Shows
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Toral PandyaEpisodeTitle From India to Ownership: Dr. Toral Pandya’s Path to Purpose-Driven DentistryDescriptionIn this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Toral Pandya, a California-based practice owner whose journey spans continents and challenges. Trained initially in India, Dr. Pandya shares her candid, inspiring story of immigrating to the U.S., navigating dental school with a young child, gaining invaluable experience as an associate, and ultimately taking the leap into practice ownership. She opens up about growing too fast, losing team members, managing a Medi-Cal-heavy patient base, an...2025-06-2943 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Pres: What Dentists Should Know About Disability Protection | Doctors Disability SpecialistsEpisode TitleTrust, Coverage, and Clarity: What Every Dentist Should Know About Disability ProtectionDr. Bob Dee Interviews James Kachmar of Doctors Disability SpecialistsDescriptionIn this episode of the Dentistry in General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with James Kachmar, a trusted disability and life insurance agent from Doctors Disability Specialists. Together, they unpack the real-world implications of disability insurance for dentists—what matters, what to avoid, and how to protect both your personal income and your practice. With clarity and candor, James shares practical advice on how to build smart insurance pl...2025-06-2622 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Ted Osterer from Synergy on Cutting Costs & guaranteeing FDA-Cleared Dental SuppliesEpisode Title:How Synergy Cuts Costs, Saves Time, and Guarantees FDA-Cleared Dental SuppliesDescriptionIn this episode of the Dentistry in General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee interviews Ted Osterer from Synergy Dental Partners to uncover how their buying group model empowers private dentists to access DSO-level pricing without giving up their independence. Dr. Bob shares his personal experience with vetting Synergy for his own office and highlights the substantial cost savings and efficiency gains that come with membership. From FDA-cleared supplies and curated lab partnerships to freeing up staff time for more productive tasks, this...2025-06-2313 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Maryam GolshaniEpisode TitleDr. Maryam Golshani: Her Journey into Practice OwnershipDescriptionIn this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera welcomes Dr. Maryam Golshani to share her inspiring journey from childhood dental fascination to becoming a successful fee-for-service practice owner. With candid reflections on personal loss, professional burnout, and eventually finding her ideal practice environment, Dr. Golshani opens up about the realities of associate life, the challenges of working in DSOs, and the pivotal moment that led her to take the leap into ownership. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience...2025-06-2249 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Sonia ChopraEpisode TitleDr. Sonia Chopra: Aligning Personal Values with Business and OwnershipDescriptionIn this episode, Dr. Sonia Chopra sits down with Dr. Bob Spera to discuss her personal and professional transformation in dentistry. From her early days of burnout and overwork to building a thriving fee-for-service endodontic practice, Dr. Chopra shares how she redefined success on her own terms. She talks about the importance of understanding your worth, setting boundaries, and creating a work schedule that supports—not drains—your life. With transparency and wisdom, she outlines how letting go of insurance plans, trusting her team...2025-06-1546 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Fauzia KhanEpisode TitleDr. Fauzia Khan: Her Journey Into Practice OwnershipDescription Dr. Fauzia Khan joins Dr. Sonny Spera to share her inspiring journey from associate to startup practice owner in Lake Bluff, IL. A mother of five, she built her fee-for-service office from scratch, guided by a clear personal and professional vision. This episode explores how Dr. Khan balanced family with clinical excellence, overcame early doubts, and created a practice that reflects her values and priorities.Highlights Dr. Fauzia Khan explains how her early family influences shaped her desire for ownership and independence. Sh...2025-06-0838 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Emily LetranEpisode TitleFrom Refugee to Owner: Dr. Emily Letran’s Journey to Multi-Practice SuccessDescriptionDr. Emily Letran joins Dr. Sonny Spera to share her extraordinary journey from escaping war in Vietnam to becoming a leading dental entrepreneur in the U.S. She opens up about life in a refugee camp, adjusting to a new country, building multiple practices while raising a family, and her path to becoming a nationally recognized coach. This episode offers both inspiration and practical advice for anyone considering ownership—especially women balancing career and family.Highlights Dr. Letran descr...2025-06-0154 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Rod BahjatEpisode TitleDr. Rod Bahjat, President & CEO of All Practice Solutions, and His JourneyDescription In this episode of The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Rod Bahjat, founder and CEO of All Practice Solutions. From a medical degree in Baghdad to building one of the fastest-growing dental equipment companies in the U.S., Dr. Bahjat’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and vision. He shares how helping his wife grow a struggling dental practice in Chicago led to the birth of APS, now serving dentists nationwide with cutting-edge CBCTs, sen...2025-05-3032 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Dr. Chris Villanueva the Founder of MB2 on DPOs, DSOs, and Dentist Autonomy - Part 2Episode TitleDIGRN Presents: Is MB2 Different? Dr. Chris Villanueva on DPOs, DSOs, and Dentist Autonomy – Part 2DescriptionDr. Bob Dee continues his no-holds-barred conversation with Dr. Chris Villanueva, CEO of MB2 Dental, unpacking myths about corporate dentistry, private equity, and doctor autonomy. Dr. Chris explains how MB2 doctors retain full clinical control, why they’ve never joined ADSO, and how recapitalization has created massive financial upside for partner dentists. They break down the economics of equity vs. cash, what mentorship looks like in the MB2 model, and why new grads are still struggling to find...2025-05-2833 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Madalina IvanDescription In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera interviews Dr. Madalina Ivan, a general dentist and practice owner based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Originally from Romania, Dr. Ivan walks us through her extraordinary journey from communist-era Eastern Europe to becoming a dental practice owner in the United States. This conversation is part of a special series highlighting female dental entrepreneurs and their unique paths to success. From navigating immigration, licensing, and student loans, to building a family while managing a growing dental practice, Dr. Ivan’s story is both inspiring and instructive for any den...2025-05-2539 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Dr. Chris Villanueva the Founder of MB2on DPOs, DSOs, and Dentist Autonomy - Part 1Episode Title Is MB2 Different? Part 1 – Dr. Chris Villanueva on DPOs, DSOs, and Dentist Autonomy. A Discussion with Dr. Bob Dee DescriptionIn this episode of Dentistry in General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with Dr. Chris Villanueva, founder and CEO of MB2 Dental, to explore the complex terrain of DSOs, private equity, and a relatively new model: the DPO. Dr. Bob, known for his outspoken skepticism of corporate influence in healthcare, challenges Dr. Villanueva to explain how MB2 claims to preserve clinical autonomy while scaling to 800+ practices. What follows is a direct, open, and...2025-05-2137 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Bradley Coons (Part 2)Episode TitleDr. Bradley Coons Part 2: His Move to Independence from Insurance When 70% of His Practice Was PPODescriptionIn this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Bradley Coons shares the real story behind his transition from a high-volume, insurance-heavy dental practice to a fully out-of-network, independently aligned business model. With Dr. Sonny Spera guiding the conversation, this episode explores how Brad faced down burnout, broke away from Delta Dental when 70% of his patients were PPO-based, and restructured his team, mindset, and metrics to reclaim control over his clinical vision and profitability. The numbers don’t lie—Brad saw...2025-05-1838 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Arini, the Al Receptionist: Turning Missed Calls into Booked AppointmentsDescription In this episode of Dentistry In General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee speaks with Abdul Jamjoom, the co-founder and CEO of Arini — a groundbreaking AI receptionist designed exclusively for dental practices. Together, they explore how Arini is redefining patient communication, reducing missed calls, improving scheduling efficiency, and supporting dental teams with real-time automation. With over 10,000 calls handled daily across North America, Arini is quickly becoming the go-to AI solution for DSOs, dental groups, and solo practices looking to modernize their front desk operations. HighlightsWhat makes Arini unique among AI solutions for dentistry Real-time demo of A...2025-05-1617 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Bradley CoonsDr. Bradley Coons Part 1: His Journey Into Private Practice OwnershipDescriptionIn this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera interviews Dr. Bradley Coons about his path from dental school to owning his own practice in Folsom, California. Dr. Coons shares how his upbringing in an entrepreneurial family shaped his mindset, why lifestyle and family location drove his decisions, and the hard lessons he learned through associateships and almost-partnerships. With transparency and strategy, Dr. Coons takes listeners through the details of how he found, evaluated, and purchased a practice that aligns with his personal...2025-05-1131 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Kim PowerEpisode TitleDr. Kim Power: Her Journey in Dentistry From Associate to OwnerDescription In this unfiltered and inspiring episode, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Kim Power to discuss her journey from dental school to becoming a thriving practice owner in North Carolina. With humor, honesty, and no-nonsense insights, Dr. Power walks us through her early years as an associate, her unique path to practice ownership, and how she transformed a modest six-operatory practice into a high-performing, patient-packed operation poised for expansion. From lessons in leadership to staff empowerment and dealing with betrayal, this e...2025-05-0444 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Parham Nabatian from The DocSitesEpisode TitleThe DocSites: From Humble Beginnings to a Successful Marketing CompanyDescription In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera interviews Parham from DocSites — a website and marketing company exclusively focused on helping dental and medical practices thrive. Parham shares his inspiring immigrant story, entrepreneurial background, and the journey from bootstrapping a small agency to building one of the most trusted marketing firms in the dental space. From the mistakes dentists often make in marketing to the specific strategies that drive real growth, this episode is packed with actionable advice for pri...2025-05-0137 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Van Orenstein (Part 2)Episode Title Dr. Van Orenstein Part 2: Going Out of Network — How, Why, and WhenDescription In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Van Orenstein to dive into the real story behind going out of network: the motivations, the method, and the mindset. Dr. Van shares the challenges of transitioning away from insurance dependence, how he kept his practice thriving during a pandemic, and the leadership lessons he learned along the way. Packed with practical advice, real-world struggles, and valuable insights for any dentist considering an independent path, this episode is...2025-04-2726 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Dental App Practice Management Software with Imaging, AI, CRM, & Growth FeaturesDescriptionIn this episode of Dentistry In General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee welcomes Dr. Lior Tamir, founder and CEO of The Dental App. They dive into how The Dental App consolidates essential practice management tools into one cloud-based platform. Dr. Tamir discusses revolutionary features like integrated imaging with Soda Cloud, customizable treatment plan pickers for specialties, AI-powered coaching tools, robust CRM marketing capabilities, and the development of a startup-friendly pricing model. Listeners will hear how The Dental App is helping dental practices operate smarter, streamline patient experiences, and scale more efficiently.HighlightsConsolidation of practice management...2025-04-2520 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Van OrensteinEpisode Title Dr. Van Ornstein Part 1: My Journey in Dentistry — Dr. Sonny Spera Interviews Dr. Van OrensteinDescriptionIn this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Van Orenstein, a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Newton Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Orenstein shares the powerful story behind his journey into dentistry, including the unexpected epiphany that pulled him away from a planned career in education and set him on a path through dental school, specialization, and ultimately, practice ownership. From coast-to-coast career decisions to launching a practice from scratch, Van of...2025-04-2021 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Thomas ReedEpisode Title Partnerships: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly with Dr. Thomas ReedDescriptionIn this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera welcomes longtime friend and experienced practitioner Dr. Thomas Reed. With over two decades in private practice, multiple partnerships, and acquisitions under his belt, Dr. Reed unpacks the full spectrum of what it means to be in business with others—from thriving collaboration to painful breakups. Whether you’re just stepping into a partnership or re-evaluating one, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, candid experiences, and valuable lessons for every stage of t...2025-04-1340 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Data-Driven Dentist – Dr. Bob Dee Interviews Ashley Best from Dental IntelDescriptionIn this episode of Dentistry in General Radio Network, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with Ashley Best, Director of Partnerships at Dental Intelligence, for a powerful conversation about how private dental practices can stay competitive in today’s data-driven landscape. Together, they dive into the technology, strategies, and mindset shifts required for independent dental offices to thrive in a world increasingly dominated by DSOs and corporate dentistry. From analytics and automation to patient engagement and cloud integration, this discussion is an eye-opening guide for every dentist ready to step into the role of CEO.Highlights Dr. Bo...2025-04-0732 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Michael Abernathy (Part 2)Find the resource material here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gXoft2lmZqW1q7C1mmcYYfIbVtBYD5Km?usp=drive_link Description In Part 2 of this compelling conversation, Dr. Sonny Spera continues his interview with Dr. Michael Abernathy, a legendary figure in the dental world whose no-nonsense wisdom has helped shape the careers of countless dentists. Dr. Abernathy dives deep into his scalable practice model, sharing how he buys underperforming dental offices, partners with young doctors, and exits within 24 months — profitably and without adversarial conflict. This episode is a blueprint for inspired leadership, smart ownership transitions, and system-based su...2025-04-0639 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Dr. Michael Abernathy (Part 1)Find the resource material here: Description In this episode of The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with the legendary Dr. Michael Abernathy, a trailblazer in the dental industry who has built and scaled numerous successful practices. Dr. Abernathy shares his journey from a young lab technician to owning multiple high-performing dental practices, emphasizing key lessons in leadership, marketing, hiring, and personal growth. This conversation is filled with wisdom, real-world experiences, and actionable strategies that any dentist can use to take their practice to the next level. Whether you’re a new dentist trying to est...2025-03-3034 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Mehanna Advisors' Guide – Smart Spending & Profitable Growth for Dental BusinessesEpisode Description In this episode, we sit down with Bilal Mehanna, CPA and founder of Mehanna Advisors, to break down financial strategies for dental practices. From controlling overhead costs to making strategic investments, Bilal shares expert insights that can help dentists maximize profits and avoid common financial mistakes. We also dive into tax strategies, managing cash flow, scaling a practice, and making smart hiring decisions. If you're a dentist looking to optimize your business and financial health, this is the episode you can't afford to miss! Episode Highlights ✔ The 4 key financial benchmarks every dentist should track 2025-03-2724 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Jennifer De St. Georges (Part 2)Episode Title: Building a Referral-Based Practice, Part 2 Find the resource material here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jQaF7GfYcZTNex55X10715mxFjLoW7eg?usp=sharingEpisode Description In this episode, we continue our conversation with Jennifer de St. Georges, a leading expert in dental practice management. We dive deeper into the importance of performance reviews, how to handle difficult employee conversations, and the necessity of structured office meetings. Jennifer shares practical strategies to create a patient-centered, referral-based practice while maintaining a cohesive team. If you’re looking for ways to improve communication, increase efficiency, and build a...2025-03-2333 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Why Systems, Staff & Strategy Matter More Than Ads in Dental MarketingDescription In this episode, we talk with Gary Bird about why many dentists feel marketing doesn’t work. The truth? Marketing alone isn't enough—your systems, staff, and strategy determine success. Gary shares insights on patient acquisition, front desk training, and why accountability is key. If you want more high-value patients and better practice growth, this episode is for you. Highlights Why Marketing Feels Like a Scam – The real reason practices struggle. The Patient Journey – How phone calls and scheduling impact conversion. Fixing Front Desk Issues – Why 40% of dental offices miss calls. Turning Marketing...2025-03-1919 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Jennifer de St. GeorgesEpisode Title: Building a Referral-Based Practice, Part 1 Find the resource material here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jQaF7GfYcZTNex55X10715mxFjLoW7eg?usp=sharingDescription: In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera welcomes the legendary Jennifer de St. George, a pioneer in dental practice management. Jennifer shares her no-nonsense approach to building a thriving, referral-based practice, highlighting the essential elements that drive patient loyalty. From the power of a painless injection to hiring the right team and fostering a strong office culture, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. If...2025-03-1730 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Pres: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast - Guest Mrs. Jennifer de St. GeorgeEpisode Title: The Secrets to Team Harmony, Patient Satisfaction, and Profitable DentistryFind the resource material here:Click HereDescription: In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera welcomes the legendary Jennifer de St. George, a pioneer in dental practice management. Jennifer shares her no-nonsense approach to building a thriving, referral-based practice, highlighting the essential elements that drive patient loyalty. From the power of a painless injection to hiring the right team and fostering a strong office culture, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. If you want to improve your practice...2025-03-1627 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Ed FeinbergDescription: In this episode, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Ed Feinberg, a seasoned expert in restorative dentistry with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Feinberg shares his deep insights on implants, crown and bridge, and why modern dentistry is ignoring fundamental engineering principles. With a lineage tracing back to pioneers in full-coverage restorative techniques, he challenges mainstream dental practices and emphasizes the importance of preserving natural teeth whenever possible. If you're a dentist, dental student, or anyone interested in long-lasting restorative solutions, this is an eye-opening discussion you won't want to miss. Episode Highlights: 2025-03-0940 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Lejla StreetsEpisode Title: Lessons from a Dental Startup: Burnout, Bankruptcy, and a Fresh Start Description In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spira catches up with Dr. Lejla Straits, who made the difficult decision to close her startup practice just three months ago. After transitioning from the military to practice ownership, Dr. Straits faced physical and mental burnout, leading her to reassess her priorities. She shares her candid journey of walking away from ownership, the challenges of closing a practice, and how she's redefining her career while prioritizing her health...2025-03-0237 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Richard MadowDescriptionIn this episode of the independent dental practice podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spirit sits down with dental legend Dr. Richard Madow—a seasoned consultant, coach, and award-winning musician. Dr. Madow shares his extensive experience in transforming dental practices through effective communication, humanizing patient care, and cutting through industry jargon. Listeners gain insight into his unique journey from co-founding the Matto Center for Dental Practice and launching the popular Richards Report newsletter, to becoming a sought-after coach who emphasizes both practice profitability and personal fulfillment. Highlights The conversation covers a wide range of topics in...2025-02-2336 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Robert PickEpisode Title: Mastering Team Building & Leadership: Hiring the Right People, Strengthening Office Culture, and Leading with Impact.DescriptionIn this episode of The Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera welcomes renowned dental consultant and speaker Dr. Bob Pick. Together, they discuss the crucial aspects of building a high-performing dental team, developing strong leadership skills, and fostering a thriving office culture. Dr. Pick shares his proven strategies for hiring the right people, the importance of personality profiling, and how small gestures can make a big impact on team morale. Whether you're a new practice owner or...2025-02-1637 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Pres: How a Data-Driven Approach to Marketing & Business Can Transform Your Dental PracticeDescription In this episode of the DIG Official Podcast, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with Evan Lazarus, founder of Simple Impact Media, to discuss the real reasons why some dental practices struggle with marketing while others see massive success. Evan breaks down why throwing money at advertising doesn’t always yield results, how internal business inefficiencies can sabotage growth, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) every dentist should track to make marketing work. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a new dentist looking to grow your practice, this episode will change the way you think about marketing, patient acqu...2025-02-1527 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Pres: Legal Insights on Associate Agreements, Partnerships, & Acquisitions with Justin MorganEpisode Description: In this episode of DIG’s Official Podcast, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with attorney Justin Morgan, an expert in dental transactions, to discuss the critical legal considerations for dentists. Justin shares insights on practice acquisitions, real estate leases, partnership agreements, and contract negotiations. Learn how to protect yourself legally, avoid litigation, and structure your practice for long-term success. Episode Highlights: Justin Morgan’s background and journey into dental law. The importance of having a dental-specific attorney. Common legal pitfalls in real estate leases and contracts. The role of attorneys in practice acqu...2025-02-1424 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Pres: The Future of Private Dental Practices: Automation and Growth with The Dental AppDescription In this episode, Dr. Bob sits down with Dr. Lior Tamir, founder of The Dental App, a cutting-edge cloud software designed to help private dental practices stay competitive in an evolving industry. They discuss the latest updates in practice management, patient engagement, and automation—tools that corporate-owned practices have long leveraged but are now accessible to private dentists. Dr. Tamir shares how his software integrates marketing, patient reactivation, and treatment management into one seamless system to help dentists operate more efficiently and grow their businesses. Episode HighlightsThe shift in the dental industry an...2025-02-1219 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Saving Time & Cutting Costs – How Synergy Empowers Independent DentistsDescription In this episode, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with Ted Osterer from Synergy to discuss the importance of group buying power in independent dentistry. They explore how Synergy helps private practitioners compete with large DSOs by negotiating better supply prices, reducing overhead, and providing a structured, efficient purchasing system. Ted explains the origins of Synergy, how it works, and why it's a game-changer for independent dentists looking to maintain profitability without sacrificing quality or time. Episode Highlights The challenges independent dentists face when competing with corporate practices. How Synergy was founded to provide...2025-02-1111 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents DIG Official Podcast with Sota Cloud Imaging - Part TwoSmart Imaging for Smarter Practices: Beyond Hardware with SOTA Cloud Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Johnson, co-founder and CTO of Soda Cloud Imaging, to discuss how their company is revolutionizing dental imaging. Dustin shares insights into the industry's past, the challenges of working with proprietary software, and how Soda Cloud Imaging provides an open and flexible solution for dental professionals. We also explore their upcoming innovations, including a 3D viewer and advanced referral system, designed to enhance efficiency and workflow for dentists everywhere. Episode Highlights The history...2025-02-1030 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: Mastering Online Community Etiquette - Challenge Ideas, Not PeopleEpisode DescriptionIn this episode, we discuss the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect in online dental communities. From handling disagreements to fostering a positive learning environment, we explore best practices for engaging in discussions without escalating conflicts. Learn why challenging ideas, rather than attacking people, is key to a thriving community and how small shifts in communication can create a more supportive space for all members. Episode Highlights Online communities thrive when members engage in productive, respectful conversations. This episode emphasizes the golden rule: challenge ideas, don’t attack people. We explore the common pitfalls of...2025-02-1009 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Steven RasnerEpisode Title: The Secret to a Strong Dental Team: Strategies for Hiring, Firing, and Staff Development Description: In this insightful episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with his longtime friend and dental icon, Dr. Steven Rasner. Together, they unpack the often challenging topics of hiring, firing, and team development within dental practices. With over 75 years of combined experience, Dr. Spera and Dr. Rasner share practical strategies, personal stories, and hard-earned lessons that every dental professional can apply to build stronger, more effective teams. Highlights: The importance of reputation in attracting...2025-02-0932 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents: From Dentist to Felon – Dr. Roy Shelburne's Journey Through Legal TurmoilDIGRN Presents: From Dentist to Felon – Dr. Roy Shelburne's Journey Through Legal TurmoilDescription: In this eye-opening episode of the Dentistry In General Official Podcast, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with Dr. Roy Shelburne, a dentist, speaker, and convicted felon, to discuss his life-altering experience with healthcare fraud charges. Dr. Shelburne shares the story of the unexpected phone call that changed everything, the legal battle that followed, and the profound lessons he learned along the way. This candid conversation dives deep into the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers, the harsh realities of the justice system, an...2025-02-0828 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Joke AleshEpisode Title: The Road to Independent Success: Dr. Jokei Alesh's Journey Through Dentistry, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience Description: In this episode of the Independent Dental Practice Podcast, host Dr. Sonny Spera sits down with Dr. Jokei Alesh to explore her incredible journey from a young girl inspired by her pediatric dentist to a thriving dental entrepreneur. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, Dr. Alesh faced financial hurdles, industry challenges, and the complexities of launching an out-of-network dental practice. She candidly shares her experiences navigating student debt, securing financing, overcoming startup roadblocks, and building a patient-centered brand. Her story is...2025-02-0245 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Prese: Dr. Darcy Neveu on Maximizing Your Dental Practice Growth Through CE InvestmentsEpisode Title:Maximizing Your Dental Practice Growth Through Strategic CE Investments with Dr. Darcy NeveuDescription:In this episode of Dentistry in General Official Podcast with Dr. Bob Dee, Dr. Darcy Neveu shares her transformative journey from struggling practice owner to a thriving leader in dentistry. Reflecting on the challenges of ownership, personal growth, and balancing professional ambitions with family life, Dr. Neveu dives deep into the importance of coaching, continuing education (CE), and investing in oneself to achieve sustainable success. Her story is a testament to the value of vulnerability, reinvestment, and community support...2025-01-2729 min
Dentistry in General Official PodcastDIGRN Presents DIG Official Podcast with Sota Cloud Imaging - Part OneEpisode Title: Revolutionizing Dental Practices: How Cloud-Based Imaging, AI, and Seamless Integration are Changing the GameDescription:In this insightful episode of Dentistry in General Official Podcast with Dr. Bob Dee, we welcome Dustin Johnson, co-founder and CTO of Sota Imaging. Dustin shares his fascinating journey from astrophysics to revolutionizing dental imaging and provides a comprehensive look at Sota Cloud—a game-changing solution in the world of dental software. Together with Dr. Dee, they discuss the importance of imaging in dentistry, the limitations of proprietary hardware solutions, and how Sota Cloud brings freedom, flexibility, and efficiency to...2025-01-2726 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Spera - Guest Dr. Lior TamirEpisode Title: Closing the Gap: Bringing Administrative Fees to DentistryDescriptionIn this episode, Dr. Sonny Spera hosts Dr. Lior Tamir, a practicing dentist and innovator in dental practice management. Together, they delve into the transformative impact of introducing an annual administrative fee within dental practices. Dr. Tamir shares his journey of navigating insurance limitations, maintaining high standards of patient care, and leveraging creative solutions to sustain his practice. This insightful conversation highlights the legal, operational, and patient-centric aspects of implementing this groundbreaking model. Whether you're a dental professional or someone interested in the intersection of...2025-01-2643 min
The Independent Dental Practice PodcastDIGRN Presents: The Independent Dental Practice Podcast with Dr. Sonny Spera- Guest: Dr. Bob DeeShow NotesEpisode Title: The Journey of Independent Dental Practices with Dr. Sonny Spera and Dr. Bob DeeDescription: In this inaugural episode, Dr. Sonny Spera and Dr. Bob D dive into the challenges and triumphs of running independent dental practices. They share personal stories, explore different practice models, and discuss their vision for supporting the next generation of dentists. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a new graduate, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice.Highlights:Reflecting on Beginnings: Dr. Spera recounts buying his first practice in 1991 and overcoming financial an...2025-01-1335 min