Best Naren Arulrajah Podcasts (2025)

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Transitions & Insurance: How PPOs Impact the Sale or Merger of Your Dental Practice 43:36

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6d ago43:36

43:36

Have you ever wondered how the insurance plans you accept today could make or break the sale of your dental practice someday? In this powerful episode, Michael Walker sits down with Kim McCleskey and Kyle Francis from Professional Transition Strategies to uncover how your current insurance participation, especially with PPO plans, can dramatically …

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When Should A Dentist NOT Go Out of Network? 19:58

13d ago19:58

19:58

Thinking about going out of network? In this episode, Gary and Naren break down five real reasons why some dentists should wait. Learn how to tell if your practice is ready—or if you need more time, training, and trust-building first. A must-listen before you make the leap. Book your free marketing strategy meeting with Ekwa at your convenience. Pl…

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Americans Spend 6 Trillion Dollars Annually on Discretionary Spending! 20:06

20d ago20:06

20:06

In this episode, Gary and Naren discuss a powerful but often overlooked concept: discretionary spending and how your dental practice can benefit from it. Americans spend over $6 trillion every year on things they want, not just things they need. That includes healthcare decisions, like cosmetic dentistry, implants, and other elective treatments. Ga…

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What Percentage of Patients Who Have Dental Insurance Use their Annual Maximum Benefit? 17:22

27d ago17:22

17:22

Have you ever wondered how many people actually take full advantage of their dental insurance? You might be surprised! In this episode, Gary and Naren dive into a shocking stat: only 2.8% of patients use their full yearly dental benefits. That means nearly everyone else is missing out on the coverage they’ve paid for. So why does this happen? Is it…

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Components of a Winning 2025 Marketing Strategy 22:57

1M ago22:57

22:57

Ready to market smarter in 2025? In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah reveal the four essential marketing pillars your practice needs to grow without relying on PPO plans. Learn how to master organic SEO, build trust through Google reviews, improve call conversions, and optimize landing pages whi…

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Can PPO Plans Set Fees for UnCovered Services? 19:30

1M ago19:30

19:30

Can PPOs legally set fees for services they don’t even cover? In this episode, Gary and Naren break down the latest state-by-state legislation and what dentists need to know to protect their revenue. You’ll learn how to identify non-covered services, adjust your fees legally, and avoid letting outdated contract terms limit your income. Tune in to d…

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Optimizing Systems and Software for Profitable Practice with Dayna Johnson 47:20

2M ago47:20

47:20

Running a dental practice comes with a lot of moving parts. From managing patients to keeping up with paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if your software could make things easier? In this episode, we’re joined by Dana Johnson, a dental software expert who shares how to use systems and technology to build a smoother, more profitable …

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Re-defining Success, Creating Boundaries, and Thriving Beyond Insurance Dependence 45:17

2M ago45:17

45:17

Do you feel tired, burned out, or stuck in your dental practice? In this episode, co-host Michael Walker talks with Laura Brenner, a former dentist who knows how that feels. Laura shares her story of working in a busy, insurance-driven practice, where she felt overwhelmed and disconnected from her purpose. She explains how stepping away from insura…

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Finding Balance in Dentistry While Reducing Insurance Dependence and Avoiding Burnout 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

Feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed in your dental practice? You’re not alone. In this episode, co-host Michael Walker talks with Kari Carter-Cherelus—a dental hygienist, speaker, and author who has walked that same path and now helps others find a better way forward. Kari shares her personal story of burnout, what caused it, and how she turned…

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How to develop an effective blueprint to achieve the practice results you deserve 21:04

2M ago21:04

21:04

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the essential steps to developing a customized blueprint for success in your dental practice. Many dentists feel trapped by PPOs, working harder each year while losing a significant portion of their revenue to insurance write-offs. But the goo…

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Is it Possible to Successfully Resign from PPO Plans Smaller Towns? 19:11

3M ago19:11

19:11

Many dentists feel stuck in PPO plans, especially in small towns where every other practice is in-network. They worry that going fee-for-service isn’t possible in their area. But what if that belief is holding them back? In this episode, Gary and Naren share the story of a dentist who thought exactly that—until he saw things differently. Instead of…

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The Goal of Achieving Financial Independence from Your Practice 19:49

3M ago19:49

19:49

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss what it truly means to achieve financial independence through your dental practice. They break down the steps to financial freedom, including how to grow revenue with high-quality new patients, why PPO write-offs limit your wealth, and smart f…

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The Fee That Patients Are Most Sensitive To When You Resign From Their PPO Plan 19:44

3M ago19:44

19:44

When a practice drops a PPO plan, patients don’t always react the way you’d expect. It’s not the cost of a crown or an implant that surprises them—it’s their hygiene visit. For years, they’ve believed their cleanings were “free,” but once you're out of network, that changes. In this episode, Gary and Naren dive into why hygiene visit fees create th…

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When Is the Wrong Time to Go Out of Network? 18:43

3M ago18:43

18:43

Going out of network with insurance is a big decision for any dental practice, but timing is crucial. In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah break down the key mistakes practice owners make when transitioning away from PPO plans. They outline four critical factors to evaluate before making the move…

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Marketing Audit To Reduce Dependence on PPO Plans 24:37

3M ago24:37

24:37

Are you tired of PPOs cutting into your hard-earned revenue? Many dentists feel stuck relying on insurance companies for patients—while sacrificing profits. But what if you could take control and bring in patients on your own? In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the 5 key areas of a marketing audit that can help determine wheth…

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Three Tips to Significantly Increase Your Conversion Rate 20:47

4M ago20:47

20:47

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss "Three Tips to Significantly Increase Your Conversion Rate." They define conversion rate as the percentage of new patient calls resulting in booked appointments, sharing benchmarks, and grading scales for assessment. Highlighting the importanc…

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The Insurance Company Business Model 19:43

4M ago19:43

19:43

In this episode, Naren and Gary explore the insurance company business model and its impact on dental practices and the broader public, highlighting recent events, including systemic issues like AI-driven claim denials, that have placed the insurance industry under scrutiny. They emphasize how these practices reveal insurers' priority to collect pr…

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How Does Staying in Network Negatively Affect Your Net Worth? 18:05

4M ago18:05

18:05

This episode of "The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast" explores how staying in-network with PPO insurance can significantly impact a dental practice's profitability and overall net worth. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the hidden costs of insurance adjustments, which can amount to 45-50% of collections, reducing practice profitability and…

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The Importance of Marketing In Advance When You Resign from PPO Plans 18:39

4M ago18:39

18:39

This episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast highlights the importance of proactive marketing when transitioning away from PPO plans. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss three key strategies: setting bold goals for collections and new patient numbers, implementing a comprehensive marketing plan, and targeting the resignation of at leas…

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Impact of AI Auto Denial of Claims and How You Can Adapt as a Practice 18:31

5M ago18:31

18:31

This episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast addresses the growing impact of AI-driven auto-denial insurance claims and how dental practices can adapt. Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss how insurance companies use AI to increase profits by automating claim denials, making it challenging for dental practices to receive payments. They …

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The Birth of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast 7 Years Ago and How It Came To Be 17:27

5M ago17:27

17:27

Ever wondered how the journey of reducing insurance dependence began? In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share the inspiring story behind the podcast’s creation seven years ago. They discuss how a niche focus on helping dentists successfully resign from PPO plans has empowered over 400 practice…

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Are You Noticing More Insurance Claims Being Denied? 17:52

5M ago17:52

17:52

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the growing trend of dental insurance claim denials. They explore how insurance companies are increasing claim rejections, requesting excessive documentation, and leveraging policies like wait periods to reduce benefits utilization. They empha…

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Will Dental Insurance Finally Get A Much-Needed Overhaul in 2025? 18:47

5M ago18:47

18:47

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss whether dental insurance will undergo significant changes in 2025. Gary highlights the historical context and entrenched profit-driven practices of insurance companies and explains why a major overhaul is unlikely. However, minor legislative improvemen…

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How Google Reviews Reduce Your Dependence on PPO Plans 19:44

6M ago19:44

19:44

Find out the impact of Google Reviews on reducing PPO dependence through this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, where Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share how modern consumer behavior is reshaping dental marketing. They explore why fewer patients rely on insurance company websites and instead turn to Google to find top-rated dental…

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How To Answer the Question, "Do You Take My Insurance?" from a Potential New Patient 18:29

6M ago18:29

18:29

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah talk about one of the most common questions dental practices face from potential new patients: "Do you take my insurance?" They emphasize the importance of proper call training to address this question effectively and convert inquiries into appointments. Gary shares a case study of a practice that im…

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Recession Proofing Your Dental Practice 20:03

6M ago20:03

20:03

This episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast focuses on "Recession Proofing Your Dental Practice." Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah share straightforward tips to help dental practices thrive during challenging economic times. They emphasize building patient trust, creating a relationship-driven environment, and providing unique reasons for …

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How Are Insurance Companies Responding to Practices Going Out-of-Network 18:26

6M ago18:26

18:26

In this episode, Gary and Naren dive into strategies for "Recession Proofing Your Dental Practice." They explore the reality that dental practices are often viewed as expendable by insurance companies, leading to unfair reimbursement rates and restrictive policies. Gary shares insights from working with over 400 practices that have successfully tra…

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Improving Your Practice Without Completely Committing To Fee-for-Service 18:57

6M ago18:57

18:57

Ever wondered how to Improve Your Practice Without Completely Committing To Fee-for-Service? Gary and Naren take on a discussion throughout this episode about ways to improve a dental practice without fully committing to a fee-for-service model. They address the benefits of gradually reducing participation in PPO plans, allowing practices to increa…

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How Inflation and a Weak Economy are Making Fee-For-Service an Appealing Option 17:16

7M ago17:16

17:16

In this episode, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the rising appeal of fee-for-service dental care as inflation and economic challenges strain insurance-based practices. They explore how increasing costs, especially in wages, and declining reimbursements from PPOs are pushing many dentists to consider dropping insurance plans altoge…

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Are There Potential New Patients Who Are Not Affected by A Soft Economy? 18:50

7M ago18:50

18:50

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore whether potential new patients exist who are unaffected by a soft economy. They discuss how certain high-value dental services, such as implant restorations, smile makeovers, and sleep apnea treatments, remain in demand despite economic downturns. They…

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Is A Hybrid Practice the Right Model for You? 20:55

7M ago20:55

20:55

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the concept of a hybrid dental practice model. They begin by discussing the definition of a hybrid model, which involves a mix of participating in some PPO insurance plans while also offering fee-for-service care. For many dental practices, the journey…

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Airway Awareness with Dr. Bill Hang 23:56

7M ago23:56

23:56

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, Gary Takacs interviews Dr. Bill Hang about the crucial topic of airway awareness in dentistry. Dr. Hang emphasizes the link between airway function and overall health, urging dentists to recognize signs of airway issues in their patients. He discusses strategies for integrating airway assess…

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What is a Top 1% Practice and How do you get There? 19:59

8M ago19:59

19:59

In the latest episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore what it truly means to be part of the top 1% of dental practices and how to reach that elite status. Throughout the conversation, Gary shares seven key strategies that can propel practices to the top level, hinting at several specific go…

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Staying motivated as you go out of network 19:42

8M ago19:42

19:42

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore strategies for staying motivated as dental practices transition out of PPO networks. They emphasize that this journey is more of a marathon than a sprint, with practices seeing gradual improvements as they reduce their dependence on insurance. The key …

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Your Key to a Profitable Practice Are These Five Expense Categories 22:30

8M ago22:30

22:30

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah focus on the five major expense categories that, when managed effectively, can substantially improve a dental practice's profitability. These categories account for 85% of a practice's expenses. They stress that effective management of these key expenses can l…

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A New Patient Experience that You and Your Patients Will Love 23:46

8M ago23:46

23:46

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, co-hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah explore the concept of creating a memorable and impactful new patient experience in dental practices. They emphasize the importance of designing an experience that aligns with patient expectations while achieving the practice's goals for comprehensive…

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Why Strategic Growth is So Powerful? 21:07

9M ago21:07

21:07

In this Episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah emphasize the importance of strategic growth for dental practices, especially those looking to reduce their reliance on PPO plans. The hosts stress that strategic growth is vital for any dental practice, as staying stagnant is not an option due to inflation an…

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Successfully Resigning from PPO Plans WILL Result in Better Work Life Balance 19:09

9M ago19:09

19:09

In this episode, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss the critical topic of resigning from PPO plans to improve work-life balance. They explore why reducing insurance dependence is vital for dentists seeking a more fulfilling and sustainable practice. Dentists often face challenges such as low reimbursement rates and increased patient loads asso…

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Do you roll the red carpet out for new patients? 19:14

9M ago19:14

19:14

In this episode, Gary and Naren explore the critical importance of making new patients feel valued and welcomed from their very first interaction with your practice. With rising competition and the ongoing need to reduce dependence on PPO plans, it's more important than ever to "roll out the red carpet" for new patients. A key factor in this proces…

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Handling Team Resistance 20:37

9M ago20:37

20:37

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah address the common issue of team resistance when transitioning to a less insurance-dependent practice. They discuss practical strategies for managing team members' fears and concerns, highlighting the importance of clear communication, ongoing training, and ma…

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Negotiated Fee Schedules - Truth or Fiction? 17:40

10M ago17:40

17:40

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss "Negotiated Fee Schedules: Truth or Fiction." Historically, until around 2011 or 2012, dentists had some success negotiating fees with PPO plans. However, in recent years, insurance companies have largely stopped negotiating fees, leaving dentists with…

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Fee Setting Guidelines 19:19

10M ago19:19

19:19

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast titled "Fee Setting Guidelines," hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah go deep into the crucial topic of how to set fees in a dental practice effectively. They begin by emphasizing the importance of regularly updating fees, particularly in an inflationary economy, to ensure that dental practi…

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In-Office Membership Plans and How to Develop Yours to Full Potential with Jordon Comstock 23:27

10M ago23:27

23:27

In this Episode of the Less Insurance Dependence podcast, Gary Takacs is joined by guest Jordan Comstock to discuss the importance and implementation of in-office membership plans. Gary emphasizes the significance of these plans, particularly for dental practices aiming to reduce dependence on PPOs. He introduces Jordan, the CEO of BoomCloud, a com…

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Answering Your Questions Around Controlling Your Overhead 22:00

10M ago22:00

22:00

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss a critical topic for dental practices: controlling overhead. They begin by discussing the essential aspects of overhead, defining it as all necessary expenses to run a practice, excluding the dentist’s compensation. For solo practices, they recomm…

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You Can Have a Profitable Practice AND Serve Those In Need 19:20

10M ago19:20

19:20

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah delve into the critical topic of balancing profitability and serving those in need within a dental practice. The central topic of this episode is the idea that it is possible to have a profitable practice while serving those in need. Naren shares his exp…

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Attracting High-Value Patients to Your Dental Practice 20:37

11M ago20:37

20:37

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah dive into the essential strategies for attracting high-value patients to a dental practice. They open the discussion by emphasizing the importance of reducing insurance dependence, aiming to transform practices. The episode's primary focus is on high-val…

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300th episode success story special 50:15

11M ago50:15

50:15

In this milestone 300th episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, listeners are treated to the success stories of three guests at different stages of their journey toward reducing insurance dependence. Dale, Gina, and Peter share their unique experiences, lessons learned, and invaluable insights for fellow dentists. They discuss what has wo…

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Payment Details When Resigning from PPO Plans 23:37

11M ago23:37

23:37

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, host Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah discuss crucial payment details when resigning from PPO plans. They aim to alleviate the common anxieties dentists face when transitioning away from insurance dependence. The core topic of this episode delves into the logistics of payment collection post-…

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"How to Speak to Patients about the value of being Out of Network " 20:28

11M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode of the Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Naren Arulrajah and Gary Takacs discuss effective strategies for communicating with patients about the value of being out of network. The primary focus is on framing the conversation to highlight the benefits for the patients, encapsulated by the principle of WII-FM (What's In It For M…

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Why Haven’t PPO Plans Raised Fees or Yearly Maximums in 25 Years? 20:28

12M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode of The Less Insurance Dependence Podcast, hosts Gary Takacs and Naren Arulrajah tackle the question of why PPO plans have not raised fees or yearly maximums in 25 years. They attribute this stagnation to insurance companies' greed, emphasizing the industry's profit-driven nature. Despite this, they offer insights and strategies for …