The Dental Marketer

Building a thriving dental practice isn’t just about the latest equipment or sharp marketing strategies—it all starts with how you invest in your people.

In this episode, we're bringing on Zach Shelley, a seasoned practice manager, to unpack why the real secret to practice growth is intentional team development. Zach shares hard-won wisdom on how prioritizing team education, meaningful leadership, and continual improvement fosters loyalty, accountability, and performance within your office.

Together, we tackle the biggest myths around team investment—like the fear that investing in team members will only lead them to leave, and how to handle team members who may not seem to recognize these investments. From the nitty-gritty of onboarding your first office manager to setting up practical systems for accountability, communication, and stress management, Zach offers actionable strategies no practice owner should miss. The episode is packed with real stories, book recommendations, and hands-on tips for leaders who want a healthier, high-performing work culture and a more balanced life outside the practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why team investment pays off more than you think (and how to make it count)
• Myths about investing in staff loyalty—and how to overcome them
• How to set up new practices for success by starting with your office manager
• Simple strategies for accountability without micromanagement
• The “checking in, not checking on” communication technique to build trust
• How to use associations like AADOM for ongoing practice growth
• Metrics for tracking your team development ROI
• Tips for addressing performance issues with compassion and clarity
• Practical, cost-effective ways to invest in your dental team—no matter your budget

Tune in now to discover the proven strategies that transform dental teams from average to exceptional!

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Sponsors:‍CallRail: Say goodbye to missed calls in your office! CallRail's Voice Assist is an AI assistant that answers, captures, and qualifies inbound calls 24/7. Scale marketing beyond business hours and capture every opportunity. Request to join their beta program here!

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Click here to test it out!Guest: Zach ShelleyBusiness Name: Dental Office Manager Leadership NetworkCheck out Zach's Media:‍

Website: dentalomleadershipnetwork.com

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/domln

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

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Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer

For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your ground marketing efforts are actually working, this episode unveils the proven techniques that transform guesswork into reliable results. We’re digging into the heart of what it really takes to track and optimize every raffle, screening, and event, so your practice isn’t just spending time in the community—it’s investing in growth.

Join us as we break down the essential psychology behind tracking, explore five must-know metrics every dental marketer should monitor, and spotlight the tech stacks that bring transparency to your numbers. Discover how easy-to-adopt systems—like color-coded metrics sheets and automated call tracking—turn scattered outreach into a feedback loop for continuous improvement. With a practical roadmap and a focus on implementation, you’ll leave this episode ready to pinpoint what moves the needle for your practice and say goodbye to “random acts of marketing.”

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why tracking ground marketing eliminates costly guesswork for your practice
• The five key metrics every dentist and team should monitor for success
• Smart tools—like CallRail and Google Data Studio—that automate and visualize your results
• How to assign accountability and keep your team engaged in weekly metric reviews
• Techniques to measure both short-term interest and long-term patient conversions
• How post-event debriefs and feedback loops drive continuous improvement
• Advanced strategies for analyzing conversations and refining your approach
• Actionable templates and frameworks you can start using today

Unlock the full potential of your ground marketing—press play and start tracking what truly matters today!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! callrail.com/dentalmarketer

Click here for a special offer!

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For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041

Why do some dental practices sail through technology upgrades while others struggle with stalled schedules and unhappy teams?

In this episode, we're sitting down with dental practice management expert Sadie Stewart to unlock the real secrets behind seamless tech integration in modern dental offices. Sadie delivers firsthand advice on choosing the right systems, sidestepping common pitfalls, and ensuring your whole team is empowered to use new technology. Whether you manage a solo practice or a multi-location empire, you'll take away practical steps to avoid bottlenecks, maximize your return on investment, and build a future-ready practice.

From building a bulletproof pre-planning checklist to leveraging AI-powered features you might be ignoring, Sadie’s insights will leave you prepared to not only survive—but thrive—through any technology transition. With actionable tips tailored for owners, office managers, and all team members, you’ll gain the confidence to approach tech upgrades as an opportunity instead of a headache.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why focusing on a select few integrated tech providers can prevent headaches
• The most common mistakes practices make during software rollouts—and how to avoid them
• Ways to involve your whole team for a smoother, more successful tech transition
• How to use AI charting and automation to enhance efficiency and profitability
• Key questions to ask before investing in new dental software
• Pitfalls of unnecessary tech upgrades—and how to measure real ROI
• Trends in cloud vs. server-based practice management systems

Eager to future-proof your dental practice? Press play and let Sadie's strategies steer you in the right direction!

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Sponsors:‍CareStack: Modern, Secure, Cloud-Based Dental Software for Growing Your Practice! With state-of-the-art features including Online Appointments, Integrated Payments, Text Reminders and more. Click the link here for a special offer: thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/carestack

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Guest: Sadie StewartBusiness Name: Office SwellCheck out Sadie's Media:‍

Website: officeswell.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dexis.sadie.stewart

Facebook: facebook.com/officeswell

(Reach out to Sadie to inquire about the "Pre-Planning Checklist"!)

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

‍

Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

‍Please don't forget to share with us on Instagram when you are listening to the podcast AND if you are really wanting to show us love, then please leave a 5 star review on iTunes! [Click here to leave a review on iTunes]

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p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.

Ever feel awkward or pushy when contacting potential patients to book appointments?Today we're learning about the under-appreciated yet pivotal role follow-ups play in turning potential leads into loyal patients WITHOUT being salesy. Many leads slip through the cracks due to insufficient follow-up, and we set the stage for a deep dive into this crucial process. We're covering three cornerstone principles of effective follow-ups: speed, frequency, and value, detailing how each principle can be harnessed to build trust and keep potential patients engaged over time.

We outline a methodical follow-up system, complete with detailed text message templates to engage leads right after an event and maintain their interest through a timeline of contact points. From quick follow-up to valuable, spaced interactions, we break down the patient journey into crucial stages—awareness, consideration, and decision—aligning follow-up strategies to each phase. Along the way, we learn how to combat common pitfalls like sounding robotic or procrastinating outreach, and underscore the human aspect—treating follow-ups as a fulfilling promise rather than a nuisance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The vital role follow-ups play in converting leads into patients.
• Key principles of effective follow-up: speed, frequency, and value.
• Strategies for immediate, high-value contact to build trust.
• A structured follow-up system with templates for ongoing engagement.
• How to tailor follow-ups to the stages of the patient decision journey.
• Common follow-up mistakes and how to avoid them.
• The importance of maintaining a human touch in communications.

Hit play to discover actionable follow-up strategies that drive patient conversions today!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment/

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For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041

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Ranking high on Google is great, but is that what really fills your appointment book?

Today we're learning how to transform your website into a patient-generating powerhouse with insights from Ali! Explore the hidden pitfalls that prevent practices from converting online visitors into booked appointments. Ali emphasizes the power of aligning with Google's best practices for SEO, focusing on key elements like mobile-friendly design and lightning-fast load times. Yet, techniques like these are just stepping stones; Ali warns that even the best digital strategies falter if your website lacks visual appeal or key information, causing potential patients to leave without a second thought.

Beyond technical improvements, this episode is rich with actionable advice on personalizing your online presence. Ali sheds light on the need for authentic photos of your practice, displaying patient reviews front and center, and ensuring seamless consistency across all marketing outlets. He dives deep into the importance of tracking patient sources and diligently following up on inquiries, a critical step that many overlook. Beyond theory, Ali shares practical tips that can revamp your conversion rates in just 30 days.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Strategies to convert website traffic into patient appointments.
• Importance of mobile-friendly design and fast loading times.
• The role of appealing visuals and comprehensive information on your site.
• How showcasing reviews can influence SEO rankings.
• Methods to track and analyze new patient sources effectively.
• Steps to personalize and optimize your online presence.
• Tips for significantly boosting web conversion rates within 30 days.

Listen now to learn how to make your website a powerful patient-attracting tool!

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Sponsors: DocSites: Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention The Dental Marketer for $500 off! docsites.com

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Guest: Ali SoufiBusiness Name: The DocSitesCheck out Ali's Media:‍

Website: docsites.com

Email: ali@docsites.com

Phone: 818-616-3919

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

‍

Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer

Join my newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/‍

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

‍Please don't forget to share with us on Instagram when you are listening to the podcast AND if you are really wanting to show us love, then please leave a 5 star review on iTunes! [Click here to leave a review on iTunes]

‍

p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.

What's the secret to turning a robotic script into a powerful tool for meaningful connections?

In this episode, we unravel the art of customizing ground marketing scripts, redefining the way these tools should be used! Moving away from impersonal chatter, the focus is on creating genuine human interactions. With scripts designed to sound natural and sincere, we dive into strategies that build instant trust and adaptability, ensuring your outreach isn't just a pitch but a conversation that feels helpful. By highlighting the pillars of effective scripts—Personalization, Empathy, Flexibility, and Reciprocity—this episode provides insights and practical tips to enhance your communication strategy, regardless of the environment, from medical locations to corporate settings.

We explore the methodology behind profiling your target, understanding pain points, and tailoring your approach to align with the listener's needs. We'll dive into a step-by-step framework for creating scripts that foster real engagement. With techniques like using "you" language for personal resonance and role-playing to refine delivery, you'll learn how to craft a script skeleton that leaves room for spontaneity, ensuring your messages never sound rehearsed. As you practice and hone these skills, you'll gain the confidence needed to thrive in any interaction!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The fundamentals of customizing ground marketing scripts for authenticity.
• How to build instant trust with personalized and adaptive communication.
• Key pillars of script design: Personalization, Empathy, Flexibility, and Reciprocity.
• Step-by-step framework for crafting natural and impactful scripts.
• The significance of profiling your audience to tailor your approach.
• Strategies to use "you" language for more personal conversations.
• Tips for avoiding a robotic delivery through role-playing techniques.

Tune in now to discover how tailored scripts can improve your marketing conversations!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment/

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For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041

Are you feeling weighed down by your emotions in dentistry? You are not alone!Dive into today's episode with Dr. Erik Fisher about the power of emotional specificity. Erik unpacks the profound idea that every emotion has a unique role and shows how our cultural perspectives on emotion can lead to cycles of power struggles fueled by fear. He draws a clear line between the imbalance of hierarchical thinking and the harmony achievable through equity, emphasizing that recognizing each individual's unique gifts is key to unlocking their potential.

We explore how these emotional insights can revolutionize a dental practice, touching on aspects like team management, patient interactions, and self-care. Erik talks about common emotional challenges like overwhelm and how it signals areas needing change rather than being purely negative. Using techniques to break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps is one of many strategies we discuss. Unpacking emotions such as anxiety and depression, Erik reframes them as indicators of helplessness or hopelessness, providing pathways to better coping mechanisms. The episode is rich with strategies for practice owners to decode emotional layers within their teams, fostering improved decision-making and reducing employee turnover.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The purpose and impact of emotional specificity in life and work.
• Techniques for understanding and managing emotions like overwhelm, anxiety, and depression.
• The power of emotional awareness in team management and reducing turnover.
• Practical steps to create a community-based culture within a practice.
• Strategies for breaking overwhelming tasks into manageable pieces.
• The role of equity and recognizing individual strengths in leadership.
• Practical exercises to process emotions and enhance decision-making.
• Viewing life experiences as opportunities for emotional learning and growth.

Press play to transform emotional challenges into growth opportunities both at work and in life!

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Sponsors:‍CallRail: Say goodbye to missed calls in your office! CallRail's Voice Assist is an AI assistant that answers, captures, and qualifies inbound calls 24/7. Scale marketing beyond business hours and capture every opportunity. Request to join their beta program here!

‍

Click here to test it out!Guest: Dr. Erik FisherBusiness Name: Dr. E PresentsCheck out Erik's Media:‍

Website: drepresents.vercel.app

Emotional Algebra with Dr. E: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-algebra-with-dr-e/id1766115731

Influential U: influentialu.global

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Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

‍

Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer

For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

‍

p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.

What separates giveaways that fizzle out from those that make a massive impact on your marketing?

Imagine leveraging the power of a small gift to engage potential patients, gather valuable data, AND create win-win scenarios that cultivate loyalty and boost your return on investment (ROI). We'll explore how to craft giveaways designed not merely as free trinkets but as tools that drive specific behaviors like scheduling appointments or sharing experiences, solidifying your practice's place in the community's mind. Through proven strategies and real-life examples, you'll discover how understanding the psychology of value can turn a pointless giveaway into a potent marketing tool.

Join us as we break down the anatomy of a successful giveaway campaign, outlining the steps to ensure your giveaways evoke the desired response. Hear about the impact of creating urgency and reciprocity and how these elements underscore a robust ROI potential. We'll share scripted scenarios for effectively delivering your giveaways and end with essential tips on tracking and measuring success!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The strategic use of giveaways to enhance ground marketing efforts.
• How giveaways can be structured to gather data and drive engagement.
• Understanding the psychology behind value perception and action motivation.
• Steps to design highly effective giveaways that yield measurable ROI.
• Practical examples of successful giveaway campaigns in dental practices.
• Tips for scripting scenarios to deliver giveaways effectively.
• Methods for tracking and analyzing the success of your giveaway initiatives.

Don't miss out—tune in now to master the art of strategic giveaways for your dental practice!

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Learn More About the Ground Marketing Course Here:

Website: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/the-ground-marketing-course-open-enrollment/

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Mentions:

Video Episode

Oryx

CareStack

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For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041

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How do you know if you're caring TOO MUCH for others?

In this episode, we have Dr. Laura Brenner—a seasoned dentist and insightful career coach—to dive deep into the pressing issue of burnout in dentistry. Laura brings a wealth of experience to the table, having navigated her own burnout journey. She candidly shares the nuanced challenges that dentists face and outlines how setting firm boundaries can be the key to preserving well-being. Listening to Laura, you'll uncover the pivotal role self-awareness plays in managing stress and preventing burnout, and how dentists—who are often in service to others—must learn to prioritize their health too.

Laura doesn't just highlight problems; she offers actionable solutions. By encouraging dentists to dismiss troublesome patients, she advocates for a proactive approach to mental well-being. This episode also stresses the importance of reflecting on personal feelings and engaging in open dialogues with both dental teams and patients. By the end, you'll be equipped with practical tools to take control of your professional life and preserve your passion for dentistry.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to address and prevent dentist burnout through strategic boundary setting.
• The power of dismissing troublesome patients for mental well-being.
• The importance of self-reflection in managing professional stress.
• Strategies for open communication with your team and patients.
• Techniques to protect personal time and energy effectively.
• Laura's personal journey through burnout and the lessons learned.
• Why personal development is crucial for career longevity in dentistry.

Take a break and join us for this insightful chat—it could change your perspective!

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Sponsors:‍

CallRail: Call tracking + AI that turns calls into campaigns that convert, quality patients, and cost savings. Click our link to start a free trial today! callrail.com/dentalmarketer

Click here for a special offer!Guest: Dr. Laura BrennerBusiness Name: Lolabees Career CoachingCheck out Laura's Media:‍

Website: lolabeescareercoaching.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drlolabees

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/dentistsidegigs

‍

Love the Podcast? Let Us Know How We're Doing on Apple Podcasts!

‍

Host: Michael Arias‍Website: The Dental Marketer

For more helpful tips, strategies, ideas, and marketing advice, join my weekly newsletter here.

Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

‍

p.s. Some links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with these products/companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money unless you feel you need them or that they will help you with your goals.