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Dr Paul Etchison Podcasts

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Dental Practice Heroes

Dr. Paul Etchison

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Where dentists learn how to cut clinical days while increasing profits - without sacrificing patient care, cutting corners, or cranking volume. We teach you how to grow a scalable practice through communication, leadership, and effective management. Hosted by Dr. Paul Etchison, author of two books on dental practice management, dental coach, and owner of a $6M collections group practice in the south suburbs of Chicago, we provide actionable advice for practice owners who want to intentionall ...
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Most dentists grind themselves into the ground, believing freedom only comes after a big sale. After scaling a $6 million practice, selling to a DSO, and nearly torching his relationships in the process, Dr. Paul Etchison discovered that real freedom isn’t about early retirement. Now the bestselling author of Dental Practice Heroes, a coach, and a …
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In this powerful episode, Michelle shares her journey from illness to advocacy, and how it sparked a mission to redefine dentistry around root-cause health, patient empowerment, and intentional living. Her story is a call to every doctor and patient who senses that “standard care” isn’t enough—and is ready to step into a future where dentistry is n…
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Overwhelmed in ownership? You can’t fix everything at once, but today you'll learn where to start. Get back to the fundamentals — vision, numbers, and leadership — with simple steps that will help you get organized and out of survival mode. The DPH Coaches share the seven metrics every owner should track, the checklists that keep you and your team …
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Ever fantasized about bringing on an associate to handle all those difficult cases while you kick back and watch the profits roll in? That seductive vision—what I call "the associate illusion"—has lured countless practice owners into disappointment and financial stress. The harsh truth is that associates rarely outproduce the owner, and without pro…
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What if you could hit pause on your career, sell everything, and rediscover what freedom really means? That’s exactly what Drs. Rebecca Steinbach and Schuyler Van Gorden did. After years of burnout, nonstop staff turnover, and feeling trapped by their own success, they sold their practices, packed their bags, and spent a full year traveling through…
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You know what’s worse than not having an office manager? Having the wrong one. We all want that "perfect" hire, but perfect on paper rarely works in practice. This episode explores what really makes someone the right fit, whether you're promoting from within or hiring from the outside, and how to set them up for success in their new role. You'll le…
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Feeling trapped on the dental treadmill? That plateau between $1-2 million in practice revenue isn't just common—it's a critical crossroads in your ownership journey. Dental practice owners typically hit this wall after establishing their core team (usually two hygienists, two assistants, and two front desk staff), then find themselves unable to pu…
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In this powerful episode, David Harris, founder and CEO of Prosperident, pulls back the curtain on the hidden epidemic of dental embezzlement. With over three decades of investigative experience, David shares the red flags every dentist must watch for, the systems that prevent theft before it starts, and the hard truths about why our trusting natur…
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Imagine losing a team member who's been with you for years. Beyond the obvious recruiting costs, you're facing a cascade of hidden consequences: the training burden on your remaining team, eroding morale as staff wonder if they should be looking elsewhere, and patients noticing unfamiliar faces at every visit. That's the reality of turnover, and it…
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Not everyone should be a leader. Not even your star employee. The DPH Coaches learned this lesson the hard way, and this episode unpacks what can happen when you put the wrong person in charge. You'll hear how to be proactive and get the right people in the right roles, the signs you may have promoted the wrong person, and why an outside hire might…
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The sinking feeling of spotting a one-star review for your dental practice is something most of us know all too well. That pit in your stomach, the immediate defensiveness, the late-night rumination—it's a universal experience for dental professionals who pour their hearts into patient care. But what if everything we believe about the impact of neg…
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Ever wonder why certain dental practice owners effortlessly navigate challenges while others remain perpetually stuck? The answer isn't superior intelligence or working harder—it's a specific mindset that separates extraordinary dental entrepreneurs from the rest. Through years of coaching dentists, I've identified three crucial characteristics tha…
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Emmet shares the frameworks that have helped over 460 dental organizations scale, representing $3 billion in revenue and 1,700 locations. From understanding the profitability cycle to avoiding the trap of “red car, blue truck, yellow motorcycle” distraction, he outlines the path from clinician to entrepreneur to executive. This is a roadmap for any…
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Ever wonder why you're constantly busy but your practice isn't growing? The answer lies in understanding the critical difference between maintenance work and true business building. As dental practice owners, we often mistake activity for productivity. We spend countless hours handling payroll, ordering supplies, managing schedules, and answering e…
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We all have those patients that call and say they’re “sick” at the last minute. When it keeps happening, you’ve got to ask: is your cancellation policy working, or just being ignored? In this episode, the DPH coaches share how they reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations, hold patients accountable, and get their team to follow through. From h…
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Jon reveals why franchising is one of the most overlooked paths to semi-passive income, and why it’s about much more than burgers and fries. From home services to senior care to pet wellness, franchising provides vetted, scalable businesses with systems, support, and tax benefits baked in. Whether you’re looking to involve your family, diversify yo…
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What if you could dramatically improve your dental practice without working harder or longer hours? The secret lies in understanding the butterfly effect – how small, strategic changes create massive ripple effects throughout your practice. Most dentists make the same critical mistake: believing that increased production requires more patients, mor…
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What if you could double or even triple your dental practice's profitability without working more hours? The secret lies in understanding and optimizing your dollar-per-hour production. Most dentists unknowingly operate practices that generate around $300 for every 40 minutes of work when they could be making $1,500 in that same time frame. This pr…
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In this episode, Ken shares why the most important entrepreneurial decision you’ll make is choosing sequential focus over simultaneous distraction. He opens up about shutting down passion projects, the art of building lasting partnerships, and why mission and values—not just profits—create businesses that endure. Whether you’re starting your first …
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Case acceptance often hinges on moments most dentists overlook. Do you follow-up with post-op patients? Does the front desk greet every patient? Is your office clean and welcoming? In this episode, we talk about the little things that improve patient experience and lead to more reviews, loyalty, and referrals. Tune in for creative ways to make your…
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Did you hire the wrong person… or is it your onboarding process? In this episode, learn how to figure out if it’s a hiring mistake or an onboarding issue, why coachability matters more than resumes, and what to do when your new hire isn’t meeting expectations. You'll hear about our own hiring mistakes and get tips for spotting red flags early, aski…
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This isn’t another talk on systems or hustle. David unpacks why mastery, autonomy, and purpose—not command-and-control leadership—are the keys to thriving teams. We dive into neuroscience, culture, and leadership to reveal how dentists and entrepreneurs can move beyond grind culture, keep their best people engaged, and build businesses that feel as…
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Ready to get out of the operatory without leaving dentistry? If you’re mid-career and craving more, this episode will help you figure out your next move and how to get there. Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan of Simplify Dentistry shares his tips for simplifying your systems, meeting production goals, and avoiding the common traps that keep dentists stuck. Lea…
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The bridge you're walking across has missing planks. Every step feels uncertain, progress slows to a crawl, and you might even consider turning back. This perfectly captures what running a dental practice feels like when critical systems are missing or broken. Most dental practices struggle with five fundamental gaps: inadequate onboarding that nev…
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What sets John apart is his ability to cut through complexity. In this conversation, we break down the biggest mistakes sellers make before a transition, why leadership—not clinical skill—is the true multiplier in today’s market, and how younger doctors can thrive despite heavy debt and limited reps coming out of school. If you’re a dentist who wan…
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Taking over a practice is hard, but a full overhaul is even harder. In this episode, hear how Dr. Rhonda Kalasho transformed a hygiene-only dental office into a modern, multi-location practice and retained most of the original patient base. She shares how she pulled it off — from building trust with skeptical patients and getting case acceptance, t…
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That dreaded, “I need to talk to you about something?” It’s a conversation no one looks forward to, but every owner has to deal with. Whether it's an underperforming employee or tension in the office, this episode will give you the tools to address issues that can make or break workplace culture. You’ll learn how to confront underperformance and te…
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You’ll hear why profits follow ownership, not employment, how to balance competence with confidence, and why common sense—not the status quo—should drive your business decisions. Whether you’re fresh out of school or approaching the finish line, this episode is your blueprint for building a practice and life that serves you, not the other way aroun…
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Have you ever noticed how some dental teams thrive even on the most challenging days? They laugh together, support each other, and somehow make even the toughest situations enjoyable. It's not magic—it's intentional leadership and genuine connection. The relationships within your dental team matter more than anything else—even more than compensatio…
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True leadership in dental practice means empowering your team through the right conversations rather than trying to be the answer person for everything. Mastering three key conversation types – vision, accountability, and problem-solving – can solve 95% of practice problems and prevent owner burnout. • Vision conversations connect daily tasks to me…
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Whether you're a fresh dental grad wondering if ownership is worth it, or a seasoned doc questioning your next move, Steve's insights will help you reframe your mindset around profitability, leadership, and long-term sustainability. This isn’t about “grinding harder”—it’s about building smarter, staying profitable, and maintaining clarity on what s…
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Running behind every day isn’t normal — it’s a systems problem. From scheduling to delayed exams, this episode explores what causes chaos in dental practices and simple fixes that can get the whole office running smoothly again. Our tips and tricks will help you time hygiene exams, handle emergencies, and create a culture that keeps everyone on tim…
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Embezzlement usually starts with someone “you’d never suspect.” Dr. Josh Cochran thought he was building a strong team after opening his practice, but the financials told a different story. In this episode, he shares why it took him so long to realize his employee was embezzling, the red flags he missed, and how he would do things differently today…
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If you’ve ever avoided conflict or struggled to express yourself in high-stakes conversations, this episode is your wake-up call. Greg Stephens, executive coach, author, and founder of Alignment Resources, joins David to discuss why so many leaders unknowingly limit their influence, connection, and freedom—because they’ve never been taught how to h…
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Tired of feeling like you're the only one who gives a crap? This week, Dr. Paul breaks down one of the real causes of burnout—not just for you, but for your team. It’s not about working too hard. It’s about feeling like none of it matters.Discover how powerlessness creates disengagement, resentment, and culture rot—and how a simple shift in leaders…
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Case acceptance is down. Patients are confused. Your team is frustrated. Sound familiar? These are all signs your practice is out of alignment. Whether you own one practice or multiple locations, this episode will help you get everyone on the same page clinically — from the front office to hygienists, assistants, and doctors. You’ll learn how to ru…
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Many dentists are great producers—but still struggle to understand why their bank accounts don’t reflect that success. This week, David welcomes back Barb Stackhouse, a former dental hygienist turned Profit First coach, who helps practice owners finally bridge the gap between production and real profit. In this episode, Barb reveals how one report,…
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