Raving About AI : Redefining the Dental Front Office

Technology can be copied. Marketing can be copied. Even your chairs and handpieces can be copied. The only thing that truly separates you from the office down the street? Your people. This episode will show you how HR becomes your most powerful growth strategy. This week, Dr. Len is joined by HR expert Alan Twigg, president of Bent Erickson & Associates — one of dentistry's most trusted partners in HR systems, compliance, and team development. HR may not seem like the "sexiest" part of dentistry… but it's one of the most important. Every patient experience, every production goal, every system — they all rely on people. Alan helps practice owners shift their mindset: ✔️ Your team is your greatest competitive advantage ✔️ HR isn't paperwork — it's culture, longevity, and protection ✔️ Compliance matters more than ever — and it changes constantly ✔️ Hiring is marketing… and your employee experience is your brand Whether you're a solo practice or a multi-location empire, this episode breaks down the HR essentials you can't ignore in 2025 and beyond. What You'll Learn Why once you hire ONE employee, 95% of labor laws apply to you How to craft a Unique Employment Proposition (UEP) that attracts top talent The biggest 2025 HR law changes you need to know (pregnancy protections, paid leave, state sick rules) The truth about unemployment claims and why they're not worth fighting What dentists must know about paying staff for CE events (and the exact labor code to reference) The HR risks when expanding into multi-location or multi-state practices Why appreciation is a strategic system, not a personality trait Key Takeaways 00:40 Welcome, sponsor shoutout & event reminder 03:11 Meet Alan Twigg + Who Bent Erickson Helps 06:20 The New Hiring Reality & Standing Out as an Employer 11:29 Reputation, Reviews & Recruitment 12:50 Why HR Compliance Drives Practice Success 16:41 Labor Law Changes Every Dentist Must Know 19:40 Unemployment Claims: What Really Matters 24:50 CE, Overtime & What Practices Must Legally Cover 29:33 Multi-Location & Multi-State HR Risks 33:33 Creating a Culture of Appreciation 35:40 Lightning Round Q&A with Alan 40:40 Listener Offer: $500 Off HR Director Package 41:30 Closing: Protect Your Reputation   — Connect with Alan Learn more about how Bent Erickson & Associates can support your practice with HR compliance, team development, and leadership training: 🌐 Website: https://bentericksen.com/  📞 Contact Page: Available directly on the website 📚 Free HR resources + education available online 💡 Listener Offer: Save $500 on the HR Director Package when you sign up before year-end — exclusively for Raving Patients listeners.   — 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!

What if your front desk never missed another call again? What if AI could handle the busywork so your team could actually focus on patients? Today's episode dives into the technology reshaping dentistry faster than anything we've seen in the last decade. In this episode, Len dives deep into one of the fastest-growing trends transforming dentistry: conversational AI. He sits down with Dr. Miles Beckett — former medical doctor, serial tech entrepreneur, and CEO/co-founder of Flossy, the AI platform behind one of dentistry's most advanced AI receptionists, Fiona. Together, they unpack how AI is reshaping patient communication, scheduling, staffing, and the entire dental front office. If you've been curious (or skeptical) about AI, this episode will give you clarity on where the industry is heading — and how practices can leverage this technology to run leaner, smarter, and more profitably.   What You'll Learn From This Episode AI has exploded into the dental world in the last 24 months — but what's hype and what actually works? Len and Miles break down: Why AI isn't replacing your team — it's supporting them What really separates one AI receptionist platform from another How poor staffing inspired the creation of Fiona Why voice quality, call logic, and PMS integration are the real differentiators What the next five years of dental AI will actually look like How AI can personalize the patient journey better than ever The truth about negative reviews tied to AI phone answering What dentists should ask before choosing an AI solution How robotics and imaging AI are changing clinical care Why the dental industry is uniquely primed for rapid AI adoption Plus, Dr Miles shares entrepreneurial insights in a rapid-fire Q&A — including the smartest investment he ever made (spoiler: it's crypto).   — Connect with Dr Miles If you'd like to learn more about Flossy or see Fiona in action, you can connect directly with Dr. Miles Beckett here: Website: https://flossy.com (AI receptionist, demos, product info, case studies, pricing) LinkedIn: Miles Beckett, MD (Professional updates, leadership posts, dental AI topics) Contact Flossy: [email protected] (General inquiries, demos, support, onboarding questions)   — 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!

Cosmetic dentistry is changing faster than ever — and if you're not paying attention, you're about to miss the biggest opportunity the profession has seen in decades. In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with one of the leading voices in modern cosmetics, Dr. Brian Harris, to reveal how technology, consumer demand, and affordability are coming together to reshape the future of smile design. Dr. Len welcomes cosmetic dentistry expert Dr. Brian Harris, a Phoenix-based cosmetic dentist known for pioneering patient communication, virtual consults, and modern smile design workflows. Dr. Harris breaks down the massive shift happening in aesthetics — from the rise of 3D-printed hybrid veneers, to the power of Instagram, to why virtual consult funnels are now essential for case acceptance. He shares how he scaled from one cosmetic case a week to three every day, why demand is exploding, and what dentists can do right now to attract more qualified patients. If you're looking to simplify your cosmetic process, improve case acceptance, and tap into this growing market, this episode delivers everything you need. Here are some of the interesting stuff we talked about in this episode. Cosmetic demand is exploding — patients are more educated than ever because of social media. 3D-printed veneers are creating a new mid-tier option that's half the time and half the cost of porcelain. Virtual consults pre-qualify patients, eliminate surprises, and dramatically increase case acceptance. Authentic social content wins — simple, honest videos perform better than outsourced, generic posts. Dentists who simplify their process (options, pricing, visits, financing) will dominate the next era of cosmetic dentistry.   — Connect with Dr Brian Instagram: @drbrianharris Email: [email protected] Website / Smile Virtual: https://www.smilevirtual.com/ Courses & Cosmetic Training: 👉 Available via Smile Virtual & direct inquiry on Instagram   — 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!

In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Paul Chadwick, VP at PureLogic, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way dental practices operate — especially at the front desk. Paul breaks down how PureLogic leverages AI, analytics, and automation to improve patient communication, reduce missed calls, and enhance practice efficiency. Together, they discuss what "data-driven dentistry" really means, how AI can empower rather than replace staff, and what metrics matter most for growth. Whether you're a solo practitioner, part of a DSO, or just curious about AI's practical applications in dentistry, this conversation will give you real-world insights into using data to drive smarter decisions and better patient experiences. Here are some of the interesting stff we talked about in this episode. AI isn't the future—it's here now. Dental practices using AI to analyze calls and automate responses are already improving conversion rates and reducing missed opportunities. Missed calls are hidden revenue leaks. The average practice misses 30–40% of calls, and PureLogic's data shows that following up with AI-powered text can recover many of those lost appointments. Patient preference matters. Voice, text, and chat-based AI tools meet patients where they are, improving satisfaction and accessibility. KPIs drive decisions. Tracking missed call rates, conversion rates, and patient engagement metrics can reveal where your practice is losing revenue—and how to fix it. AI + people = the winning combo. The goal isn't to replace front office staff, but to free them up to focus on relationships and in-person care. — Key Takeaways 00:40 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgments 01:40 Meet Paul Chadwick and PureLogic 04:50 What PureLogic Does for Dental Practices 04:55 How AI Analyzes Calls and Improves Conversions 06:30 Understanding Front Office Optimization 08:00 Voice vs. Text: Meeting Patients Where They Are 10:50 The Rise of AI Agents in Dentistry 11:55 Differentiating PureLogic from Other AI Companies 15:30 Using Data to Train and Support Front Office Teams 17:25 Key KPIs Every Practice Should Track 20:21 The Truth About Missed Calls in Dentistry 21:40 Where Practices Need the Most Help 24:53 Managing the Modern Dental Tech Stack 27:20 PMS Integrations and Vendor Consolidation 28:05 The Future of AI in Dental Operations 30:46 How AI Will Personalize the Patient Experience 31:30 Lightning Round: Quickfire Q&A with Paul Chadwick 38:17 How to Connect with PureLogic 38:47 Closing Thoughts from Dr. Len Tau — Connect with Paul 🔗 Website: purelogic.com 📧 Email: [email protected]   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!  

What if every crown, implant, or veneer you placed didn't just build smiles—but built wealth? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with innovators Max Zanan and Adam Marburger of Dental Protection Group to reveal how dentists can turn warranties into a new revenue stream. They're showing why protecting your patients' dental work can also protect—and grow—your financial future. They explain how this simple yet powerful concept—borrowed from the automotive industry—offers dentists a way to increase patient trust, improve case acceptance, and build long-term wealth through profit-sharing warranty programs. Max and Adam share how their model allows dentists to turn warranties into wealth-building vehicles, all while protecting patients and creating a new stream of passive income in a tax-advantaged environment. They also discuss how to get your team on board, how to present warranties to patients, and why this model is changing how entrepreneurial dentists think about their businesses. You'll learn: Warranties Build Trust: Patients already value protection plans in every purchase—offering one in dentistry creates instant credibility and peace of mind. Wealth Through Risk Transfer: Unlike goodwill replacements, Dental Protection Group's model lets dentists transfer risk and receive compensation when failures occur. Profit Sharing Opportunity: Money left over from unclaimed warranties is returned to the practice, compounding over time like a "401(k) on steroids." Team Buy-In Is Key: Success depends on making warranties part of the practice culture—presented as a standard part of every procedure, not an upsell. Entrepreneurial Dentistry: The program empowers dentists to generate long-term, tax-friendly income, fund growth, or even retire earlier.   Key Takeaways 00:44 Introduction and Event Highlights 02:30 Meet the Dental Protection Group 04:35 Understanding Dental Warranties 06:00 The Value of Warranties in Dentistry 06:40 Warranties as a Consumer Expectation 10:40 Differentiating Warranties from Goodwill 12:50 The Financial Benefits of True Warranties 14:40 Wealth Building through Warranties 16:01 Creating Generational Wealth in Dentistry 17:40 Implementing Warranties in Practice 20:55 The Culture of Warranties in Dental Practices 22:52 The Perfect Scenario for Implementation 28:00 Handling Patient Objections 30:44 Team Buy-In and Incentives 31:35 Quick Onboarding Process 32:35 Transferability of Warranties 37:37 Final Thoughts and Opportunities   — Connect with Max and Adam Visit DentalProtectionGroup.com to schedule a consultation with Max and Adam. 📞 Contact Adam directly at (618) 979-9483 or Max at (917) 903-0312. 📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]   — 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!

Cybersecurity breaches and ransomware attacks are no longer a "big company problem." Dental offices are prime targets because patient data is gold on the dark web. In this episode, I'm joined once again by the expert who has been leading the charge in dental technology protection for over 20 years: Dr. Lorne Lavine, The Digital Dentist. If you've ever thought "it won't happen to my practice," this conversation will change your mind fast. Returning guest Dr. Lorne Lavine dives deep into what every dental practice must know about protecting their patient data, technology systems, and reputation. Lorne breaks down how ransomware attacks actually happen, why HIPAA compliance is still widely misunderstood, and the real consequences practices face if they don't take security seriously. You'll learn: • The #1 way ransomware breaks into dental offices • Why cloud-based software does not eliminate HIPAA responsibility • What a proper HIPAA risk assessment really involves • Best practices for backups and disaster recovery • How cyber liability insurance protects your bottom line • The surprising percentage of practices that get hit with ransomware • The essentials every IT setup needs in 2025 and beyond • Why leaning on a healthcare-focused IT provider matters more than ever Lorne also shares his own powerful journey from perio to the forefront of dental tech security, plus personal insights in our lightning-round close. This episode gives dentists the clarity and action steps needed to stay protected, stay compliant, and stay in business.   — Key Takeaways Audio 00:41 Introduction and Event Highlights 03:35 Meet Dr. Lorne Lavine: Expert in Dental Technology 06:58 Transitioning from Dentistry to Technology Consulting 07:37 Managed Services and HIPAA Compliance 10:45 The Shift to Cloud-Based Solutions 14:55 Understanding Ransomware and Cybersecurity 22:25 Navigating Cybersecurity Liability and Insurance 25:41 The Importance of HIPAA Risk Assessments 28:20 Navigating HIPAA Compliance and Risk Management 29:35 Data Backup Strategies for Modern Practices 33:39 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Healthcare 36:38  The Importance of IT Consultation in Healthcare 43:13 Personal Insights and Entrepreneurial Advice   — Connect with Dr Lorne Website: TheDigitalDentist.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 866-204-3398 Free Offer for Listeners: Complimentary cybersecurity & HIPAA technical audit plus a personal review call with Dr. Lavine.   — 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!

AI isn't coming — it's already here. From Google Gemini to ChatGPT, the way patients discover dentists online is evolving faster than most practices can keep up. In this episode, Dr. Len sits down with Adrian Lefler, CEO of My Social Practice, to unpack how AI is reshaping SEO, what "Generative Engine Optimization" really means, and how dentists can adapt before they're left invisible online. Dr. Len Tau welcomes back long-time friend and industry expert Adrian Lefler to talk about one of the most important topics in modern dental marketing — AI-driven search. Adrian breaks down how tools like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are fundamentally changing how patients find dental practices online. Together, they explore how AI overviews are replacing traditional search results, why Google Business Profiles are now more critical than ever, and how dentists can optimize for AI-based search instead of relying solely on outdated SEO tactics. You'll also hear practical, no-nonsense advice on blogging in the AI age, avoiding "word salad" content, and what questions to ask before hiring a marketing agency that claims to "do AI." What You'll Learn From This Episode AI is becoming the new search engine. Google's Gemini and AI Overviews are changing how patients find practices — links are being replaced by direct AI answers. Your Google Business Profile matters more than ever. It's the top data source AI models pull from, even before your website. Reviews remain your strongest ranking signal. But they must be paired with complete categories, service areas, and accurate info. Blogging isn't dead — it just evolved. Authentic, voice-based stories converted by AI tools outperform generic, AI-written blogs. Ask better questions. If a marketing company can't explain how their SEO adapts to AI search, walk away.   Key Takeaways 00:42 Introduction to AI in Dentistry 03:55 The Evolution of Search with AI 07:15 The Role of Reviews in AI Search 13:05 Understanding Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) 15:50 AI Tools and Patient Search Behavior 23:50 Actionable Steps for Dentists to Embrace AI 27:40 Using AI for Blogging Effectively 31:50 Choosing the Right Marketing Company for AI 37:26 Conclusion and Contact Information   — Connect with Adrian Adrian Lefler is the CEO of My Social Practice, a leading dental marketing agency helping practices grow through smart digital strategy, SEO, and AI-driven solutions. With over 15 years of experience, Adrian is known for making complex marketing concepts simple and actionable for dental professionals. Email: [email protected] Phone: 877-316-7516 Website: www.mysocialpractice.com  If you're ready to strengthen your online presence, optimize your Google Business Profile, or learn how AI can help your practice get found and chosen more often — reach out to Adrian and the team at My Social Practice today.   — 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!

Before you spend another dollar on marketing, tune in. Nail phone conversion, stop broken appointments, and lift team performance starting now. In this episode of The Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Alex Nottingham, founder and CEO of All-Star Dental Academy, to uncover the three silent profit killers that quietly erode practice revenue and team morale. A former top business coach for Tony Robbins and an attorney turned dental business strategist, Alex shares how he transformed his father's struggling dental practice into a multi-million-dollar success — and how thousands of other dentists can do the same by mastering business fundamentals. From poor phone conversion rates to declining team performance, this episode dives into the overlooked operational leaks that can cost practices hundreds of thousands of dollars every year — and how to fix them through better training, communication, and leadership.   What You'll Learn From This Episode The three silent profit killers hurting dental practices — and how to eliminate them Why phone call conversion is the #1 factor in predictable profitability How broken appointments quietly drain productivity and morale The difference between "training" and true team performance optimization How to build a culture of accountability, respect, and long-term patient loyalty Why investing in coaching and systems isn't an expense — it's a multiplier — Key Takeaways 00:42 Intro & sponsor shout-outs 02:05 Meet Alex Nottingham, All-Star Dental Academy 03:00 Turning a struggling practice into a multimillion-dollar success 08:11 The three silent profit killers 07:30 #1 New patient conversion — why phone skills matter 20:57  #2 Broken appointments — stopping the hidden drain 29:10 #3 Declining team performance — training and leadership fixes 34:30 How small improvements add major profit 35:30 Lightning-round Q&A 40:38 Connect with Alex + Final thoughts   — Connect with Alex Visit: allstardentalacademy.com Download his free webinar & eBook on eliminating profit killers. Follow All-Star Dental Academy on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.   — 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!

Your next new patient may never search Google. AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI are reshaping how people find dentists — and social media is now fueling those algorithms. If you're still treating marketing like a bunch of separate buckets, you're about to fall behind. In this episode, Dr. Len Tau and digital marketing powerhouse Dr. Anissa Broussard reveal why your SEO strategy must evolve — and how to stay visible as search radically changes. In this conversation, Dr. Len sits down with Dr. Anissa Broussard, co-founder of Digital Floss, to unpack The New SEO Playbook: Why Social Media is No Longer Optional. They break down how AI search engines scan social platforms to recommend dentists, why content posted on Instagram and other channels now impacts Google rankings, and how practices can position themselves to dominate local search. Anissa also shares practical, no-fluff tips on maximizing reviews, updating your website content, and leveraging short-form video to attract quality patients — not just any patients.   What You'll Learn From This Episode Why traditional SEO alone won't keep you visible as AI search grows How Instagram captions, FAQs, and Google profile updates impact search results Practical steps to get recommended by AI engines like ChatGPT & Claude The real ROI of Google Ads vs. Meta (Facebook & Instagram) ads for dentists How to target high-value patients with geo-fencing and better lead funnels Simple content strategies that train algorithms to favor your practice long-term — Key Takeaways 00:41 Introduction to Digital Marketing in Dentistry 02:55 The Role of Social Media in Dental Practices 07:32 AI and Its Impact on Dental Marketing 20:43 Understanding Google Ads and Their Costs 24:03 Improving Lead Quality for Dental Practices 32:00 Future Trends in Dental Marketing 37:09 Conclusion and Resources   — Connect with Dr. Anissa Learn more about Dr. Anissa Broussard and her work at Digital Floss by visiting digitalfloss.com.  There you can request a free Visibility Audit, explore resources, and see how her team helps dental practices build authentic brands, dominate AI-driven search results, and attract high-quality patients. — 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!

Reviews are one of the most powerful levers for your dental practice's visibility — but not always in the way most dentists think. In this episode, I sit down again with local SEO thought leader Colan Nielsen from Sterling Sky to cut through the noise about Google reviews, rankings, and how to actually get found by more patients. Colan and his team run ongoing SEO testing (so you don't have to) and bring real data on what matters — and what's just hype. We discuss what moves the needle on your Google Business Profile, how review quantity and recency affect map pack rankings, and why hitting that "magic 10" review milestone matters more than you realize. If you've been guessing at local SEO or feel stuck competing with practices with hundreds of reviews — this conversation will give you clarity and actionable next steps.   What You'll Learn From This Episode The truth about keywords in reviews — why telling patients to mention "dental implants" or "Invisalign" doesn't help you rank. The magic number to hit first — how going from 9 to 10 reviews gives a measurable boost in local rankings. Why recency beats volume — keeping a steady stream of new reviews is more important than chasing huge totals. Primary vs. secondary categories — how your Google Business Profile category choices impact visibility. Tools & metrics that matter — see how Sterling Sky measures you against top competitors month to month. When (and when not) to run branded Google Ads — stop wasting budget where it's not needed. — Key Takeaways 00:46 Introduction to Google Reviews and SEO 04:50 The Importance of Customer Service in Rankings 07:50 Understanding Local SEO and Google Business Profiles 12:57 The Impact of Review Text on Rankings 22:24 Review Velocity and Its Effect on Rankings 25:38 The Magic Number: 10 Reviews 27:58 The Role of Review Recency in SEO 34:35 Primary and Secondary Categories in Google Rankings 39:13 The Future of Reviews and AI in SEO 40:44 Branded AdWords and Their Effectiveness   — Connect with Colan Website & Newsletter: www.sterlingsky.ca YouTube Channel: Sterling Sky Inc   — 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!