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The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

By: ACT Dental
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Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide. At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else. Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth. Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community. Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs. In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice. By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry. So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!Copyright 2017-2025. All rights reserved. Economics
Episodes
  • 1068: The Key to More Joy at Work – Part 2 Burnout, Leadership, and Patient Care Through the Lens of Working Genius - Heather Crockett

    1068: The Key to More Joy at Work – Part 2 Burnout, Leadership, and Patient Care Through the Lens of Working Genius - Heather Crockett
    Jul 3 2026
    Burnout is not always caused by the amount of work someone is doing. It can also result from spending too much time performing work that creates frustration and drains energy. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Heather Crockett, ACT Dental coach, about applying the Working Genius model to burnout, leadership, team responsibilities, and patient care. You will learn how to recognize frustration-based burnout, delegate work according to energy and natural strengths, and use all six working geniuses to improve the patient experience. To create a healthier team and find more joy at work, listen to Episode 1068 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Burnout can result from the type of work someone performs, not only the amount of work assigned.High performers may burn out faster because they try to complete all six types of work at a consistently high level.Promotions can place capable team members into roles that rely heavily on their areas of frustration.Leaders should consider a team member’s energy and working geniuses instead of delegating solely according to available capacity.Each of the six working geniuses contributes differently to treatment planning, communication, follow-through, and patient trust.Team members become more effective in their geniuses when they receive regular opportunities to use and develop them.A fulfilled and energized dental team communicates more effectively and creates a stronger patient experience.Snippets:00:00 Applying Working Genius to burnout, leadership, and patient care.02:43 A review of the six working geniuses.03:43 How working frustrations drain energy.05:18 Why the type of work can cause burnout.06:35 How promotions can move high performers into frustrating work.08:26 What burnout looks like on dental teams.09:40 Why high performers may burn out faster.11:22 Leadership mistakes related to Working Genius.13:31 Delegating according to energy instead of capacity.16:12 How each working genius supports patient care.18:27 Why fulfilled teams create better patient experiences.20:20 Final lessons about burnout, team roles, and contribution.21:42 Taking the assessment and starting a team conversation.22:48 Working Genius education at the Exchange.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.Resources mentioned on the episode:Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Working-Genius-Understand-Frustrations/dp/1637743297Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    25 mins
  • 1069: Metric Mondays: Why Does Sharing Numbers with the Team Feel So Hard? - Miranda Beeson

    1069: Metric Mondays: Why Does Sharing Numbers with the Team Feel So Hard? - Miranda Beeson
    Jul 6 2026
    Sharing numbers with the team can feel difficult for dentists who worry that data will seem cold, corporate, or disconnected from patient care. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Miranda Beeson, dental hygienist and coach, to explain why sharing metrics feels so hard and how to make those conversations productive, consistent, and patient-centered.You will learn how to connect KPIs to patient outcomes, reduce defensiveness around data, and help your team understand how their roles affect the health of the practice and the patients you serve. To learn how to make metrics a healthier part of your leadership, listen to Episode 1069 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysDentists often struggle more with managing and leading people than with the clinical side of dentistry.Data conversations become difficult when the team only hears about numbers during problems or emergencies.Metrics feel cold when leaders discuss production and collections without connecting them to patient care.Reappointment percentage reflects whether patients are staying on track with preventive care.Treatment acceptance shows whether patients understand the value of recommended care and are moving forward with treatment they want or need.Perio visit percentage helps teams see whether they are proactively addressing periodontal disease.Leaders can make data easier to discuss by explaining what each metric measures, what systems affect it, and how improvement benefits the patient experience.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:13 Meet Miranda Beeson02:27 Miranda explains why many practice owners hesitate to share data.05:27 What happens when practices do not review numbers with the team.06:52 Why KPI reporting can feel like it is only about making more money.10:22 What it looks like when leaders introduce KPIs well.11:10 KPI Examples That Matter14:34 Kirk discusses the compounding effect of stronger perio visit percentages.15:56 Miranda explains why leaders must set the tone around data.16:14 Miranda introduces resources for connecting metrics to patient experience.19:06 Kirk closes by encouraging leaders to share numbers in a way that helps the team and patients.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Miranda Beeson has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. She is enthusiastic about communication and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient interactions and practice dynamics. As a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches.Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time, and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.Resources mentioned in this episode:To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt/ACT Dental resources: https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/For more information about the community, contact gina@actdental.comKPI Mastery: https://www.actdental.com/127More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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    20 mins
  • 1070: How One Dentist Reclaimed Control by Ditching Insurance and Prioritizing Quality - Dr. Troy Schmedding

    1070: How One Dentist Reclaimed Control by Ditching Insurance and Prioritizing Quality - Dr. Troy Schmedding
    Jul 8 2026
    Moving away from insurance can create fear for dentists who worry patients will leave, the team will resist, or production will suffer. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Troy Schmedding, a private practice dentist in Walnut Creek, California, to explain how he transitioned out of insurance participation, rebuilt his practice around quality and communication, and created more control over how he practices. You will learn why team alignment matters, how to communicate insurance changes with patients, and why quality and customer service are essential for an out-of-network model. To learn how one dentist reclaimed control by ditching insurance and prioritizing quality, listen to Episode 1070 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Dentists often struggle to leave insurance because of fear and self-limiting beliefs about whether their patients will stay.A practice can become less busy but more productive when it is well-managed and focused on quality care.Going out-of-network requires strong communication with the team and with patients.Patients respond better when the conversation focuses on quality of care rather than complaints about insurance companies.Billing insurance on behalf of patients remains an important customer service step after leaving insurance networks.Patient referrals can become stronger when existing patients value quality, service, and the practice model.A successful out-of-network practice depends on having a team that supports the doctor’s vision and communicates well with patients.Snippets:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Troy Schmedding and the topic of moving away from insurance.01:09 Kirk introduces Dr. Schmedding and the Best Practices Show.04:15 Dr. Schmedding explains how insurance reimbursement cuts influenced his decision-making.06:51 Fear and self-limiting beliefs keep dentists from changing their insurance model.10:49 Team alignment is necessary before making major insurance changes.13:54 Referrals shift when patients understand and value the practice model.15:06 Dr. Schmedding shares his perspective on dentists’ frustration with Delta Dental.17:54 Kirk and Dr. Schmedding discuss the future of out-of-network private practice.21:28 Dr. Schmedding explains what dentists often misunderstand about his practice model.23:00 Dr. Schmedding discusses his upcoming Smile Source Exchange presentation.24:54 Final thoughts & ClosingGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Dr. Troy Schmedding is a honors graduate of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He maintains a private practice in Walnut Creek, Ca. where he focuses on aesthetic and functional dentistry. An Accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he lectures both nationally and internationally on aesthetics and restorative materials. He has also written and published numerous articles on restorative materials and protocols in numerous dental magazines. Dr Schmedding also serves as a Key Opinion Leader for numerous manufacturers helping develop and bring new products to market.Resources mentioned in this episode:Dr. Troy Schmedding on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troyschmeddingdds/Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
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