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 current industry trends and practical solutions for modern dental practices.

Episode Navigation

• 00:00 - Introduction and welcome
• 00:32 - Dr. Pam's dual role as practice owner and chief editor
• 01:37 - Current dental industry trends
• 03:02 - Discussion on AI in dentistry
• 07:44 - Remineralization technologies
• 10:58 - Dental hygiene staffing challenges
• 14:15 - Practice culture and staff retention
• 22:18 - Independent practices vs DSOs
• 34:58 - Notable podcast guests and insights

Key Takeaways

• AI implementation remains a developing technology with both clinical and administrative applications
• Staff retention requires flexibility and focus on culture
• Independent practices must define their position in the market
• Practice success requires both clinical and business competencies

• Create clear practice mission and non-negotiables
• Invest in operational infrastructure
• Focus on building the right team culture
• Consider alternative scheduling models for staff satisfaction

Featured Discussion Topics

• Artificial Intelligence in dentistry
• Staff recruitment and retention
• Practice culture development
• DSO trends and independent practice strategies
• Remineralization technologies
• Business management competencies

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Pamela Maragliano: Chief Editor of Dental Economics magazine and owner of a dental practice in Salem, Massachusetts. Dr. Pam brings unique insights from both clinical practice and industry leadership perspectives.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

• Website: simplifydds.com
• Podcast: Available on major streaming platforms

Topics: dental AI, practice management, dental staffing, DSO trends, practice culture, dental technology, dental economics, dental practice ownership, dental industry trends, dental business management

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 life. From creating trust-based relationships to navigating the challenges of expansion, Brett offers wisdom for dentists who want to grow without losing sight of their values.

00:00 – Welcome and introduction
01:25 –Brett’s journey into dentistry and building his practice
05:40 – Why trust is the foundation of patient care
09:10 – Balancing growth with personal and professional life
14:20 – Expanding into multiple locations
20:05 – Leadership lessons from practice ownership
26:15 – Family, faith, and finding perspective
31:50 – Advice for young dentists and practice owners
36:10 – Final reflections and where to connect

Building a Patient-Centered Practice

• Trust is the foundation of long-term patient relationships
• Growth should align with values, not just numbers
• Communication and consistency are key to building loyalty
  
  

Leadership & Growth

• Expansion requires clarity of vision and the right team
• Balance comes from setting boundaries and priorities
• Success isn’t just about growth—it’s about purpose and impact
  
  

• Patient-centered dentistry
• Building multi-location practices
• Leadership lessons in ownership
• Work-life balance for dentists
• Values-based growth strategies
  
  

Dr. Brett Wells is the owner of Wells Family Dental Group in Raleigh, NC. With a focus on patient trust, team culture, and values-based leadership, Brett has grown his practice into a thriving multi-location group while maintaining a strong balance between work, family, and community.

Website: simplifydds.com
Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: patient-centered dentistry, leadership, practice growth, multi-location practices, work-life balance, values-based leadership, dental entrepreneurship, dental practice management

In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, hosts Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt welcome Dr. Paul Etchison—practicing dentist, author of Dental Practice Hero, and host of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast. Paul shares his journey of building a thriving multi-doctor practice, the systems that created freedom instead of chaos, and the leadership lessons that help dentists design practices that serve both their patients and their lives.

00:00 – Welcome and introduction

01:42 – Paul’s early journey and practice growth

05:10 – Why systems equal freedom in dentistry

09:15 – Building high-performing teams and accountability

14:20 – Leadership lessons from Dental Practice Hero

20:40 – Common mistakes dentists make when scaling

27:15 – Balancing growth with work-life freedom

33:50 – How simplicity drives long-term success

38:12 – Closing thoughts and where to connect

Leadership & Systems

• Systems are the key to scaling without losing control
• Leadership means creating clarity, not micromanaging
• Accountability structures empower teams and reduce stress for owners
  
  

Practice Growth Insights

• Growth should support your life—not consume it
• Culture comes from clear expectations and consistent follow-through
• Scaling requires simplicity: fewer moving parts, stronger systems
  
  

• Scaling dental practices with systems
• Leadership strategies for owners
• Team culture and accountability
• Work-life balance in dentistry
• Lessons from Dental Practice Hero
  
  

Dr. Paul Etchison is a practicing dentist, podcast host, and author of Dental Practice Hero: From Ordinary Practice to Extraordinary Experience. He grew his practice into a multi-doctor group while maintaining work-life balance and now helps other dentists simplify their practices through leadership, systems, and mindset.

Website: simplifydds.com
Podcast: Available on all major platforms

Topics: dental leadership, dental practice systems, practice growth, work-life balance, dental entrepreneurship, team culture, accountability, practice management