logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
45m 33s

Simplifying Practice Management: Underst...

Simplify Dentistry
About this episode
A conversation with Kiera Dent - Founder and CEO of The Dental A-Team 🎙️ Episode Summary

Join hosts Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt as they interview Kiera Dent, founder and CEO of The Dental A-Team. In this engaging discussion, Kiera shares insights from her journey from the "2AM Crazy Lady" to becoming a leading dental consultant, offering practical strategies for practice growth, team development, and work-life balance. Learn how simple, consistent actions can transform your practice while maintaining personal fulfillment.

👤 Featured Guest

Kiera Dent

  • Founder and CEO of The Dental A-Team

  • National dental consulting firm leader

  • Host of The Dental A-Team Podcast

  • Expert in practice growth and team development

  • Advocate for work-life balance in dentistry

⏱️ Key Timestamps
  • 00:00 - Introduction and welcome

  • 01:15 - Current initiatives at The Dental A-Team

  • 04:58 - The "2AM Crazy Lady" story and lessons learned

  • 09:15 - Discussion of life passion vs. dental platform

  • 14:27 - Team development and handling staff challenges

  • 20:08 - Building effective mastermind groups

  • 23:31 - Evolution of business vision

  • 37:43 - When to seek consulting help

  • 40:54 - Implementation of NDTR system

🎯 Key Takeaways
  1. Simple Solutions Work Best

    • Focus on basic systems like morning huddles

    • Implement NDTR (Next visit, Date, Time, Recare)

    • Track key performance indicators

    • Maintain consistency in execution

  2. Work-Life Balance

    • Success without fulfillment is failure

    • Regular breaks increase productivity

    • Quarterly time off benefits practice growth

    • Focus on personal development alongside practice growth

  3. Team Development

    • Standards matter more than staff shortages

    • Rise up or rise out philosophy

    • Importance of cultural alignment

    • Investment in leadership development

  4. Practice Growth Stages

    • Under $1.5M: Focus on basic systems

    • $2M-10M: Leadership development crucial

    • $10M+: Emphasis on consistent training

    • Different solutions for different practice sizes

💡 Practical Implementation Tips
  1. NDTR System

    • Next visit scheduling

    • Specific date and time

    • Treatment plan clarity

    • Recare appointment confirmation

  2. Morning Huddle Excellence

    • Review daily opportunities

    • Set clear goals

    • Team communication

    • Track progress

  3. Team Development

    • Clear performance standards

    • Regular training

    • Leadership development

    • Cultural alignment

📊 Practice Management Insights
  • Signs You Need Consulting

    • Cash flow challenges

    • Team morale issues

    • Growth plateaus

    • Leadership gaps

    • System inefficiencies

  • Success Indicators

    • Consistent systems

    • Team buy-in

    • Clear communication

    • Balanced lifestyle

    • Sustainable growth

🌟 Motivation for Change
  1. Pain-Driven Changes

    • Financial struggles

    • Team conflicts

    • Work-life imbalance

    • System breakdowns

  2. Growth-Driven Changes

    • Optimization goals

    • Expansion plans

    • Leadership development

    • System refinement

📱 Connect With Kiera Dent
  • The Dental A-Team Consulting

  • Think Tank Tuesday Mastermind

  • In-person events starting 2025

  • Business and leadership development programs

📱Learn More
  • Join: Simplify Dentistry Facebook community

  • Register: simplifydds.com for future episodes

Topics: dental consulting, practice management, team development, dental systems, practice growth, work-life balance, dental leadership, morning huddle, case acceptance, dental business growth

Up next
Oct 1
The Truth About Dental Growth: Marketing, Front Desk Conversions, and Practice Potential with Gary Bird
Join Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt as they sit down with Gary Bird, founder of SMC National and host of Dental Marketing GOAT. In this no-fluff conversation, Gary breaks down the real barriers that hold dental practices back from growth—from marketing missteps to f ... Show More
27m 56s
Sep 17
The Future of Dentistry: AI, Practice Culture, and Industry Trends with Dr. Pamela Maragliano
Join Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offut as they discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry with Dr. Pamela Maragliano, Chief Editor of Dental Economics. From AI implementation to practice culture and staffing challenges, this episode provides valuable insights into curr ... Show More
41m 58s
Sep 10
Membership plans: DentalHQ, Dr. Brett Wells
In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, host Dr. Richard Offutt sits down with Dr. Brett Wells of Wells Family Dental Group. Brett shares his journey of building a patient-centered, multi-location practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, while balancing growth, leadership, and family ... Show More
37m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
What’s WRONG With Modern Dentistry & How To Fix Your Mouth, Sleep & Oral Microbiome For Good, With Dr. Eniko Loud & The Whole Health Dentistry Team.
In today's episode with Dr. Eniko Loud, Dr. Ghazal Sophia Taghavi, and Catherine Staffeldt, esteemed practitioners in the field of bioesthetic dentistry, you'll get to explore the ins and outs of holistic oral care, from proper brushing and flossing techniques to the integration ... Show More
54m 12s
Feb 2025
256. Ceramic Esthetics, Diastema Closure, Resin Composite - Dr. Jason Smithson
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com DOT - Use the Code DENTALDIGEST for 10% off Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Connect with Melissa on Linkedin Dr. Jason Smithson, DDS, is a distinguished dentist renowned for his innovative app ... Show More
42m 50s
Feb 2024
1911: Creating a Thriving Dental Business
On today’s episode, Dr. Mark Costes focuses on tackling what he refers to as the "four horsemen" - the major challenges faced in the world of dentistry. He delves into understanding negativity bias and hedonic adaptation, and how these affect our information processing. Emphasizi ... Show More
27m 21s
Aug 21
Fall in Love with Dentistry Again – How to Feel Fulfilled as a Dentist – IC060
Are you living your career by design—or just letting it happen to you? Do you know what your ideal day as a dentist looks like? What about your ideal week? In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Andrea Ogden to explore how you can design a career—and a life—in dentistry that feels ... Show More
56m 31s
Jun 2024
226. Rob Stanley, DMD, MS, PhD - New Concepts in Implant Dentistry
Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Connect with Melissa on Linkedin  DOT - Use the Code DENTALDIGEST for 10% off Dr. Robert Stanley has been interested in dentistry since spending hours in his grandfather’s dental office in Chicago as ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2025
272. Operative Dentistry Hacks [Replay] with Dr. Bob Margeas
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Dr. Margeas was recently named on the 2024 "32 Most Influential People in Dentistry" by Incisal Edge Magazine. Click here to learn more! Dr. Margeas graduated f ... Show More
28m 23s
Dec 2024
Mid-Career Moves: How to Choose the Path for You
Host Dr. Joel Berg is once again joined by Dr. Clarice Law, this time to discuss her recent move after two decades at one institution and her advice for others determining what their next steps may be. Dr. Law shares the multiple ways her career has evolved over the past three de ... Show More
20m 37s
May 2025
269. Restoring Hybrids and Overdentures with Dr. Sable Muntean
Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com Free Class II Masterclass - Click Here to Join Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Dr. Sable A. Muntean, DMD, MHSA Clinician, Educator, Mentor, and Advocate for New Dentists Dr. Sable Muntean is a ... Show More
45m 28s
Jan 2025
Insights with Pearl AI’s CEO on Dental Diagnostics
In this episode of Digital Dentistry Decoded, Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny interviews Ophir Tanz, CEO of Pearl AI, about the evolution and impact of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Tanz discusses Pearl's development from its 2015 inception to its current position as a leader in den ... Show More
51m 35s
Jul 2024
2030: Balancing Art, Dentistry, & Community
On today’s episode, we have Dr. Arti Jagirdar, who brings a unique and inspiring story to the podcast. Dr. Jagirdar shares her journey from being encouraged to pursue a medical career to discovering her passion for dentistry through a high school program. Her story takes a creati ... Show More
41m 55s