes

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139

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Our show is your ticket to discovering the cutting-edge innovations, breakthrough techniques, and transformative technologies that are redefining the very essence of dentistry. With the expertise and passion of our dental expert guests, including dentists, dental hygienists, orthodontists, dental technicians, oral surgeons, dental educators, and more, we'll unravel the intricacies of this vital healthcare field, shedding light on the latest trends and developments that are shaping the future of dental care. Explore the fascinating stories of these dental professionals who are at the forefront of this ever-changing field. Their experiences, challenges, and triumphs provide a unique glimpse into the dedication and artistry that goes into creating healthy and beautiful smiles. Whether you're a dental professional seeking to stay up-to-date with industry advancements or a curious listener interested in the science and artistry of dentistry, our podcast is your gateway to the world of oral health. Join us on this enlightening journey as we celebrate the remarkable individuals from various corners of the dental industry who are pushing the boundaries of dentistry and, ultimately, improving the lives of countless individuals one smile at a time.

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60 recent

October 1, 202648 min

DentalBytes ep. 174 — The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Send us Fan Mail That conversation you keep putting off? It could be costing your practice more than you think. In Episode 174 of DentalBytes, I’m joined by Mark Raffan of Summit Crown Advisory for a candid conversation about leadership friction—the unclear expectations, avoided conversations, and unresolved tensions that can quietly hold a dental team back. We’ve all heard it: “I don’t want to upset them.” “What if they leave?” “It’ll probably work itself out.” But the longer we leave things unspoken, the more room there is for frustration, confusion, and office drama. Mark and I get into: - Why difficult conversations get harder when we avoid them - How to build accountability around clear expectations - Why leadership is a skill you can learn - What owners still need to do after hiring a practice manager - The challenges of working with family - Why the values on the wall need to match what happens in the practice One idea that stayed with me: before deciding you have a people problem, make sure people actually know what’s expected of them. **DentalBytes Episode 174 premieres Thursday, October 1 at 11 a.m. Pacific.** If you own, manage, or help lead a dental practice, this one’s for you. #DentalBytes #DentalPodcast #DentalLeadership #PracticeManagement #TeamCommunication #MarkRaffan Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

July 24, 20261 hr 2 min

DentalBytes ep 173 - Building Something Bigger Than Yourself

Send us Fan Mail Dentistry can be isolating—but it does not have to be. Marc sat down with Dr. Faraj Edher on location at the BC Dental Study Club headquarters in downtown Vancouver. Since our last conversation, the study club has grown to more than 3,500 members. But this episode is not simply about growth. It is about what becomes possible when education, community, leadership, and technology are all built around a clear purpose. Faraj and I talk about: - Why teaching makes you a better clinician - What separates a great educator from an impressive one - How purpose turns competition into fuel - The hardest part of building any organization: people - Why long-term vision matters during short-term turmoil - Evidence-based dentistry without rigid dogma - Why work-life balance has to be personal - How AI has multiplied Faraj’s productivity One thought stayed with me: we can only make so much of a difference with our own two hands. Education makes that difference exponential. Episode 173 goes live Friday, July 24 at 4:00 p.m. PT. #DentalBytes #DentalPodcast #DentalEducation #DentalLeadership #DentalCommunity Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

July 10, 20261 hr 3 min

DentalBytes ep. 172 Building the Practice Around the Patient

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of DentalBytes , Marc Wagner sits down with Jay Geier , founder of The Practice Growth Institute , for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about what it really takes to grow a successful dental practice. Jay shares nearly three decades of perspective on the patterns he sees inside dental and medical practices — from overwhelmed owners and undertrained teams to poor patient experience, financial stress, leadership gaps, and the isolation many dentists quietly face. The conversation explores Jay’s “Big Five” pillars of growth: human capital, marketing, space and equipment, clinical duplication, and financial discipline. But at the heart of the episode is one clear message: dentistry is a people business. Growth does not begin with more marketing, more gadgets, or more production. It begins with building a practice that is truly ready to serve patients well. Marc and Jay also discuss the importance of team training, first impressions, office environment, case acceptance, mentorship, scaling beyond the owner’s chair, and why dentists need to get out of isolation if they want to build a healthier, more sustainable business. This is a powerful episode for any practice owner who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to take a more honest look at what their practice could become. Key Takeaways Growth starts with the patient experience. Jay emphasizes that practices need to begin with the patient relationship and work backward from there. Marketing only works when the foundation is ready. Marc and Jay discuss how practices often miss major opportunities because the team, systems, and patient experience are not prepared to handle increased demand. The “Big Five” of practice growth matter. Jay breaks growth into human capital, marketing, space and equipment, clinical duplication, and financial discipline. Your office environment sends a message. From the front sign to the lobby to the front desk experience, patients are forming impressions before they ever meet the doctor. Dentists need to stop operating in isolation. A major theme of the episode is the danger of trying to figure everything out alone, especially while juggling debt, family, leadership, burnout, and business pressure. Scaling requires letting go. Jay talks about the psychological difficulty many dentists face when bringing in associates and learning to lead beyond their own chair. Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

June 30, 202652 min

DentalBytes ep 171 - Marketing Gets the Call Your Team Earns the Patient

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of DentalBytes, Marc Wagner sits down with Flint Geier from the Scheduling Institute for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the most overlooked growth opportunities in dentistry: the front-end patient experience. Flint shares the story of how the Scheduling Institute began, how it evolved from a cassette tape training kit into a major force in dental practice growth, and why the first phone call into a practice can make or break the patient journey. Together, Marc and Flint explore the connection between marketing, new patient conversion, team training, leadership, systems, and the often-underappreciated role of the front desk. They discuss why dental practices can spend heavily on marketing but still miss opportunities if calls go unanswered, patient intake is inconsistent, or the team is not aligned around the full patient experience. The conversation also dives into the “dirty word” of sales in dentistry, reframing it as ethical influence, patient education, and helping people make the right decisions for their health. Flint explains why everyone in the practice plays a role in creating trust, building confidence, and helping patients move forward with care. They also touch on AI reception tools, the importance of combining technology with human service, and why new tools only work when they are part of a strong overall system. Whether you are a practice owner, front desk team member, treatment coordinator, marketer, or dental professional looking to grow your practice in a smarter way, this episode is packed with practical insight. Key Themes: New patient conversion Front desk training Patient intake systems Dental marketing ROI Practice growth Team alignment Ethical sales in dentistry AI reception and automation Leadership and accountability Creating a better patient experience Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

June 19, 202648 min

DentalBytes ep 170 - Building Better Dental Practices Through Leadership, Culture & Systems

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of DentalBytes, Marc Wagner sits down with Pat Lipovski from Envision Group for a wide-ranging conversation on what truly makes a dental practice thrive. Pat brings decades of experience helping leaders and teams envision, adapt, and achieve more than they believed possible. Together, Marc and Pat explore the people-first side of dentistry — from leadership and team engagement to patient experience, personality dynamics, and the systems that keep a practice aligned. The conversation dives into why strong leadership is less about control and more about developing confidence, loyalty, and purpose within the team. Pat also shares why financial incentives are often only a short-term fix, while culture, communication, emotional intelligence, and a shared practice vision create the foundation for long-term success. They also touch on the importance of building a “practice playbook,” understanding personality types at the front desk and throughout the clinic, and creating a workplace where team members feel like they are part of the answer — not just following instructions. Whether you are a new graduate, a practice owner, a clinic manager, or a team member looking to create a better work environment, this episode offers practical insight into the human systems that shape great dentistry. KEY THEMES / TAKEAWAYS • Dentistry is still a people business first. The mouth matters, but the mind of the patient — and the mindset of the team — comes first. • Strong practices are built on two core pillars: bedside manner and systems. • Great leadership can be measured by one simple question: who is actually following? • Financial incentives may help temporarily, but they rarely fix deeper leadership or culture challenges. • Younger generations want to feel heard, valued, and connected to purpose. • A strong practice needs a shared plan, a common language, and a documented playbook. • Personality dynamics matter — especially at the front desk, where patient experience begins. • Emotional intelligence is not “fluffy.” It is becoming one of the most important skills in leadership, patient care, and team retention. • “People work harder when they are part of the answer.” • The best practices do not chase perfection. They focus on learning, growth, consistency, and steady improvement. Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

May 16, 20261 hr 6 min

DentalBytes ep. 169 - AI, Dentistry & the Future of the Front Desk

Send us Fan Mail AI is quickly becoming one of the most important conversations in dentistry — not only from a clinical perspective, but from an operational and patient experience standpoint as well. In this episode of DentalBytes, Marc Wagner sits down with Tyler McClendon for a live in-studio conversation about the future of AI, digital workflows, patient intake, practice efficiency, diagnostics, treatment planning, and the evolving role of technology inside the dental practice. The discussion explores how AI may help reduce missed calls, improve patient responsiveness, support the front desk, and create more streamlined workflows, while also recognizing that dentistry remains, at its core, a people business. The technology is changing quickly, but the practices that succeed will be the ones that use these tools to enhance the patient experience, support their teams, and create more meaningful human connection. “Dentistry will always be a people business, the question is where technology fits into that experience.” “AI is not replacing the front desk. It is helping support the workflow in front of them.” “The future of dentistry is not just about technology. It is about how that technology improves the patient experience.” “The patient experience starts long before someone sits in the chair.” hashtag #DentalBytes hashtag #DentalPodcast hashtag #DentalAI hashtag #DigitalDentistry hashtag #DentalTechnology Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

May 9, 202652 min

DentalBytes ep. 168 - Avoiding Money Traps in Dentistry

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of DentalBytes , Marc Wagner sits down with Gurtej from White Coat Financial for a candid and practical conversation about the financial realities facing dentists today. From younger dentists questioning whether clinic ownership is still the right path, to the rising pressure of debt, technology costs, lifestyle inflation, insurance decisions, and practice acquisition, this conversation cuts through the noise. Gurtej shares why many dentists are rethinking the traditional “owner or bust” mindset, how financial peer pressure can lead to poor decisions, and why wealth management should begin much earlier than most people think. The episode also dives into practice due diligence, incorporation, insurance mistakes, the importance of reputation, and how having a clear financial plan can reduce stress and help dentists focus on what matters most: their patients, their families, and themselves. A grounded, honest, and timely conversation for dentists at every stage of their career. Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

May 2, 202650 min

DentalBytes ep. 167 - Clinical Intelligence, Human Connection, and the Next Era of Dentistry.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of DentalBytes , Marc Wagner sits down with Dr. Amreesh Khanna , a Calgary-based dentist, entrepreneur, educator, and founder involved in both Adept Dental Education and OraQ AI . Dr. Khanna shares his journey from dental school at the University of Alberta, to a general practice residency in New York, to practice ownership in Calgary — including the major challenge of surviving the Calgary flood just one year into owning his first practice. That experience became a turning point, pushing him deeper into the business side of dentistry, leadership, mentorship, and data-driven practice growth. The conversation dives into the importance of mentorship, the difficulty of implementation after continuing education courses, and why dentists need support not only clinically, but personally and professionally. Dr. Khanna also shares how his education platform helps clinicians align their personal, professional, and financial goals while building confidence chairside. Marc and Dr. Khanna also explore the rapidly growing role of AI in dentistry , including clinical decision support, data interoperability, patient communication, medical-dental integration, privacy, compliance, and the future of AI-powered healthcare. Through OraQ AI, Dr. Khanna is helping clinicians better understand patient risk, communicate more clearly, and make more informed decisions without replacing the human clinician at the centre of care. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about where dentistry is heading — and why collaboration, education, ethical innovation, and optimism matter more than ever. Key Topics Covered Dr. Khanna’s early entrepreneurial influence from his father His dental training at the University of Alberta General practice residency in New York Building a surgical-focused clinical career Practice ownership and the impact of the Calgary flood Learning the business side of dentistry through adversity The role of mentors, coaches, and advisory boards Why implementation is often harder than education Adept Dental Education and one-on-one mentorship Personal, professional, and financial goal alignment The rise of AI in dentistry OraQ AI and clinical intelligence Risk assessment and patient communication Data interoperability and integration challenges Privacy, compliance, Health Canada, and FDA considerations AI as a clinical decision support system Why clinicians should understand both the power and limits of AI The future of medical-dental integration Staying excited, educated, and empowered in a changing profession Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

April 29, 202615 min

DentalBytes Special: The Human Side of Dentistry’s Digital Future

Send us Fan Mail In this special unnumbered episode of DentalBytes, Marc Wagner takes a step back to look at the bigger picture of where dentistry is heading. After years of conversations with clinicians, educators, lab leaders, technology providers, entrepreneurs, and practice teams, one theme keeps coming through: dentistry is evolving quickly, but the heart of the industry is still human. This episode explores the growing role of AI, digital workflows, diagnostic tools, lab innovation, patient education, mentorship, and collaboration — not as replacements for people, but as tools that can help dental professionals communicate better, work more efficiently, and deliver stronger patient outcomes. From practice ownership and resilience to diagnostic AI, digital dentistry, lab partnerships, and the importance of staying curious, this DentalBytes Special is an overarching reflection on the people and ideas moving the industry forward. Because the future of dentistry is not just about technology. It is about using better tools to create better conversations, better care, and better connections. Hosted by Marc Wagner DentalBytes Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand

April 4, 20261 hr 0 min

DentalBytes ep. 166 - How AI & 3D Printing Are Reshaping Dentistry

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of DentalBytes , Marc sits down with Daniel Karbouzian from SprintRay to talk about the fast-changing world of digital dentistry. They discuss: AI and automation in everyday workflows Why 3D printing is becoming more practical for dental practices Common mistakes that slow down adoption Why intraoral scanning technique still matters SprintRay’s workflow ecosystem The future of night guards, dentures, surgical guides, crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers If you’re interested in where dentistry is going next, this is a conversation worth a listen. Support the show Thanks so much for watching and being part of the Dentist on Demand community—your support means everything. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow us on social and share it with a friend or colleague who’d get value from it. We’ve got more real-world dental marketing and practice growth insights coming your way, so stay tuned—and we’ll see you in the next one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentistondemand/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistondemand.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentist-on-demand YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRTD4frcgfhZfklxl4JNT-g Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dentistondemand