Drilling It Down

Hosted by Wes Lyon

Business Management

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

More dentists than ever are seeking out independent, objective, financial advice. In a world recently flooded with private equity money, lower dental insurance reimbursements, and questionable tax advice, it can be tough to see through the fog and answer the most important question, how can a dentist make more money? Join your host Wes Lyon as he helps you see clearly through the fog of dental office financials, allowing you to concentrate on delivering quality dental care. Wes prides himself in offering independent, uncensored, objective advice to help dentists increase practice profitability, make better practice management decisions, and improve their personal financial planning. Whether you’re a recent graduate, new owner, in the stride of your career, or considering a transition into retirement, the Drilling It Down Podcast will help you make more money, pay less tax, and reach financial independence earlier. About Us McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors is an independently owned one-stop financial services resource for the dental profession, based on their "every step of the way" team approach. Their team offers financial consulting services and continuing education seminars exclusively for dentists nationwide. Throughout the years more than 30,000 doctors nationwide have trusted McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors for objective advice to reach their financial goals. Aside from their consulting, transition, and continuing education services, the group also publishes The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory, a dental business newsletter that offers valuable insights for all dentists. The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory provides strategies and advice to help minimize federal and state income taxes, maximize practice profits, reduce overhead expenses, and create and protect your wealth. Membership includes monthly issues, searchable archives, special reports and bulletins, Q&As, financial calculators, forms, guides, letters, and more! Visit mcgilladvisory.com to subscribe! Wes and his guests are experienced dental advisors specializing in tax planning, business planning, financial planning, wealth management, and practice transitions, who take pride in providing independent advice that puts the independent dentists’ best interests first. Host Biography Wes Lyon: Wes helps dentists and specialists across the country achieve financial independence by improving practice profitability, slashing income taxes, managing dental insurance exposure, and making better personal financial decisions. Wes serves as President & CEO of Lyon Publishing Inc., President & CEO of McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors, and Managing Partner of Lyon Wealth Advisors Group, LLC. He is a highly sought after speaker making regular appearances at industry events, study clubs, podcasts, and McGill and Lyon seminars. Wes is also published in other editorials periodically and writes a Financial Management column for the Academy of General Dentistry. Before entering the dental consulting world, Wes worked in institutional investment management. Prior to that, Wes was a financial advisor specializing in helping small business owners with their personal finances. McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors is a consulting firm providing dentists and specialists independent, objective financial advice as it relates to tax planning, business planning, and financial planning. McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors was founded in 1983 by Dr. Charles Blair and John K. McGill. Since then, the company has helped over 1,000 dentists reach their financial goals while paying the least amount of taxes required through their tax, business, and financial planning service.

Listen to episodes

31 recent

May 22, 2026Episode 3020 min

Boost Productivity by Increasing the Effectiveness of Your Morning Huddle

The morning huddle may seem like a formality, but it can be one of your best tools to improve productivity in your dental office. Are you using it to its full advantage though? Wes and Liam sit down to discuss the morning huddle on today's episode, as well as other meetings you should be having in your practice to ensure everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction.To chat with one of our advisors about your practice, contact us today!And stay on top of more practice management insights by reading our blog, subscribing to our newsletter, and attending one of our seminars!

May 21, 2026Episode 2940 min

12 Friction Points Killing Conversions in Your Dental Practice

Every dentist wants to convert as much business as possible. But are you and your staff taking all the right steps to ensure that becomes reality? On today's episode, Wes and Tyler sit down to discuss the 12 things that may be occurring in your practice that are killing your conversion rate. Some of them may seem like common sense, but they're worth investigating to ensure your patients are being given every opportunity to say "yes."To chat with one of our advisors about your practice, contact us today!And stay on top of more practice management insights by reading our blog, subscribing to our newsletter, and attending one of our seminars!

April 10, 2026Episode 115 min

Why Smart Dentists Employ Their Spouse

Most dentists are overpaying in taxes… and don’t even know it.One of the simplest (and completely legal) ways to reduce your tax bill? Paying your spouse through your dental practice.In this video, Wes and Tyler break down how this strategy works, why it’s so effective, and what you need to do to implement it correctly. Done right, this can mean thousands in tax savings, increased retirement contributions, and a smarter overall financial setup.You’ll learn:✔️ How employing your spouse actually saves money✔️ What the IRS requires (and what to avoid)✔️ How to structure it the right way✔️ Why most dentists never take advantage of thisIf you’re a dental practice owner looking to keep more of what you earn, this is a must-watch.To chat with one of our advisors about this tax saving strategy and others you should be using, contact us here.And stay on top of more tax saving strategies by reading our blog, subscribing to our newsletter, and attending one of our seminars!

March 11, 2026Episode 113 min

Can I Actually Write Off a Car? - What the IRS Allows in 2026

Can you actually write off a car on your taxes? And if so, how do you do it legally?In this video, Wes and Mario break down how car tax write-offs really work, who qualifies, and the proper steps you need to take to stay compliant with IRS rules. Many business owners hear about writing off vehicles but don’t understand the requirements, documentation, and methods the IRS actually allows.If you’re a business owner, understanding vehicle deductions can potentially save you thousands in taxes, but only if you do it the right way.To chat with one of our advisors about your potential business deductions, contact us today!

July 15, 2025Episode 132 min

One, Big, Beautiful Bill Update: How Will It Affect You?

Today's episode of Drilling It Down highlights Trump's One, Big, Beautiful, Bill and some of the impacts it will make to the tax law. Wes and Mario highlight the changes that will affect dentists' tax bills, some of the entertaining provisions of the bill, and how Trump did compared to promises he made during his election campaign. Tune in to discover how this will affect you!Charlotte Seminar: https://www.mcgillhillgroup.com/Seminar/4302/The-Roadmap-to-Financial-Wellness-and-Practice-SuccessWant to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com. If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off! Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

May 21, 2025Episode 149 min

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill

Drilling It Down is back in our brand new studio! Thank you for bearing with us as we work through all our technology upgrades!Today, Wes and Mario sit down to talk about a proposed tax bill, named "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill." Please note that this is just a proposed bill, and not set in stone yet. Mario and Wes discuss what MAY change for Americans if this bill is passed. Some changes include tax rates, 100% bonus depreciation, eradicating of clean vehicle credits, and more. While changes most likely won't be major, tax planning will become more important if this bill is passed, so make sure you're aware of all possible changes!Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com. If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off! Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

February 4, 2025Episode 122 min

Avoid Inflated Sale Leaseback Arrangements in Commercial Real Estate

On this episode of Drilling It Down, Wes and Tyler return to explore the intricacies of sale-leaseback arrangements, focusing on the dangers of inflated leases. Drawing parallels with the Toys R Us saga following its private equity buyout, they discuss how companies opt to sell real estate for immediate cash, often leading to financial downfall. They break down the pros and cons of sale-leasebacks, underscoring the risks when companies overreach in pursuit of capital. Tyler emphasizes robust research for potential commercial investments, warning against the traps of inflated rents and the perils of uninformed property acquisitions. They highlight the necessity of local market expertise, cautioning listeners to consult seasoned brokers rather than relying solely on online listings for viable deals. The conversation also touches on the pivotal role of cap rates and interest rates, offering insights into evaluating leases for long-term success. Wes and Tyler adeptly guide listeners through the complexities of commercial real estate investing, providing crucial lessons and strategies to avoid costly pitfalls. Their discussion arms both seasoned and aspiring investors with knowledge essential for safeguarding their financial future.Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com.If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter here to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off!Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

January 28, 2025Episode 146 min

Avoiding Partnership Pitfalls

On this special episode of Drilling It Down, hosts Wes Lyon and Roger Hill dive into the complexities of partnership transitions within the dental industry. They begin by exploring common challenges partners face, often stemming from financial stresses and flawed operating agreements. Wes shares personal insights on the ramifications of unmet expectations, while Roger draws from his extensive consulting experience to underscore the value of meticulous planning and preparation before welcoming new partners. The discussion shifts to partnership pathway planning ,a strategy developed by Roger to mitigate partnership risks. He clarifies that successful partnerships require clear financial expectations and robust legal agreements to prevent misunderstandings. Wes adds that assessing a practice's profitability is crucial to finding the "trigger point"— the point at which the revenue growth is satisfactory to meet both partners' financial needs. They illustrate this with real-world scenarios, emphasizing the importance of early financial planning. Roger provides reassurance regarding concerns partners may have about losing control after a sale, explaining that thoughtful structuring can preserve operational autonomy. They also compare the benefits of partnerships vs. selling practices to Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), revealing that well-structured partnerships can yield greater financial returns for dentists. The episode concludes with practical advice on establishing transparent buy-in and buy-out processes, with Roger highlighting the necessity of clear cash flow projections. Wes reiterates the significance of comprehensive planning for successful partnerships, encouraging listeners to thoughtfully assess all options for their dental practices' futures.Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com. If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off! Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

January 14, 2025Episode 141 min

A Deep Dive Into Private Equity - Part 2

In part 2 of our private equity discussion, Wes and Mario explore the complex relationship between private equity and dentistry, highlighting its implications for dental practices. They address concerning trends such as overtreatment driven by management pressure. They then discuss the ethical challenges of prioritizing profit over patient care. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of seeking second opinions and informed decision-making. They also examine the structure of corporate dental practices and provide guidance for dentists considering working for dental service organizations (DSOs).Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com. If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off! Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.

January 7, 2025Episode 133 min

A Deep Dive Into Private Equity - Part 1

On this episode of Drilling It Down, Wes and Mario dissect the intricate world of private equity, particularly its repercussions for the dental sector. The discussion is initiated by the thought-provoking article "Slash and Burn: Is Private Equity Out of Control?" which serves as a catalyst for examining the dual nature of private equity investments. Mario reveals that these investments may not yield superior returns compared to traditional options such as low-cost index funds, challenging the narrative of private equity as a surefire wealth generator. The hosts further clarify how private equity firms typically utilize considerable debt to acquire businesses, often placing financial strain on the companies involved. They cite examples of major brands like Toys R Us and Sears, which collapsed under the weight of leveraged buyouts. Emphasizing transparency, Wes highlights the often concealed fees that diminish true investor returns, raising questions about the overall benefit of private equity in various industries. Wes and Mario address the controversial carried interest loophole that allows private equity insiders to pay lower taxes than ordinary earners, contributing to economic disparity.Want to submit a question that will be answered on the next episode? Submit it here or email us at newsletter@mcgillhillgroup.com.If you're not already, subscribe to The McGill & Lyon Dental Advisory newsletter to keep up with all the articles mentioned in our episodes, as well as a plethora of other content. Use code Podcast20 for 20% off!Listen to our sister show, Next Gen DDS! An all-in-one resource for dental students, residents, and early career doctors, discussing both clinical and business aspects of dentistry, hosted by Wes Lyon and Dr. Scott Menaker.