Are you still passionate about where your practice is heading? Listen as Dr. Philip Gordon and his guest Dr. Brian Harris discuss how to stay excited in your practice, what is happening with the Smile Virtual system, how you can use this system to grow your business and much more on this episode of Dental Implant Practices.
Brian is a cosmetic dentist in the Phoenix area and the Smile Virtual system founder. It teaches doctors how to do virtual consultations and use social media marketing to increase their businesses. Brian begins by sharing a little of his background and his journey into dentistry.
Listen as Brian discusses how his process of getting new clients differs from the traditional way, how to be more clear on pricing and what a client needs, and how Instagram can be used successfully as a marketing tool. Brian believes showing clients before and after pictures and sharing tidbits about himself on social media allows potential clients to be more comfortable discussing their needs.
Is your office suffering because of COVID-19? Take advantage of this downtime to up your virtual game. Brian and Philip talk about how implementing the Smile Virtual system has allowed them to be more productive in three days than they ever were in five days. If you are ready to implement something new and take advantage of the new normal of virtual consultations, then this is an episode you can’t miss.
In This Episode:
[00:23] - Welcome to the show, Brian!
[01:21] - Brian shares his background and how he started in cosmetic dentistry.
[04:08] - Brian speaks about how he took his practice in a direction that gave him his passion for the job back.
[07:04] - How did you go from the idea of having virtual consults and using social media to putting it into practice?
[09:32] - Brian shares how they get about 90% acceptance the way they market.
[11:37] - Brian discusses how their process differs from the traditional way of talking to a patient.
[14:06] - Adding clarity instead of confusion allows potential patients to trust what you are telling them.
[15:26] - Why is Instagram such an excellent marketing platform?
[17:40] - Brian speaks about what is new on Instagram that people need to know.
[21:24] - Instagram is marketing, and it depends on how creative you are and how much time you want to devote to posting.
[24:59] - What does your daily schedule look like now that you are practicing the way you want?
[27:40] - Brian shares about some other doctors he knows and how they have learned how to be more productive in three days than they ever were in five.
[30:45] - Brian discusses how to get signed up with Smile Virtual, and how they expect to see their business grow in the next year.
[33:34] - Are you ready to implement something new?
[36:25] - Thank you so much for being on the show!
Links and Resources:
@drbrianharris
Curriculum Vitae Dr. Frank Zastrow
https://www.myimplantbusiness.com/
Free E-book: https://www.myimplantbusiness.com/collections/free-media-1
Zagreb Faculty of medicine, Munich Faculty of Dental Medicine. Work experience at the General surgery andOrthopedics in Munich. Oral Surgery residency in Munich. Doctorate in Koeln. Co-owner of the Praxisklinikfor oraland maxillofacial surgery in Starnberg, Germany. Over 1000 hours of professional training and EDA (EuropeanDental Association) certification for Periodontal specialist (2002) and Implantology specialist (2010).In 2010 she returned in the country and started working at Rident Polyclinic. She is the Chief of oral surgery andsince 2012, one of the co-owners. She is also a head assistant at the Oral medicine and Periodontology Departmentat the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka.An active lecturer inthe fields of implantology and periodontology (Germany, Spain, Italy, Croatia). Numerouspublications in scientific magazines. She underlines the importance of minimally invasive techniques.Dr. Pohl gains energy and motivation from her satisfied patients, as well as from a small number of hard working anddedicated young colleagues that she mentors.She is a member of the AAP (American Academy of Periodontology), EDA (European Dental Association), CroatianPeriodontal Association, Croatian Dental Chamber, Croatian Medical Association, Bayerische Zahnärztekammer.Dr. Pohl also speaks 3 languages: German, English & Italian.
Dental XP Conference-
http://www.dentalxp.com/symposium/?fbclid=IwAR00psmp_DIxfJeUQU4LmNcXSH5kDvjXDOZN4hlO2lZTlD0tJv1KrgiB27I
Divas in Dentistry-
https://divasindentistry.com/?fbclid=IwAR2rSi_8ktv0_ec6f0hF5bgyIsM0EefVM6gqlZ1Q8qYaNWGnFMUMZ8TBTOQ
Implant Training-
https://www.ideausa.net/courses/implant-surgical-procedures-for-the-esthetic-region-2011/?fbclid=IwAR3vjSeqP3f_wMXuX_KO2IDeDUOXOLjEz_8hzl1ac7N1TdCpWAqqR51GKas
In today’s episode we are at the Zest Dental Solutions Warehouse in Carlsbad, CA talking to Tom Stratten, President and CEO and David Painter, Chief Strategy Officer. We are discussing the products, tools and education about implants that Zest provides.
Listen in as Tom and David talk to us about what Zest is all about, how they are helping dentists and patients alike make the right decision between dentures and implants, the pros and cons of both and how to keep the bone viable down the road.
If you want to learn more about this company or just about implants please sit back, tune us in and listen to an informative ride through Zest, its products, philosophies and how connect with Tom and David for answers to any questions you might have.
In This Episode:
[00:27] - On today’s episode we are at the Zest Dental Solutions warehouse in Carlsbad, CA.
[00:54] - Getting acquainted with Tom and David.
[03:24] - What do they want the dental community to know about Zest and Zest’s products?
[06:44] - How is Zest expanding to give dentists the products they need for success?
[10:14] - Tom talks about a staging process for dental implants and evolving the locator product.
[13:33] - How do dentist quantify the need for implants to the patient? What is Zest doing to education about implants?
[20:45] - What does the clinician need to understand about Zest products? Can we ask questions and get answers quickly?
[23:45] - David talks about the profitability of the overdenture versus the implant.
[25:42] - What is the life cycle a patient goes through with their dental work?
[28:13] - What fears do patients have about implants? What are the emotional impacts?
[30:58] - Zest is producing products and tools to give patients and dentists options.
[33:29] - Which type of bank account is more important to your patient? The emotional, ego or financial?
[36:04] - What does the future look like for Zest Dental Solutions?
[40:45] - What is the best way to contact Zest?
Links and Resources:
The purpose of our work, Where are you headed? Some careers are about checking boxes, while other people set up to draw new boxes that didn’t exist before. This group is for people who want to do work that matters. It might be a more difficult route, but it’s worth it. The work of leveling up involves pushing past perceived limitations, understanding that they’re not real. And it involves surrounding yourself with people on a similar journey. “What’s required here?” is the question we were taught to ask. “What is the opportunity here?” is a totally different question. It’s about contribution and forward motion, not simply compliance. For people in a hurry to learn and contribute, the range of learning opportunities are abundant and all around. You can learn more, and more quickly, than ever before. I’m glad your here on this journey together. To disrupt the status quo! That is the theme behind the Dental Implant MBA Conference. How to be disruptive with your practice and your marketing. How to break away from the average and how to make a real difference with your implant practice and life’s work. The old path, the traditional path is not the way to succeed. You must become disruptive in your field to make a difference. If you are ready to level up and do your best work, then it’s time to sign up for the Dental Implant MBA 2.0 conference and Lets make something great together. Thanks for listening, see you next time. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dental-implant-mba-20-conference-tickets-62089090140#
Dental Implant MBA 2.0 Conference *Buy Tickets here:* https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dental-implant-mba-20-conference-tickets-62089090140 *Topics:* Full Arch Implant Dentistry Digital Dentistry Facebook Friends and More! Speakers and Hosts Ramsey Amin, DDS- Dental Implant Exchange Danny Domingue, DDS- Implants in Black and White Mark Bishara, DDS-Canadian Implant Dentistry Network Philip Gordon, DDS- Dental Implant Practices Date: October 4-5, 2019 Location: Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa Cost: $499 $399- Early Bird through Aug 31st CE 16 hrs
I decided to do a solo show today and I wanted to discuss the Mona Lisa. She has been the topic of many studies and debates for centuries. Listen in to learn more about her sordid past! I start with the Mona Lisa to illuminate the secrets that are kept in business.
Tune in today to learn some of the basic business principles, how leadership and management differ, and why you should consider joining the Dental Implant MBA Conference in September. This episode is short and sweet but jam packed with valuable insights for managing your business and brand.
In This Episode:
[00:31] - Does Mona Lisa need implants? Tune in today to learn Phillip’s view on body image and art.
[01:39] - Get comfortable being uncomfortable - today’s marketing tip!
[01:48] - Do you ever wonder about how the Mona Lisa hangs on the wall? Do you care?
[02:21] - Phillip provides the scandalous history of the Mona Lisa painting.
[05:06] - Why is Mona Lisa smiling? Does she have a secret?
[05:19] - McDonalds, dental implants, and business management. What do they have in common?
[05:26] - The right leadership, with the right management will change lives.
[06:02] - Ray Crock was a leader in business and his values are the keystones of building a strong business.
[06:48] - Avoid the commodity healthcare track and consider being a dental freelancer.
[07:30] - Do you want to be cheap and busy or distinct and unique?
[08:05] - Why is being unique in the industry so difficult?
[09:07] - Your clients deserve your best work. Join the Dental Implant MBA Conference!
Links and Resources:
Michael Scherer, today’s guest, has a fascinating perspective on how people get into implant dentistry: by an interest in tools and mechanical things. Most people who listen to the podcast, he guesses, particularly enjoyed playing with Legos while growing up. (Do you think he’s right about this? Did you love your Legos? Are you generally mechanically inclined, with an affinity for tinkering around with tools?)
After his clinical practice, Michael wanted to dig back into academics. This led him into prosthodontics residency, after which he took a faculty position in Nevada. This, he explains, cemented his love of implant dentistry. Given his vast experience in the industry, Michael also has some fantastic insight into the secrets to implant dentistry. It’s not just about being there and showing up—but also knowing that you need to invest in yourself.
Michael and I will also dig into 3D printing, the importance of finding something that you want to improve on in your practice, the top ROI device for his dentistry practice, what Michael thinks of the future of dentistry, how hiring an in-house lab tech can help make procedures more affordable and accessible for patients, and much more. This was a fantastic conversation that I found both educational and inspirational, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Today’s Guest:
In This Episode:
[00:47] - Michael offers some insight into his background and the Northern California town where he works. He also talks about where he did his training, and how he got into the teaching that he does now.
[07:29] - What was Michael’s implant training like? Where did he dive into high-end training?
[15:20] - Michael talks about his work and experiences with Zest Dental Solutions, as well as his book Lost Your Teeth But Not Your Appetite?
[20:45] - Philip makes a point about the value of learning to master overdenture.
[22:36] - What’s the latest in the overdenture world? How would Michael recommend that people introduce their practice to the Zest process?
[27:44] - We hear about the speaking and courses that Michael is doing these days.
[35:53] - What advice would Michael give to someone interested in getting new technology like a 3D printer or getting started in digital dentistry?
[43:12] - Michael shares his thoughts on bringing a laboratory technician in-house rather than outsourcing those aspects of his practice.
[47:14] - Philip digs into how bringing a lab tech in-house can benefit a practice, including by making procedures more affordable for patients.
[49:43] - Michael talks more about the value of patient-centered care, which Philip had been talking about previously.
[51:51] - We learn that Philip is always trying to push and challenge himself by learning new things. This, he explains, is why he created the podcast and Facebook group.
[53:52] - What else would Michael like to share with listeners? What’s coming up for him that he’s excited about?
Links and Resources:
Lost Your Teeth But Not Your Appetite? by Michael Scherer
Let’s talk about dental implant continuing education for the general dentist! I’m often asked what the best courses are for a general dentist to learn implantology. The short answer is to take all of the courses you can, but the longer answer depends on other things including what you already know, your current abilities, and the current state of your practice.
The rules of the marketplace have fundamentally shifted, and the gatekeepers aren’t as powerful as they used to be. Now, anyone can break into implantology if it’s something they want enough. And now that this shift has happened, the biggest obstacle to your success is in your head. It’s time to get past that and write your own story!
Now let’s get into specific. My recommendation for a general dentist getting into implantology is to take multiple paths over a long period of time. A specific suggestion that I highly recommend on the business side is my own Dental Implant MBA program. You’ll learn how to develop, market, and master your implant practice through this series of courses. (Also, check out my mini-course on dental implant funnel marketing.)
If you’re not sure whether implant dentistry is something you’re interested in, try a short weekend course. I recommend Glidewell Dental’s Restorative Driven Implant Solutions Utilizing the Latest Technology course, or Implant Dentistry 101 from Implant Direct. Both of these are great introductory courses for implantology.
Once you’re ready for a comprehensive course with implant training, I recommend Implant Pathway. This takes a big amount of material and delivers it within a shorter, more consumable package. I believe it’s the best implant training that there is for beginners! For a longer, in-depth course and credentialing with the AAID, I highly recommend a MaxiCourse. If you want something that’s all online, look into DentalXP's Online Implant Fellowship Program. It’s a challenging, rigorous course that will leave you top-level implantology knowledge.
That’s a lot of suggestions, and there are a lot more courses. I hope this episode has helped give you a place to start! If you need advice or opinions on these or other courses, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
In This Episode:
[00:13] - Philip welcomes listeners back to the show, and explains that this episode will be about dental implant continuing education for the general dentist.
[01:03] - We hear about the importance of creating a different story if what you’re doing now isn’t working.
[01:55] - The rules have fundamentally shifted in a way that lets anyone break into implantology, Philip explains.
[03:01] - Philip shares an inspirational story, and explains how it applies to the dental industry.
[04:37] - We get into CE courses for implantology for the general dentist, with Philip offering his recommendations.
[05:51] - Philip offers two recommendations for short courses to figure out whether implant dentistry is right for you: Restorative Driven Implant Solutions Utilizing the Latest Technology or Implant Dentistry 101.
[06:27] - We hear Philip’s recommendation for the next course once you decide that implant dentistry is something you want to pursue: Implant Pathway.
[07:27] - Philip recommends the AAID MaxiCourse for a longer, more in-depth course into dental implantology.
[08:21] - For a comprehensive, all-online course, try the Online Implant Fellowship Program from DentalXP.
[09:09] - There are tons of other courses that there isn’t time to dig into, Philip explains. The ones he has recommended, though, are the basics that will get you started.
Links and Resources:
Restorative Driven Implant Solutions Utilizing the Latest Technology from Glidewell Dental
Chip Vagnoni from the ACTEON Group joins me today. He wears many hats at the company, he points out in our conversation, but officially he’s Marketing Manager for ACTEON North America. The focus of our chat today will be on the Piezotome Cube device, one of the many different products sold through ACTEON.
As we’ll learn today, Chip is actually a physical therapist by training. From there, he got into sales through physical therapy products, and eventually ended up in product management. In 2007, he shifted into the dental realm when he started working at ACTEON.
And now, onto the Cube! I got to try it out, and was amazed by it and knew I needed to have Chip on the show to talk about it. As we’ll discuss today, the Cube is both soft-tissue friendly as well as powerful enough to cut bone, which was an issue with previous generations of this kind of tool.
Chip will dig into why the Cube is a great choice and a better option than doing things the old-fashioned way. After procedures using the Cube, patients experience about 50% less pain and swelling than after traditional methods of surgery. This less-invasive method lets patients get back to what they want to do faster! He’ll also explore some of the common procedures that the tool is great for, and explain that it isn’t only for extractions.
Today’s Guest:
In This Episode:
[00:32] - Chip explains his role at ACTEON North America.
[02:27] - We hear about Chip’s background, which actually isn’t in dentistry. He also talks about where ACTEON is headquartered.
[05:21] - We dive into the Piezotome Cube, with Chip explaining what it is for people who aren’t familiar with it or how it works.
[07:30] - The Cube triples the power in the previous device that ACTEON had, Chip explains, and offers specific numbers.
[08:58] - What would Chip say to someone who thinks that the Cube might not offer an advantage over the old-school way?
[11:14] - Chip talks about some of the common procedures that a dentist could use this tool for.
[13:40] - Philip and Chip chat about the types of people in the market who would benefit from the Cube.
[16:29] - We hear about what kind of tips there are for the Cube, and a bit about the kits.
[20:25] - When you buy the Cube, what does it automatically come with?
[22:19] - Chip talks about whether they have any training events or recommendations for people who don’t want to go in totally blind.
[24:37] - Is there anything else that Chip wants to cover that he and Philip haven’t talked about yet? And how should people get started with the Cube?
[25:52] - Chip mentions some of the large events that ACTEON will attend in 2019.
Links and Resources:
Today, I’m delighted to welcome my friend Tony Fiorello from Tatum Surgical in Florida onto the show! Tony and I have traveled together all over the world to various events, and he’s here to break down Tatum Surgical for listeners. As you’ll learn today, Tony didn’t enter the world of dentistry the traditional way. Instead, his road to his current position involved a career with Harley Davidson, a brain injury, and the career-changing moment that he saw a dental surgery change a woman’s life.
During our conversation, I think you’ll understand how Dr. Tatum’s perspective had contributed to Tatum Surgical’s success. Tony reports that Dr. Tatum says that he doesn’t make implants to sell, but rather to treat patients. Isn’t that powerful? As you may have guessed from that snippet, Tony (along with Tatum Surgical) is concerned about integrity and doing things well, not just making money.
Tony explains why implants are a better business plan than surgical instruments: if your quality is high enough, someone will never need to buy another surgical instrument from you again. Implants, on the other hand, are an ongoing market. You’ll also learn all about the various implants that Tatum Surgical offers, which you can also learn about on the company’s website.
Tune into the episode to get a deep view into this amazing company. You’ll learn about practical details of implants and instruments, but also gain an insight into the company’s inspirational ethics and devotion to genuinely serving people.
Today’s Guest:
tatumimplants@verizon.net (Tony’s email)
(888) 360-5550 (Tatum Surgical)
In This Episode:
[01:37] - Tony explains his position at Tatum Surgical, which he has held since 2008. He also talks about his background, and how he got to where he is today.
[08:43] - We hear a powerful story of the day that convinced Tony that he wanted to work at Tatum Surgical.
[14:11] - Tony talks about needing to tell his wife that he had given up his job at GE to work at Tatum Surgical instead.
[16:19] - We learn more about Tony’s climb up the ranks at Tatum Surgical, where he started off knowing relatively little about the company and field.
[19:26] - Tony digs more into what the company was like when he joined it in its early days, and how it has changed over the years.
[21:11] - How was Tony able to find his niche and make such an impact?
[23:15] - Tony talks more about Dr. Tatum’s perspective on making implants.
[26:11] - We hear more about what Tatum Surgical offers and what they’re putting out these days.
[28:10] - We learn about two specific products from Tatum Surgical: the tapered implant and the integrity implant.
[31:35] - Tony talks about his involvement with the FDA and its EU equivalent, and the value of integrity.
[33:39] - We learn more about several of the specific instruments and products offered by Tatum Surgical.
[38:36] - Philip steps in to talk about the importance of “investing in your instruments like you do your education.”
[41:50] - We hear more about Tatum Surgical’s Mentor Meetings and why their group is different from others.
[46:52] - After Dr. Tatum is done teaching, what will the company look like moving forward? What will the transition look like?
[51:04] - Tony shares some of his personal philosophy, which places high value on being a good person.
[51:57] - Tony talks about a digital design they’re working on now, then shares where listeners can find him to learn more about Tatum Surgical.
Links and Resources:
tatumimplants@verizon.net (Tony’s email)
(888) 360-5550 (Tatum Surgical)