The Raving Patients Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Len Tau

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437

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Raving Patients Podcast, where reputation matters! Get ready to learn not only how to revitalize your dental practice's online reputation, but also increase your visibility and credibility on Google and how to use the power of your happy patients to market your practice online with The Reviews Doctor himself, Dr. Leonard Tau! For more information visit: https://www.drlentau.com/

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60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 32839 min

Set It and Collect It: How Smart Practices Are Building Recurring Revenue After Aligner Treatments

What happens after orthodontic treatment ends? For many practices, it's a missed opportunity. Patients lose retainers, stop wearing them, and eventually see their results begin to shift. Meanwhile, practices lose touch with patients and leave recurring revenue on the table. In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Dr. Blair Feldman, orthodontist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Retainer Club, to discuss how practices can transform retention from an afterthought into a scalable patient care and revenue strategy. Drawing from his experience building and exiting multiple orthodontic practices, Blair shares how subscription-based retainer programs help practices protect treatment outcomes while creating a seamless patient experience. Dr. Len and Blair explore the economics of retainer programs, patient compliance, recurring revenue opportunities, AI adoption, and the importance of maintaining relationships with patients long after treatment is complete. Whether you're an orthodontist, Invisalign provider, or general dentist offering aligner therapy, this conversation offers practical strategies for extending patient lifetime value while improving clinical outcomes. What You'll Learn Why retention is one of the most overlooked stages of orthodontic treatment How recurring revenue models can benefit both patients and practices The biggest mistakes practices make after treatment is completed How online retainer fulfillment improves patient compliance Recommended strategies for pricing retainer programs Why patient education is critical for long-term treatment success The role technology and automation play in post-treatment care How practices can increase patient lifetime value through retention programs The importance of transparency when discussing retention and retreatment Business lessons from building and scaling a successful dental startup Key Takeaways 01:48 Set It and Collect It: How Smart Practices Are Building Recurring Revenue After Aligner Treatments 04:20 The Retainer Gap Most Practices Overlook 08:11 Why Retainers Need Regular Replacement 11:13 Building Predictable Recurring Revenue with Retainer Programs 14:22 The Ideal Retainer Program Playbook 17:36 What Happens When Patients Lose Their Retainers? 18:40 Creating Long-Term Retention and Wellness Scan Strategies 23:05 Subscription Models and Automated Retainer Delivery 24:11 Beyond Orthodontics: Veneer Guards, Whitening Trays, and More 26:30 Why Every Aligner Practice Needs a Retention Program 31:14 Common Objections Practices Have About Retainer Programs 32:35 Lightning Round: Business, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship 38:45 Special Offer for Raving Patients Listeners — Connect with Dr Blair Co-Founder & President, Retainer Club LinkedIn: Blair Feldman Website: Retainer Club Learn more about how Retainer Club helps practices create recurring revenue while protecting patient outcomes through seamless retainer fulfillment programs. — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

June 5, 2026Episode 32742 min

Seeing What Your Eye Can't

What if the biggest issues in dentistry are the ones you can't see? In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with renowned prosthodontist and innovator Cherilyn Sheets to discuss how new diagnostic technology is changing the future of dentistry. Cherilyn shares the story behind Interview and Quantitative Percussion Diagnostics (QPD), a science-based system designed to detect cracks, loose restorations, implant instability, and structural weaknesses before they become catastrophic problems. Dr. Tau and Cherilyn explore how this technology helps dentists improve diagnostics, increase patient trust, and boost case acceptance by showing patients issues that traditional imaging often misses. They also dive into the intersection of dentistry, engineering, AI, and preventive care, along with the journey of bringing a groundbreaking dental innovation to market. From early diagnosis to patient communication, this conversation highlights how modern dentistry is moving beyond what can simply be seen on an X-ray. What You'll Learn How Quantitative Percussion Diagnostics (QPD) works Why traditional imaging can miss structural tooth problems How Interview technology helps improve case acceptance The role of AI and engineering in modern dental diagnostics How dentists can identify cracks, loose crowns, and implant instability earlier Why preventive intervention creates better patient outcomes How Cherilyn Sheets helped develop and commercialize this technology The importance of combining science, integrity, and innovation in dentistry — Key Takeaways 00:56 Introduction to Cherilyn Sheets and Interview Technology 03:30 What Interview Technology Actually Does 06:11 Who Benefits Most from QPD Diagnostics 08:42 How Technology Improves Case Acceptance 11:10 Understanding Quantitative Percussion Diagnostics (QPD) 14:52 Detecting Cracks, Stress, and Structural Problems Early 17:55 Comparing Interview to Other Diagnostic Technologies 18:35 Using QPD to Find Pain Sources Faster 19:16 Common Objections and Ease of Use in Practices 23:22 FDA Approval and Product Validation 25:29 The Story Behind the Technology's Creation 30:55 Why Interview Complements X-Rays Instead of Replacing Them 32:42 Cherilyn's Passion for Innovation and AI in Dentistry 33:45 Lightning Round Questions 40:30 Special Offer and How to Learn More About Interview 41:40 Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up — Connect with Cherilyn Website: Innerview AI - https://innerview.ai/ Email: cgsheets@ncofi.org Organization: Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute (NCOFI) — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

May 29, 2026Episode 32639 min

What Dentists Get Wrong About Marketing (And How to Fix It)

What if the biggest reason your marketing is not working has nothing to do with your marketing company? In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with dental marketing expert Nicole Toudouze to unpack the most common marketing mistakes dental practices are making today and what dentists need to do differently to actually see results. Nicole shares practical insights from working with hundreds of dental practices, including why so many offices fail to define clear marketing goals, how missed phone calls quietly destroy ROI, why outdated websites sabotage ad performance, and the real budget practices need if they expect sustainable growth. The conversation also dives into AI in dental marketing, online scheduling, patient acquisition costs, realistic expectations, and why practices often blame marketing companies when the real issue lies inside the office systems. If you are investing in marketing but not seeing the growth you expected, this episode will help you identify where the disconnect may actually be and how to build a marketing strategy that truly supports long-term practice growth. What You'll Learn The top five marketing mistakes dental practices are making today Why defining clear growth goals matters before spending on ads How missed phone calls destroy patient acquisition opportunities Why your website can make or break marketing performance The truth about realistic dental marketing budgets How Google Ads actually work behind the scenes Why dentists often give up on marketing too quickly Nicole's thoughts on AI answering patient phone calls The importance of tracking ROI and marketing performance How AI and changing search behavior are reshaping dental marketing Key Takeaways 00:45 Introduction and Episode Overview 03:42 Nicole Announces Her New Podcast 05:15 What Transcend Dental Does for Practices 06:20 The First Marketing Mistake: Lack of Clear Goals 08:10 Why Answering the Phone Still Matters 09:24 AI Receptionists vs Human Connection 13:57 Why Your Website Could Be Hurting Marketing 14:46 Online Scheduling and Patient Expectations 16:48 The Reality of Dental Marketing Budgets 21:10 Why Dentists Underestimate Marketing Costs 27:05 The Problem with Unrealistic Marketing Expectations 27:50 How Google Ads Actually Learn and Improve 30:52 Why Marketing Companies Become the Scapegoat 33:08 How AI Is Changing Dental Marketing 35:18 What to Do If You Don't Trust Your Marketing Company 37:48 How to Connect with Nicole Toudouze 38:48 Final Thoughts and Closing — Connect with Nicole Website: Transcend Dental Agency Instagram: @transcendentalagency Facebook: Transcend Dental Agency Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

May 22, 2026Episode 32541 min

The Death of Manual RCM & Billing Agents

What if the biggest revenue leak in your practice isn't production… but what happens after treatment is completed? In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with returning guest Shreyas Parab, co-founder and CEO of Daydream, to unpack how AI is transforming dental billing, insurance verification, and revenue cycle management. Shreyas shares how growing up in his mother's dental practice shaped his understanding of the administrative burdens that silently drain profitability and damage the patient experience. From insurance verification mistakes to denied claims and surprise patient bills, this conversation dives deep into why outdated systems are costing practices far more than they realize. Dr. Len and Shreyas also explore the future of AI in dentistry, where it's already succeeding, where it's overhyped, and how practices can use automation to improve efficiency without sacrificing patient relationships. If you've ever struggled with insurance headaches, front desk overwhelm, staffing challenges, or negative reviews tied to billing confusion, this episode offers a practical look at how the future of dental administration is evolving. What You'll Learn Why billing and insurance issues are one of the biggest causes of negative dental reviews How inaccurate insurance verification impacts patient trust and profitability The difference between AI that enhances a practice and AI that replaces human connection Where AI is already thriving in dentistry today Why administrative overload hurts both patients and team culture How automation can improve claim follow-up and reduce denials The future of front desk staffing and dental operations Why patient experience still matters more than technology How Daydream uses AI and human oversight together for RCM accuracy What dentists should focus on if they want more freedom and less operational stress — Key Takeaways 00:44 Introduction and Sponsor Message 02:00 Shreyas Reflects on Supercharge Your Dental Practice 04:23 Growing Up in a Dental Practice 09:30 AI's Rapid Growth in Dentistry 13:40 The Reality of AI Receptionists 17:05 How Billing Problems Hurt Patient Experience 19:46 The Hidden Cost of Insurance Verification Errors 24:45 What Dental RCM Looks Like With and Without AI 27:18 Can AI Make Mistakes? 30:15 Reducing Denials and Increasing Profitability 32:20 Which Practices Benefit Most From Daydream 35:17 The Future of the Dental Front Desk 36:55 Why Better Systems Give Dentists More Freedom 38:47 How to Learn More About Daydream 39:10 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks — Connect with Shreyas Website: Daydream Dental Free Dental Billing Resource: Dental Billing 101 AI Google Review Analysis Tool: Daydream Google Review Analyzer — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

May 15, 2026Episode 32442 min

Local Search Is Changing Fast But Not How You Think

What if everything you thought you knew about local search… is only half the story? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with local search expert Mike Blumenthal to unpack what's actually driving visibility, engagement, and patient acquisition today. From the evolving role of AI to why fundamentals like reviews, branding, and user experience still dominate, this conversation challenges the shortcuts most practices rely on. If you're focused on rankings but not results, this episode will shift your perspective on what truly matters in building a sustainable, patient-generating online presence.. What You'll Learn Why local search fundamentals haven't changed, even with AI advancements How Google evaluates engagement and why it impacts your rankings The real role of reviews, brand, and reputation in attracting patients Why AI is changing how patients search, not what matters most How to optimize your website for conversion, not just traffic The growing importance of long-form, intent-based search queries Why local brand building may be your biggest competitive advantage — Key Takeaways 00:41 Introduction to Mike Blumenthal and local search expertise 04:03 The evolution of local search and what hasn't changed 04:40 Google algorithms vs changing search displays 06:29 The future of AI in search and user behavior 09:45 What dental practices should focus on in marketing 11:59 Website engagement and user experience fundamentals 14:38 Online scheduling and conversion strategies 16:32 Understanding engagement signals beyond bounce rate 20:36 Visibility, credibility, and engagement explained 24:47 Reviews, ratings, and patient experience balance 25:25 Categories and ranking factors in local SEO 27:54 The role of citations and directory authority 31:06 Surprising user behavior trends and AI usage 36:15 The #1 focus for dental practices moving forward 38:06 Best practices for generating effective reviews 40:18 Where to follow Mike Blumenthal — Connect with Mike Email: mblumenthal@nearmedia.co Website: Near Media Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

May 8, 2026Episode 32339 min

The Human Side of Practice Growth : Building Trust Before the Treatment Plan

What if your biggest growth opportunity isn't your marketing… but how your team communicates? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with returning guest Danny Bobrow to break down the human side of practice growth. From the first phone call to treatment acceptance, Danny explains why trust, empathy, and communication skills are the real drivers behind case acceptance and long-term patient loyalty. They dive into why most practices mishandle leads, how emotional decision-making impacts patient behavior, and the simple shifts your team can make to create stronger connections that lead to more yeses. If you want better conversions, stronger relationships, and a more consistent patient experience, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn Why patients make decisions emotionally before justifying with logic The three C's of persuasive communication and how they impact case acceptance How poor phone handling is costing practices new patients What actually defines a "qualified lead" Why listening is one of the most valuable skills in your practice How to build trust quickly in the first 30 seconds of a call The difference between convincing and true persuasion How to get your entire team aligned and consistent with communication — Key Takeaways 00:46 Introduction and episode overview 01:54 About Danny Bobrow and his background 03:24 How Danny helps dental practices grow 06:33 The importance of communication in patient conversion 08:08 Why listening is a critical skill 09:57 Overview of the Persuasion Blueprint 11:50 Emotional decision-making explained 13:19 The three C's of communication 14:58 Breaking down caring, connection, and collaboration 16:48 Common mistakes practices make 18:40 Understanding different types of "yes" 20:48 Getting team buy-in and consistency 25:45 What defines a qualified lead 28:36 Handling unqualified or difficult leads 29:02 Avoiding a "salesy" approach 31:05 Building trust in the first interaction 32:06 Why how you say things matters more than what you say 33:10 The impact of trust on referrals and retention 34:16 Lightning round Q&A 35:14 How to connect with Danny — Connect with Danny 📧 Email: dbobrow@aimdentalmarketing.com 🌐 Website: https://americandentalmarketing.com/ — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

May 1, 202637 min

From Owner to CEO: The Systems, Data, and Leadership Behind Scalable Practices

What if the biggest thing holding your practice back isn't your skills… but how you run the business? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Dr. Rehan Shahid to break down the real shift dentists must make to grow, scale, and reclaim their time. From understanding your numbers to building systems and empowering your team, this conversation reveals what it truly takes to move from overwhelmed owner to confident CEO. If you've ever felt stuck in the day-to-day grind, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, growth, and what's actually possible for your practice. What You'll Learn The key mindset shift from practice owner to CEO Why most dentists stay stuck in reactive mode How systems create scalable, stress-free growth The KPIs every practice owner must track and understand How to effectively delegate without losing control Why most team meetings fail and how to fix them The biggest profit leaks in dental practices Practical steps to "buy back your time" as an owner Key Takeaways 00:48 Introduction to the episode and guest 03:33 Dr. Rehan Shahid's journey and building multiple practices 06:35 Owner vs CEO mindset explained 06:57 Reactive vs proactive leadership in dentistry 08:25 Delegation and empowering your team 11:50 Systems and scaling multiple locations 12:15 Why dentists must know their numbers 12:37 Key KPIs that drive growth and profitability 15:32 How to delegate and buy back your time 17:18 When to hire an office manager 19:43 Why most team meetings fail 19:45 Building effective, structured meetings 22:39 Steps to start thinking like a CEO 24:20 Coaching, mentorship, and growth 26:46 Identifying profit leaks in your practice 30:45 Final mindset shift for long-term success 31:40 Lightning round Q&A — Connect with Dr. Rehan Instagram: @practicesuccessacademy Website: https://www.practicesuccessacademy.org/ Free 30-minute strategy call available — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at: https://www.drlentau.com This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more at: https://www.dentalintel.com/ This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more at: https://www.callrail.com/ Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

April 24, 2026Episode 32139 min

Why Your Membership Plans Sucks

If your membership plan isn't driving real retention and recurring revenue… it's probably broken. In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Paul Lowry, CEO of Dental Menu, to unpack why most dental membership plans fail and what practices should be doing instead. From understanding the difference between access-based care and traditional discount models to leveraging subscriptions, rewards, and smarter systems, this conversation reveals how to turn your membership plan into a true growth engine. If you want more loyal patients, better retention, and predictable revenue without relying on insurance, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn The real reason most dental membership plans fail The difference between a membership plan vs. a discount plan Why "access to care intervals" outperform annual plans How subscription-based models improve retention and revenue The concept of "breakage" and how it increases profitability How rewards programs boost loyalty and treatment acceptance Why cash-pay patients are often your biggest missed opportunity The biggest mistake teams make when implementing membership plans How to properly track membership revenue without hurting KPIs Ways to customize plans for different patient types — Key Takeaways 00:47 Introduction and episode overview 02:34 Meet Paul Lowry and Dental Menu 03:57 What Dental Menu does and why plans fail 05:30 Membership plan vs discount plan explained 07:10 Why annual plans struggle with retention 08:41 Access to care intervals and subscription model 12:35 Monthly vs annual plans and auto-renewal 13:43 How membership plans increase revenue 16:51 Retention data and missed opportunities 18:29 Rewards programs and patient loyalty 20:20 Add-ons and increasing profitability 23:47 Common objections from practices 26:50 Team adoption challenges 28:09 Managing membership revenue properly 33:55 Lightning round begins 37:25 How to connect with Paul — Connect with Paul Email: Paul@DentalMenu.com Website: DentalMenu.com Special Offer: Mention Raving Patients to get $200 off the onboarding fee — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

April 17, 2026Episode 32038 min

Wellness Is The ROI: How Ergonomics and Stress Management Drive Practice Performance

What if the biggest threat to your dental practice isn't competition… but your own physical health? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Caitlin Parsons, dental hygienist and ergonomics and wellness consultant, to unpack how chronic pain and stress are silently impacting productivity, team dynamics, and patient experience. Caitlin shares her personal journey from nearly leaving dentistry due to pain to becoming a leader in helping dental professionals create sustainable, high-performing practices. From small ergonomic tweaks to integrating yoga therapy into your daily workflow, this conversation reveals how prioritizing wellness isn't just good for your body… it's a smart business move. If you've ever pushed through discomfort or felt burnout creeping in, this episode is your wake-up call to rethink how you care for yourself and your team. What You'll Learn Why chronic pain is so common in dentistry and what causes it The connection between stress, posture, and patient experience How poor ergonomics impacts productivity and team performance Simple ergonomic adjustments that can make a big difference Why "pushing through pain" can cost you long-term The role of yoga therapy in managing stress and improving focus Practical ways to support your team's health without major investments How small daily habits can improve longevity in your career — Key Takeaways 00:49 Introduction & Episode Overview 02:55 Caitlin Parsons' Background & Journey 05:55 Prevalence of Pain in Dentistry 07:05 Signs of Poor Ergonomics 09:20 Impact of Stress & Chronic Pain on Performance 12:00 Real-Life Story on Patient Perception 14:36 Desk Ergonomics & Daily Habits 16:41 What is Ergonomic Optimization? 19:04 Small Changes That Make a Big Impact 20:55 The Danger of Ignoring Pain 23:40 Introduction to Yoga Therapy 26:55 Actionable Steps for Practice Owners 31:00 Lightning Round Q&A 34:40 How to Connect with Caitlin — Connect with Caitlin Website: thealignedhygienist.com Email: hello@thealignedhygienist.com Instagram: @thealignedhygienist 🎁 Bonus: Caitlin is offering a complimentary 15-minute ergonomic strategy call for individuals or teams looking to improve their workflow, reduce pain, and boost performance. — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at: https://www.drlentau.com This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more at: https://www.dentalintel.com/ This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more at: https://www.callrail.com/ Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

April 10, 2026Episode 31936 min

The Growth Formula No One Is Talking About In Dentistry

What if the biggest growth opportunity in your dental practice isn't outside… but already sitting inside your system? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Lorie Streeter to unpack the real growth formula most practices overlook. While many dentists chase new patients, Lorie reveals why the true driver of sustainable growth lies in reactivating existing patients, strengthening systems, and elevating the patient experience. From overlooked treatment plans to broken follow-up systems, this conversation dives deep into how practices can unlock hidden revenue, improve retention, and turn everyday patients into raving fans. If you want predictable growth without constantly spending on marketing, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn Why growth in dentistry is an "inside job" The hidden revenue sitting in your existing patient base How poor follow-up systems are costing practices thousands The real role of patient experience in driving referrals and retention Why marketing alone won't fix growth problems How office managers can become the engine behind practice success Simple ways to improve patient experience starting immediately The importance of listening and clear communication in case acceptance — Key Takeaways 00:45 Welcome + Episode Introduction 03:20 What Max Assist Does and How It Helps Practices 04:56 Key Features That Set Max Assist Apart 06:50 Growth Is an Inside Job Explained 08:45 The Problem with Follow-Up Systems 11:20 Why Patient Experience Drives Growth 16:29 The Power of the Office Manager Role 19:45 Practical Ways to Improve Patient Experience 25:09 Leveraging Employer Groups for Growth 27:47Patient Retention vs New Patients 28:18 Fixing Follow-Up and Case Acceptance 29:40 One Thing to Change in Your Practice Tomorrow 31:40 Lightning Round — Connect with Lorie Website: https://maxassist.com/ Email: lorie.streeter@maxassist.com — Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com. This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here. This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here. Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!