From Burnout to Brillance

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!

Patients today don’t just choose a dentist based on price or location—they choose the story you tell. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, I sit down with Ian De Jongh of Pain Free Dental Marketing to explore how storytelling has become the new backbone of dental marketing. We cover why reviews are “the Bitcoin of dental marketing,” how to attract the right patients instead of every patient, and the simple shifts you can make in your practice to stand out in a crowded market. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond generic messaging and truly connect with patients, this episode will show you the path forward. Here are some of the interesting stuff we talked about in this episode. Why Storytelling Matters: Patients aren’t just buying services—they’re buying your story, values, and unique approach to care. The Power of Reviews: As Ian puts it, “Reviews are the Bitcoins of dental marketing.” Reputation is now the #1 factor patients consider when choosing a dentist. Attracting the Right Patients: It’s not about chasing every new patient—it’s about attracting the right ones who align with your values and help prevent burnout. The Role of the Dentist: Marketing success depends on your participation—reviews, testimonials, and authentic messaging start in your office. What Sets Great Practices Apart: Generic “we treat patients like family” isn’t enough. Distinct experiences, stories, and brand voice create lasting trust. Looking Ahead: The future of dental marketing is less about Google Ads and more about authentic social proof, storytelling, and meaningful patient connections.   — Key Takeaways 00:46 Introduction to Dental Marketing and Storytelling 03:02 Understanding Pain-Free Dental Marketing 07:25 The Shift to Storytelling in Dental Marketing 11:50 Differentiating Your Dental Practice 13:10 The Importance of Google Reviews 14:20 How Patients Select Dentists Today 20:30 Attracting the Right Patients 25:07 The Dentist's Role in Marketing Success 27:55 Future Trends in Dental Marketing 30:50 What May Fade in Dental Marketing 33:50 Lightning Round Q&A — Connect with Ian 🌐 painfreedentalmarketing.com 📩 Schedule a free consultation to discover how storytelling can transform your marketing and attract the patients you want.   — 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!

On this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, I sit down with nationally recognized revenue cycle expert Cissy Mangrum of RevTech Partners and Maximize RCM Consulting. With nearly three decades of leadership experience in both healthcare and dental, Cissy has helped countless practices streamline their operations, reduce denials, and improve their bottom line. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) isn’t just about billing—it touches every part of your practice, from credentialing to front office workflows to clinical documentation. In this conversation, we break down why most problems occur long before a claim is denied, and how simple behavioral and operational shifts can radically improve your collections, cash flow, and even patient experience. If you’ve ever wondered why claims are getting stuck, why AR is piling up, or how to make RCM work for your growth goals, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn from This Episode Why RCM starts at the very beginning of your processes, not just the back end The top five reasons claims get denied—and how to prevent them Key benchmarks to know if your practice has an RCM problem (like days in AR and net collections %) How technology and AI are changing verification of benefits and claims submission The connection between RCM, cash flow, and EBITDA—especially if you’re preparing to sell your practice The impact of RCM on patient experience, and how transparent communication and financing options build trust and loyalty — Key Takeaways 02:50 Introduction to Revenue Cycle Management 04:40 Understanding Revenue Cycle Management 12:55 Challenges in Revenue Cycle Management 17:48 Common Issues in Claims Submission 20:08 Identifying RCM Issues 25:59 Impact of RCM on Cash Flow and EBITDA 27:54 RCM and Patient Experience 32:15 Technological Innovations in RCM 34:33 Lightning Round Q&A — Connect with Cissy Want to learn more from today’s guest? You can reach Cissy at: Email (RevTech Partners): [email protected] Email (Maximize RCM Consulting): [email protected] Websites: revtechpartners.com | maximizercmconsulting.com  LinkedIn: Connect with her directly on LinkedIn—she’d love to hear from you. — 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!

If your practice runs only when you’re watching every corner, you don’t have a business—you have a job with extra stress. In this episode, I sit down with Kiera Dent of Dental A-Team to break down the CEO mindset so you can step out of micromanagement, build a self-managing team, and get your time—and sanity—back. I’ve lived both sides: the dentist who does everything and the CEO who trusts systems and people. Kiera and I dig into the exact levers that turn chaos into consistency: vision, numbers, and simple systems your team can actually follow. We also talk honestly about burnout, identity, and why delegation (done right) becomes your most profitable “procedure.” What You’ll Learn in This Episode The CEO Mindset: Why your role is vision, culture, and execution—not every task on the floor. The “YES” Model: You/vision → Earnings & profitability → Systems & team development. Chaos Killers: Tighten handoffs, morning huddles, block scheduling, and role clarity to stop daily fires. Delegation that Sticks: Empower + hold accountable so responsibility never boomerangs back to you. Burnout Antidotes: Detach identity from output, build recovery time, and lead with numbers, not guesswork. Stress Reducers: Align goals with your actual life, master cash flow, fix one KPI/system at a time. — Key Takeaways  00:40 Introduction and Event Announcement 01:50 Understanding the CEO Mindset in Dentistry 03:35 Systematizing Practices for Growth 05:30 Overcoming Micromanagement 08:44 Identifying Chaos Creators in Dental Practices 12:46 The Role of a CEO Dentist 17:25 The Importance of Delegation 22:58 Mindset Traps and Overwhelm in Dentistry 29:14 Reducing Daily Stress in Dental Practices 33:54 Lightning Round Q&A 40:08 Conclusion and Call to Action — Connect with Kiera Want Kiera’s help turning your practice into a self-managing, growth-ready business? Here’s where to reach her: Website / Consulting: https://www.thedentalateam.com/ — book a call and explore services Podcast: Dental A Team Podcast (practical, team-centric systems every week) Text Kiera’s Team: 775-243-5100 Instagram: @dentalateam for tips, playbooks, and event updates Tell her you heard her on The Raving Patients—she’ll know exactly what you’re after. — 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!

Are you hitting the snooze button on Monday mornings, dreading another week of endless tasks and mounting stress? You’re not alone. Burnout is one of the most common—and costly—challenges dentists face today. But what if you could simplify your systems, empower your team, and rediscover the joy in dentistry? In this episode, I sit down with Melinda Heryford,  “The Practice Implementer,” to unpack practical strategies for transforming your practice from chaos to clarity. With over 30 years in the dental industry, Melinda has helped countless dentists trade burnout for brilliance—and she’s back on the Raving Patients Podcast to share exactly how. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The truth about burnout in dentistry: Why it’s not a sign of failure but a natural byproduct of doing too much without systems. Signs and symptoms to watch for: How to recognize when you (or your team) are edging toward burnout before it costs you your health and your practice. The 5 Prime Pillars of Practice Success: Plan, People, Process, Patients, and Profit—and why focusing on the vital 20% delivers 80% of the results. Simplifying your systems: Why trimming the fluff and doubling down on the essentials is the fastest way to restore energy, focus, and patient satisfaction. The power of accountability: How layering leadership and team responsibility keeps growth sustainable and prevents you from carrying the entire weight of the practice on your shoulders. Real success stories: From solo practitioners to multi-doctor practices, hear how dentists have reclaimed control, built stronger teams, and reignited their passion for dentistry.   — Takeaways 00:45 Introduction and Event Announcement 02:22 Meet Melinda Heryford: From Burnout to Brilliance 03:40 Understanding Practice Challenges and Coaching Methods 07:31 Identifying Burnout: Signs and Symptoms 11:40 The CEO Role in Dentistry and Its Challenges 17:06 Financial Stress and Its Impact on Burnout 19:08 Success Stories: Transforming Practices 26:20 Revenue Reveal: Assessing Practice Metrics 29:39 Commitment to the Process: Key to Progress 32:00 Lightning Round Q&A 37:59 Conclusion and Contact Information   — Connect with Melinda Want to see where your practice is leaving money and energy on the table? Melinda offers a Revenue Reveal Check, using Dental Intel to analyze 37 practice metrics and highlight hidden opportunities for growth. Email: [email protected] Website: melindaheryford.com  Offer: Request your free Revenue Reveal Check to uncover your golden opportunities.   — 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!

Are you spending too much time in the operatory without realizing it? What if shaving minutes off your procedures didn’t just increase production but also improved patient satisfaction, reduced stress, and helped your associates level up faster? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast. I’m joined by Dr. Aaron Nicholas—a practicing dentist, international speaker, faculty member with Dental Success Companies, and the founder of Monday Morning Dentistry. With over 37 years of clinical experience, Aaron has mastered the art of turning complex, time-consuming procedures into streamlined systems that can be applied the very next day in your practice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why efficiency doesn’t mean cutting corners Dr. Nicholas explains how you can maintain—or even raise—your clinical quality while dramatically reducing appointment times. The power of recording yourself A surprisingly effective tool for uncovering inefficiencies in your clinical and communication habits. Time benchmarks for key procedures How long should a crown prep and buildup really take? Dr. Nicholas breaks down realistic ranges for both new and experienced practitioners. Training associates the right way Why “letting them figure it out” is a costly mistake, and how to implement systems that get them efficient, faster. Hygiene checks without constant interruptions Learn Aaron’s strategy for handling multiple hygienists while protecting your focused chair time. Anesthesia done smarter From Gal-Gates blocks to intraosseous injections, discover how to get patients numb faster and keep them comfortable throughout. Mindset shifts that matter How to view efficiency not as rushing, but as creating smoother systems that benefit your team, your patients, and your bottom line. — Key Takeaways 00:25 Introduction and Event Announcement 01:30 Meet Dr. Aaron Nicholas 03:50 Improving Efficiency in Dental Practices 05:37 Identifying Inefficiencies in Practice 09:40 Balancing Efficiency and Quality 11:30 Maximizing Productivity and Profitability 15:20 Training Associates for Efficiency 18:39 Optimizing Hygiene Practices 20:17 Mindset Shift in Dentistry 21:07 Training for Efficiency 23:04 Comprehensive Approach to Dental Procedures 26:50 Enhancing Anesthesia Techniques 29:53 The Importance of Patient Comfort 30:50 Lightning Round Insights   — Connect with Dr. Aaron Website: mondaymorningdentistry.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 410-207-3527   — 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!

Silence is costing your practice more than you think. Every time you put a patient on hold and they hear nothing but dead air—or worse, that same generic tune on repeat—you’re missing out on a chance to build trust, educate, and even grow your practice. In this episode, we uncover why silence is expensive and how your on-hold message can become one of the most overlooked marketing tools in dentistry. In this episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, I sit down with John Waller, “The On Hold Guy,” who has been serving the dental industry for over 30 years. Together, we explore how customized on-hold messaging can transform patient experience, strengthen your brand, and increase ROI—all for just a few dollars a day. If you’ve ever wondered whether patients are tuning out during those long hold times, or how you can turn wasted moments into opportunities, this conversation will show you the way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The true cost of silence: Why patients hang up when they hear nothing (and how to prevent it). The anatomy of a great on-hold message: From doctor credentials to services, reviews, and even staff shout-outs. Technology made simple: Whether your office runs on VoIP or still uses landlines, implementation is easier than you think. Best practices you should be using: From alternating voice talents to updating scripts quarterly for fresh impact. How on-hold messages boost ROI: Simple tracking methods and patient feedback that prove the value. Creative content ideas: From dental trivia to highlighting employee-of-the-month, keeping patients engaged and connected. — Key Takeaways 00:39 Introduction and Event Announcement 03:20 The Importance of On-Hold Messaging 04:25 Creating Effective On-Hold Messages 07:00 Implementation and Compatibility of On-Hold Systems 08:28 The Role of Patient Education 10:15 Voice Personalization in On-Hold Messages 12:20 Script Writing and Customization 14:23 Best Practices for On-Hold Messaging 19:25 Content Suggestions for On-Hold Messages 22:58 Measuring ROI from On-Hold Messaging 25:10 Trial Period and Getting Started 26:07 Referral Program and Networking 26:49 Lightning Round Q&A 32:05 Conclusion and Contact Information — Connect with John If you’d like to learn more about how The On Hold Experience can help your practice transform silence into a patient education and marketing tool, reach out to John directly: Call/Text: 208-546-8330 Email: [email protected] Try the 45-Day Free Test Drive — no long-term commitment, just $59/month after. John is easy to reach, quick to respond, and passionate about helping dental practices make every patient interaction count—even the ones spent on hold. — 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!

Stop chasing “one big marketing trick.” If SEO is the only lever you’re pulling, you’re leaving money on the table—and patients on page two. In this episode, we break down how premium practices win with a whole-practice approach: brand, systems, and a memorable new-patient experience that starts before the first visit. In this episode, I talk with Jackie Ulasewicz-Cullen about moving beyond “rank-at-all-costs” thinking to a comprehensive, measurable growth system. We break down why there’s no silver bullet in dental marketing and how an omnichannel mix—reviews, humanized social, targeted Google Ads with single-focus landing pages, and a conversion-ready website—works together. We zoom in on the new-patient experience: rapid responses, pre-visit doctor touchpoints, clear expectations, and thoughtful follow-ups that turn inquiries into trust and treatment. We also spotlight the most neglected profit center in dentistry—retention—and the metrics that reveal whether you’re quietly shrinking or sustainably growing. Here's what we talked about in this episode: No silver bullet: SEO is a channel, not a strategy; build a portfolio of levers. Compete smart: In dense markets, SEO is long-term—pair it with Google Ads → single-focus landing pages to capture demand now. Speed-to-lead wins: Reply to forms/chats within minutes; slow responses kill conversion. Doctor touch = trust: A brief pre-visit call/text from the dentist lifts show rate and acceptance. Reviews with heart: Automate requests; dentist closes the loop on negatives—solve first, never ask for removal. Human social > generic posts: Short, educational team videos build connection and assist conversion. Retention is revenue: Track lost/inactive vs new, run reactivation, and educate existing patients on services (“Did you know we offer…?”). Measure what matters: Time-to-response, show rate, case acceptance, production per lead, and churn—not just clicks or calls. — Key Takeaways 00:47 Introduction and Event Announcement 02:10 Meet Jackie Cullen: A Marketing Expert 04:00 Understanding Comprehensive Marketing Strategies 05:30 Misconceptions in Dental Marketing 08:00 SEO in Competitive Markets                                                                                                    11:33 Omnichannel Marketing Approach 14:00 Enhancing the New Patient Experience 17:14 The Importance of Human Connection 19:34 Retention, Relationships, and Reputation 22:35 The Value of Patient Retention 25:50 Social Media and Advertising Strategies 29:50 Building Trust with Marketing Agencies 32:17 The Importance of Agency Involvement 34:15 Lightning Round Q&A 37:55 Conclusion and Resources — Connect with Jackie You can connect with Jackie Ulasewicz-Cullen and her agency through: Website: mydentalagency.com — click the “Schedule a Call” button right on the homepage. Free Book Offer: Elite Dentistry — elitedentistrybook.com/ravingpatients (includes free shipping + 3 exclusive bonuses).   — 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!