Unlocking the Power of Hygiene: Empowering Leadership, Elevating Operations and Driving Practice Success

If you're navigating the complexities of staff dynamics, practice transitions, or rapid DSO growth—this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: hope is not a strategy. And when it comes to managing workplace conflict, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away—it just costs you more. To break this down, I’ve invited Dina Lynch Eisenberg, Esq., a nationally recognized ombuds and conflict resolution consultant, to the show. Dina brings decades of cross-industry experience—from Coca-Cola and Twitter to DSOs and private practices. She specializes in resolving internal conflict, protecting team culture, and preventing silent turnover. In this episode, Dina and I discuss: What an ombuds actually is—and why every growing practice should consider working with one The hidden costs of unresolved team tension, from failed associate retention to lost productivity How DSOs can better support both legacy staff and new acquisitions during transitions Why HR alone isn’t enough—and how the neutrality of an ombuds creates psychological safety Practical strategies for conflict prevention, including conflict style assessments and mediation training The powerful shift from "culture" to "community"—and how that reframes your leadership Whether you’re managing five locations or fifty, this episode will help you take a hard look at your organizational health—and give you tools to proactively strengthen it. — Key Takeaways 00:42 Introduction and Event Announcement 03:30 Understanding the Role of an Ombuds 05:43 Dina's Journey into Dentistry 10:00 Common Conflicts in Dental Practices 15:14 The Impact of Ignoring Conflicts 18:40 Ombuds vs. HR: Understanding the Differences 21:18 Ombuds Engagement: Temporary vs. Long-term 24:33 The Cost of Unresolved Conflict 27:10 Organizational Health in Dental Practices 28:31 Lightning Round Q&A 32:40 Conclusion and Contact Information   — Connect with Dina LinkedIn: Dina Lynch Eisenberg Email: [email protected] Resource: Self-Assessment for DSO Leaders    — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 you’ve ever wondered how to turn your hygiene department into a true engine of growth—this episode is for you. Because the truth is, many practices underestimate the power of hygiene. But when done right, your hygiene team can elevate patient care, boost profitability, and transform your entire practice culture. To dive into this, I’m joined by Tiffany Wuebben—an accomplished hygienist, author, and founder of The Hygienepreneur. Tiffany’s 30+ years in the field, paired with a background in luxury hospitality, gives her a unique perspective on what drives success behind the scenes. In this episode, we talk about: Why your hygiene department should have its own mission statement How empowering your team can relieve owner stress and boost performance What "assisted hygiene" really means—and why most people get it wrong Creating hospitality-based care that patients rave about Practical ways to build a unified, thriving practice culture Whether you’re managing a solo hygienist or a team of 11, this conversation will give you the tools to lead with purpose and inspire excellence at every level. — Key Takeaways 00:50 Introduction to the Raving Patients Podcast 04:26 Transforming Hygiene Departments for Success 11:58 Empowering Leadership in Dental Practices 16:00 The Role of Assisted Hygiene 20:25 Elevating Patient Experience through Hospitality 26:35 Building a Unified Practice Culture 32:13 Lightning Round Q&A with Tiffany Wuebben — Connect with Tiffany Wuebben Want to elevate your hygiene department and empower your team to drive practice growth? Tiffany is here to help. 📩 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: thehygienepreneur.com 📘 Free Downloads: Grab your PDF copies of Hygienepreneur and Culture Catalyst directly on her site. Whether you're managing one hygienist or a thriving team, Tiffany offers customized strategies to help you grow with purpose.   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 one missing note in your chart could cost you your license—or even your freedom? That’s not a scare tactic—it’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Dr. Roy Shelburne. A respected dentist turned federal inmate, Roy learned the hard way that poor documentation and billing practices can destroy even the most well-intentioned practice. Now, he's using his story to help others protect what they’ve built—and to ensure no one else has to go through what he did. If you're running a dental practice and think documentation is just a formality, think again. This episode is a must-listen. I'm joined by Dr. Roy Shelburne—a dentist, speaker, and compliance expert with a story that’ll stop you in your tracks. After being sentenced to federal prison for documentation-related issues, Roy has made it his mission to help other dentists avoid the same fate. In this conversation, Roy opens up about what happened, what he wishes he had known, and the simple (but often overlooked) systems that can protect your practice, your license, and your peace of mind. We also talk about why clear documentation isn’t just about legal protection—it’s the key to smoother insurance reimbursements, fewer patient disputes, and stronger clinical care. Here are some of the interesting things we talked about in this episode: If it's not in your chart, it didn’t happen—legally or clinically. Why blind disregard can be interpreted as intent to defraud. The real reason so many dentists struggle with insurance claims. How to build a 7-step compliance program that protects your entire team. Why moving to ICD-10 may be on the horizon (and how to get ahead of it). How better records actually lead to better patient care. This episode is packed with wisdom every dental professional should hear. Don’t wait until it’s too late—learn from someone who’s lived it. — Key Takeaways 00:42 Introduction and Event Announcement 03:04 Roy Shelburne's Journey: From Prison to Advocacy 10:24 The Importance of Clinical Record Keeping 16:57 Documentation: Key to Efficient Reimbursement 26:02 Implementing a Compliance Program 32:15 Final Thoughts and Lightning Round — Connect with Dr Roy 📧 [email protected] 📱 423-552-6111   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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!

Your dental practice is only as strong as the people behind it—and if you're not shaping your culture with intention, someone else is. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to create a happy, high-performing team that grows your practice from the inside out. To help us reframe how we approach leadership and growth, I’m joined by Bianca Dornan, founder of Practices Made Perfect. With 20+ years of in-the-trenches consulting experience and a hands-on approach that’s reshaped practices across North America, Bianca brings rare clarity to the chaos many dental teams face. We cover everything from hiring strategies and training systems to retention KPIs and creating a “no gossip” culture where your team actually thrives. Whether you're an overwhelmed owner or a team leader struggling to keep morale up, this episode offers a roadmap to building the kind of dental practice where both your team and your patients want to stay. In this episode, we explore: ✅ The real reason culture fails—and how to rebuild it intentionally ✅ How to hire based on values (not just skill) ✅ What it really costs to train a new employee—and why training should never stop ✅ The connection between low patient retention and untrained front-desk teams ✅ Why your current treatment plans might hold millions in lost revenue ✅ How to turn your team into your best strategic asset — Key Takeaways 00:41 Introduction and Sponsorships 03:15 Meet Bianca Dornan: A Dental Consultant's Journey 04:00 Understanding Practice Culture and Its Importance 10:47 Strategies for Improving Practice Culture 13:56 The Importance of Continuous Training 18:13 Patient Retention: A Key Performance Indicator 26:43 Hiring the Right Team Members 31:21 Upcoming Event: Unoia Retreats 36:20 Lightning Round Q&A 39:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   — Connect with Bianca: 🌐 practicesmadeperfect.ca 📧 [email protected] 📱 647-928-7924 🔗 Unoia Retreat: unoiaretreats.ca   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by insurance red tape, staffing headaches, or the pressure to be a “do-it-all” practice—this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Tejas Patel, a leading cosmetic dentist whose journey from multi-location burnout to solo, specialized success is one every dentist should hear. With over 2 million TikTok followers and a fully cosmetic boutique practice in Austin, Texas, Dr. Patel has redefined what’s possible when you combine smart systems, social media, and staying true to your passion. We talk about everything from patient acquisition through viral video, to the growing demand for natural-looking veneers, and why he shut down two thriving offices to go all-in on what he loved most. You’ll also learn about the Veneer Blueprint Course, his online CE-accredited training that helps dentists confidently master cosmetic cases—from preparation to marketing. Whether you're cosmetic-curious or ready to pivot your practice, this episode delivers. Here are just a few of the important and eye-opening topics we explored: The Power of Focus: Why simplifying your procedures and practice model could be the secret to long-term success. Social Media as Strategy: How Dr. Patel leverages TikTok and Instagram to attract out-of-state veneer patients—daily. From Insurance to Independence: What it really takes to transition away from PPOs and build a fee-for-service model. What Patients Want Now: A look into the latest veneer trends—think natural, undetectable, and confidence-boosting. Teaching with Transparency: Why Dr. Patel built a step-by-step veneer course (with live procedure footage, checklists, and marketing tips) to help others get the same results. — Key Takeaways 00:42 Welcome + Event Reminder   02:37 Meet Dr. Tejas Patel   04:37 The TikTok Journey   12:52 Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry   16:56 From Burnout to Boutique   20:44 Building a Streamlined Practice  22:27 Inside the Veneer Blueprint Course   29:20 Vision for Cosmetic Education   31:12 Lightning Round Q&A   — Connect with Dr. Tejas Patel: Instagram (Main): @tejaspateldds Instagram (Courses): @veneertraining Veneer Course Info: drtejaspatel.podia.com   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 you’re worried that modern dentistry is trading principles for profit, you’re not alone. But today’s episode might just give you the confidence and clarity to do things differently. Dentistry is changing—and not always for the better. In this compelling episode, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Ed Feinberg, a crown-and-bridge expert and educator with over four decades of hands-on clinical experience. Ed was mentored by his father, a pioneer in full-mouth reconstruction, and today he carries on that legacy by helping dental professionals understand why foundational skills still matter in an industry swept up by implants and fast fixes. Together, they discuss how young dentists are being pulled into production-driven careers without the mentorship or mastery needed to truly thrive. Ed shares how practicing in both New York and Arizona shaped his philosophy—one grounded in long-term results, patient-first ethics, and clinical integrity. You’ll hear his unfiltered take on the overuse of implants, the dangers of piecemeal treatment, and how modern dental education is missing the mark. More than a critique, this episode is a call to action. Whether you’re a seasoned dentist or just starting your career, you’ll walk away inspired to deepen your craft, lead your team with purpose, and maybe even mentor the next generation of dental professionals. Because as Ed says, success isn’t about being flashy—it’s about making a difference that lasts. Here are just a few of the important and eye-opening topics we explored: Why foundational crown-and-bridge techniques still matter more than ever The long-term problems with piecemeal treatment planning How mentorship can change the trajectory of a young dentist’s career The risks of a production-first mindset in new graduates Building a practice through community involvement—not just advertising What true leadership in dentistry looks like Why implants aren’t the solution to every restorative case Ed’s unique insights from 70+ years of documented dental cases — Key Takeaways 00:49 Introduction and Event Announcement 03:11 Ed Feinberg's Unique Career Journey 12:10 Comprehensive Treatment Planning in Dentistry 12:49 Disturbing Trends in Modern Dentistry 21:35 Building a Successful Dental Practice 23:56 Leadership in Dentistry and Community Engagement 31:39 Rapid-Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts — Connect with Dr. Ed Feinberg: Want to learn more about Ed’s restorative philosophy—or explore his extensive library of online dental courses? Visit: https://theonwardprogram.com/ Check out his books on Amazon: Open Wide The Double Tilt Precision Attachment Case for Natural Teeth and Implants Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned practitioner, Dr. Ed is passionate about helping dentists elevate their skills and serve their patients with integrity.   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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!  

Grief doesn’t wait for the perfect moment—and neither does oral cancer. In this powerful episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar to share how personal tragedy transformed her career and fueled a mission to save lives. After losing her brother—also a dentist—to oral cancer at just 34, Parul now advocates for early diagnosis, clinical vigilance, and emotional healing within dentistry. This isn’t just a clinical conversation—it’s a raw, inspiring look at how loss can fuel purpose, and how every provider can be a part of the legacy of prevention. You’ll also learn how grief doesn’t follow a linear path, the emotional complexity of legacy, and why speaking about difficult topics can be the most powerful way to connect and lead in the dental community. Dr. Parul reminds us all: life is short, but the impact you make can be lasting. Some of the powerful insights from this episode include: Early detection saves lives: Persistent red or white lesions lasting more than two weeks must be evaluated—biopsies are non-negotiable. Technology is a tool, not a replacement: Light-based oral screening aids are helpful, but only biopsies offer definitive answers. Grief is complex—and valid: Whether from personal or professional loss, grief affects every part of your life and practice. Processing it is crucial to continue showing up fully. Legacy is not about length, but impact: What you leave behind—through your words, your work, or how you treat others—matters more than you know. Support and community are essential: Healing doesn't happen alone. Sharing stories helps others feel seen, heard, and less isolated in their struggles. — Key Takeaways 00:45 Introduction to Leaving a Legacy 03:26 The Impact of Oral Cancer 11:45 Grief and Its Many Forms 20:54 Understanding Legacy 24:23 Life Interrupted: A Book of Lessons 27:30 Speaking Out on Oral Cancer Awareness 30:53 Lightning Round Q&A   — Connect with Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar: Website: www.parulduamakkar.com Instagram: @duagoodjob Coaching & Resources: duagoodjob.com Explore her free grief and cancer support resources, check out her speaking topics, or grab a copy of her book "Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide" available on Amazon.   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 you're feeling overwhelmed trying to balance patient care while navigating all the buzz about AI in dentistry, you're not alone. But today's episode will help clear the confusion and show you how to use AI to your advantage—starting now. To break it down, I’ve invited Conner Ludlow, founder of Annie, an AI platform that builds virtual front desk assistants for dental practices. With a background as a software engineer and tech leader, Conner knows exactly where AI is truly helpful—and where the hype gets a little too loud. In this episode, we explore the real-world uses of AI for dentists today (without needing expensive software), what "AI hallucinations" mean for your practice, and how tools like Annie can stretch your operational dollars without replacing your team. It's a must-listen if you want practical strategies to make technology work for you—not against you. AI is a tool, not a silver bullet: It can boost efficiency but still needs human oversight to represent your practice properly. Real-world wins with AI: Practices can save time with AI-generated blogs, better market research, and virtual front desk agents like Annie. Customization is key: The most successful use of AI in a dental office feels personalized—not robotic—thanks to intentional setup and continuous fine-tuning. — Soundbites "Our goal is not to replace humans, but to help offices stretch their operational dollars and make sure that they have backup and help to never miss opportunities and make sure that they're capturing all of their revenue potential."– Conner Ludlow "AI is really just a new tool that can help practices and business owners and everybody be more effective in their job."– Conner Ludlow "We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect of the technology in the long run."— Conner Ludlow "Annie is not here to replace a full-time employee—it's a helper. When you bring it into your office, make sure your front desk team knows it’s there to make their job easier, not replace them. It’s about simplifying their work, not taking it away."-Dr. Len Tau — Keywords: dental AI, dental marketing, front desk automation, dental practice growth, artificial intelligence in dentistry, dental staffing solutions, AI for dentists, AI overhype, Annie AI, dental office management, chatbot dentistry, ChatGPT dental uses   — Key Takeaways 01:40 Introduction to AI in Dentistry 04:04 Understanding AI: Hype vs. Reality 07:03 Practical Applications of AI in Dental Practices 09:13 The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation 13:20 AI's Limitations and Challenges 17:04 The Future of AI in Dentistry 23:50 Annie: The AI Assistant for Dental Practices 31:06 Conclusion and Call to Action — Connect with Conner Want to learn more about how Annie can help your dental practice thrive with AI? ✅ Visit helloannie.com to schedule a demo. ✅ Mention you heard about Annie on the Raving Patients Podcast to get an exclusive discount — half off your setup fee plus savings on your monthly dues! ✅ Explore Annie’s AI tools and see how you can streamline your front desk without replacing your valuable team.   Follow Conner and Annie for the latest updates: 🔹 Website: https://helloannie.com/   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 the key to transforming your entire practice isn’t a new procedure—but a reimagined hygiene department? In this powerful episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau is joined by Rachel Wall, founder and CEO of Inspired Hygiene, to explore how dental practices can heal old rifts, boost team synergy, and build a more profitable, empowered hygiene department. Rachel shares her insights from over 30 years in the industry and breaks down why 2025 is the perfect time to invest in your hygiene team. From integrating new technology to creating solid communication frameworks, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help your hygiene department thrive. Whether you're facing high turnover, frustrated teams, or stagnating profits, this conversation will give you the direction and motivation to make lasting change. In this episode, we cover: 2025 is a crucial year for resetting expectations, values, and communication in the hygiene department Assisted hygiene is a sustainable and empowering model—when implemented correctly Technology integration is only effective when teams have aligned protocols and workflows Healing the hygienist-dentist rift starts with open communication and mutual respect Investing in hygiene isn’t just about productivity—it’s about delivering better patient care and empowering your team — Key Takeaways 00:50 Introduction and Event Announcement 01:43 Investing in Your Hygiene Team 03:21 Understanding Inspired Hygiene 07:48 Recognizing the Need for Coaching 11:52 The Importance of 2025 for Hygiene Investment 17:35 The Future of Assisted Hygiene 21:21 Healing the Rift Between Hygienists and Dentists 27:05 Future Predictions for Dental Hygiene 29:58 Exciting Technological Advancements in Dentistry 33:34 Lightning Round Q&A   — Connect with Rachel 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: inspiredhygiene.com 📅 Book a Discovery Call: Use the link on their website under the “Coaching” tab 💥 Special Offer: $500 off the enrollment fee for their Success Hub virtual coaching program 🎟 Promo Code: RAVING   — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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 team’s struggling to stay aligned or your office feels stuck in a rut, you’re not alone—and this episode is your wake-up call. Dental success isn’t just about clinical excellence. It’s about communication, leadership, and team synergy—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. I’m joined by three powerhouse women in dentistry—Lois Banta, Dana Watson, and Emme Sanders—to talk about their latest collaborative event: COLLABricon, the team synergy summit built specifically for dental practices that are ready to evolve. These women bring decades of experience in leadership, hygiene systems, front office strategy, and coaching—and they’re on a mission to help you build a stronger, more aligned, and more empowered dental team. In this episode, we cover: Why team communication often breaks down—and how to fix it How COLLABricon is not your average CE event (think: intimate team retreats with powerful coaching) What every dentist thinks their team knows vs. what the team actually feels How to know if your office is “green, yellow, or red” in key practice areas Real stories from the trenches on team burnout, miscommunication, and turning things around Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Collabricon event in Nashville, TN Whether you’re a practice owner, hygienist, office manager, or dental assistant—you’ll leave this conversation with renewed inspiration and real tools to strengthen your practice from the inside out. — Key Takeaways 00:40 Introduction and Event Announcement 02:00 Introducing the Guests and Their Expertise 04:40 The Concept of COLLABricon 08:50 Understanding Team Synergy 14:25 Identifying Ideal Candidates for COLLABricon 17:36 Recognizing the Need for Help 20:38 The Importance of Communication and Feedback 25:10 Exciting Details About COLLABricon 27:25 Interactive Learning Experience 33:01 Mindsets for Success 32:36 Books That Inspire 36:25 Essential Subscriptions for Productivity 38:35 How to Get Involved with COLLABricon — Collabricon Details 🗓️ Dates: November 14–15, 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN at the boutique Hotel Fraye 🔗 collabricon.com 📩 Contact: [email protected] This isn’t just another conference. It’s a fully immersive team-building experience—round tables, hands-on exercises, and transformational coaching, all in one space. — 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 The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing 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!