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

In this special roundtable episode of Simplified Dentistry, Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan, Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt are joined by dental industry veteran Perrin DesPortes (Co-Founder of Polaris Healthcare Partners) for a live Q&A-style discussion on leadership, group practice growth, mentorship, and the financial realities of scaling as a dental entrepreneur. Whether you're solo and curious about expansion, or navigating the transition from hands-on clinician to strategic CEO, this candid conversation delivers practical wisdom with humor and heart.

01:35 – Defining leadership in solo vs. multi-site practices
04:30 – Communication as a leadership skill
06:50 – The clinical risk of inconsistent philosophy across associates
08:20 – Should I grow? Buy? Hire an associate?
11:00 – The income dip that comes with growth
14:00 – Coaching leadership & the value of credibility
16:45 – Hiring partners or assistants: when is it worth it?
20:30 – Mentorship as the core of transition
25:30 – Avoiding burnout in expansion
27:30 – Adding associates without adding ops: is it viable?
30:00 – Aligners, implants & specialty care to increase scope
33:00 – Is the wave of dental growth over?
35:00 – De novo strategy: build right, not fast
40:00 – Cannibalization as a de novo growth tactic
43:00 – Vetting consultants & calculating ROI

Leadership in Dentistry

• Leadership = creating greater results through others
• Communication systems (like regular huddles & team check-ins) are critical
• Trust is earned through consistency, clarity, and presence
• Dentists must move from “outworking” problems to developing others
  
  

Growth Isn’t Always Profitable—At First

• Adding an associate costs money before it makes money
• Mentorship is essential: teaching new doctors how to earn, not just practice
• Hiring team members (even assistants) can free up your time to lead
• Know your numbers before expanding—revenue, margins, capacity
  
  

De Novo vs. Acquisition

• De novo can work—if you understand patient value, break-even points, and have a strategy
• Many group practices fail due to rushed build-outs and unrealistic expectations
• Cannibalizing part of your current practice to feed a new one can accelerate growth
• Aligner, sleep, and implant services can improve per-op revenue
  
  

Perrin DesPortes
Co-Founder of Polaris Healthcare Partners, executive coach, former dental industry executive, and trusted advisor to growth-minded dental entrepreneurs. Perrin specializes in helping practice owners transition into CEOs with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

• Clinician-to-CEO transitions
• Dental leadership development
• Associate onboarding & profitability
• Strategic expansion & de novo practices
• Avoiding burnout in multi-site ownership
• Evaluating consultants & coaching ROI
• Private equity trends & independent growth
  
  

🌐 Website: simplifydds.com
👥 Facebook Group: Simplify Dentistry Community

Topics: dental leadership, clinician to CEO, multi-site dentistry, dental expansion, mentorship, de novo practices, associate integration, practice management, dental consulting, financial strategy

Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Richard Rosenblatt, a leader in CAD CAM and digital dentistry. Dr. Rosenblatt shares his journey from New Jersey to becoming a prominent educator at CDOCS, his experience growing a successful practice, and valuable insights on practice leadership, mentorship, and maintaining work-life balance in dentistry. Learn practical strategies for practice growth, team building, and implementing effective bonus systems.

Episode Navigation

• 00:14 - Introduction to Dr. Richard Rosenblatt
• 00:51 - Personal background and early career
• 02:25 - Lessons from mentorship
• 04:27 - Finding your "why" in dentistry
• 06:36 - Journey into CDOCS education
• 5:31 - Practice structure and management
• 38:11 - Bonus system implementation
• 42:23 - Learning from mistakes
• 44:57 - Tips for simplifying dentistry

Key Takeaways

• Focus on developing team members and providing growth opportunities
• Create a positive practice culture that team members will defend
• Invest in continuing education for yourself and your team
• Prioritize being a leader rather than just a boss

• Implement engaging bonus systems to motivate team members
• Conduct proper due diligence before practice acquisitions
• Focus on demographics and market analysis
• Balance clinical excellence with business acumen

Meet Our Guest

Practice owner in Lake Bluff, Illinois focusing on CAD CAM and digital dentistry. Faculty member for CDOCS since 2008, alpha and beta tester for multiple dental companies, basic trainer for Patterson Dental, and clinical leader for Imagen Dental Partners. Built and operates a 7,300 square foot, 17-operatory practice.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Digital dentistry evolution
• Practice growth strategies
• Team development and culture
• Bonus system implementation
• Work-life balance
• Mental and physical health in dentistry

Industry Experts Mentioned

• Sameer Puri - CDOCS leader and mentor

• Imtiaz Manji - Dental industry thought leader

• Bruce Baird - Productive Dentist Academy founder

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

Website: simplifydds.com

Contact Dr. Rosenblatt: RichRosenblatt@gmail.com

Topics: digital dentistry, practice management, dental leadership, team building, dental education, practice growth, dental technology, mentorship, bonus systems, work-life balance

In this episode of the Simplified Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan speaks with Dr. Meena Barsoum, Global Head of Clinical Strategy at SprintRay. Together, they explore how cutting-edge 3D printing technology is making high-quality, in-office restorations more accessible and efficient than ever before. From the evolution of materials to AI-driven design, Dr. Barsoum shares his vision for simplifying dentistry—without sacrificing clinical excellence. Whether you're a seasoned CAD/CAM user or just getting started with digital workflows, this episode offers practical strategies for enhancing care, saving time, and future-proofing your practice.

01:00 – Making 3D printing accessible to all practices
03:00 – Midas printer & AI-powered crown design
05:00 – Chairside manufacturing without expensive software
06:15 – Printing vs. milling: strengths & differences
08:00 – Indirect restorations as alternatives to composites
11:00 – Time, efficiency, and clinical advantages
13:00 – Scanner preferences & ideal new-doc setups
16:00 – Material recommendations: printed vs. milled
18:00 – Strength, wear, and biomimetic benefits
21:00 – Transition from CDOCS to SprintRay
25:00 – Building SprintRay University & future education goals

Democratizing Digital Dentistry

• SprintRay’s ecosystem enables chairside 3D printing for any scanner that exports STL files
• The Midas printer allows single-unit restorations in 8 minutes—no milling required
• AI-powered Studio software designs crowns in the cloud, no license or installation needed
  
  

Clinical Efficiency & Simplicity

• Printed indirect restorations offer a predictable, durable alternative to direct composites
• 3D printing allows more conservative preps with biomimetic wear characteristics
• Digitally fabricated restorations reduce operator variability and streamline quadrant dentistry
  
  

For New & Mid-Career Dentists

• New docs can start affordably with a scanner + SprintRay for full-service printing
• Milled zirconia remains ideal for bruxism; printed materials are optimal for aesthetics, anteriors, and quadrants
• Digital tools allow for same-day delivery of full-arch prosthetics, splints, and surgical guides

Dr. Meena Barsoum
Global Head of Clinical Strategy at SprintRay and former CDOCS faculty member. A leader in digital dentistry and clinical education, Dr. Barsoum has practiced for over 15 years, specializing in CAD/CAM workflows, 3D printing, and clinical efficiency. His current mission: make cutting-edge dentistry accessible for every practice—regardless of size or budget.

• 3D printing vs. milling
• Printed crown materials & wear resistance
• AI-driven design software
• Biomimetic dentistry
• Efficient quadrant workflows
• Digital tools for new dentists
• SprintRay University & clinician training
• Evolving beyond traditional composites
• Future of digital restorations
  
  

🌐 Website: simplifydds.com
👥 Facebook Group: Simplify Dentistry Community

Topics: 3D printing, CAD/CAM dentistry, AI crown design, digital workflows, in-office restorations, SprintRay, dental innovation, indirect restorations, biomimetic materials, simplifying dentistry

Join the Simplify Dentistry hosts as they discuss the changing landscape of dental practice with Dr. Tarun Agarwal ("T-Bone"). From managing insurance relationships to creating sustainable business models, this episode explores how to adapt and thrive in modern dentistry while maintaining clinical excellence and practice profitability.

Episode Navigation

• 00:01 - Introduction and welcome
• 01:16 - Evolution of dental practice models
• 03:44 - Practice valuation and transitions
• 10:56 - Clear aligner therapy discussion
• 17:50 - Insurance participation strategies
• 34:24 - Career advice for new dentists
• 41:14 - Future of dentistry discussion

Key Takeaways

• Traditional "mom and pop" dental practices are being replaced by business-focused models
• Digital technology adoption and private equity are driving industry changes
• Practice valuation now emphasizes EBITDA over revenue

• Time-intensive production (basic dentistry)
• High revenue, low time procedures
• Supervised production (delegated procedures)

• Maximize operatory value through efficient scheduling
• Implement hybrid insurance participation models
• Focus on building trust for case acceptance

Meet Your Guest

Dr. Tarun Agarwal (T-Bone): A leading dental educator and practitioner known for his expertise in digital dentistry and practice management. Founder of 3D Dentist training organization and operates multiple successful dental businesses while maintaining an active clinical practice.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Modern dental practice models
• Clear aligner therapy evolution
• Insurance participation strategies
• Practice valuation metrics
• Career development advice
• Charitable dentistry initiatives

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

• Website: simplifydds.com
• Social Media: @simplifydentistry

Topics: dental practice management, dental business models, clear aligners, insurance participation, practice valuation, dental education, charitable dentistry, practice efficiency, dental technology, practice transitions

Dr. Gregg Kinzer joins Dr. Mustafa and Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan to share his journey from dental school to leading prosthodontist and educator. He discusses mentorship, digital vs. analog workflows, and how Spear Education helps dentists simplify complexity. A must-listen for clinicians at any stage looking to build confidence and master the fundamentals.

Episode Navigation:

• 00:20 – Introduction to Dr. Gregg Kinzer
• 01:05 – His path into prosthodontics and near miss with orthodontics
• 03:30 – Lessons from working alongside Frank Spear
• 09:15 – The evolution of treatment planning
• 14:40 – Digital vs. analog: finding the right workflow
• 23:50 – Teaching simplicity in complexity
• 37:10 – Advice for new dentists
• 41:25 – Insights for mid-career clinicians
• 46:00 – Building confidence through consistency
  
  
  

Featured Discussion Topics:

• Career development and mentorship
• The future of dental education
• Practical use of digital dentistry
• Team-based interdisciplinary treatment
• Teaching and leadership in clinical practice
  
  

Meet Our Guest:
Dr. Gregg Kinzer is a Seattle-based prosthodontist, international lecturer, and faculty leader at Spear Education. He currently serves as President of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and is known for his expertise in interdisciplinary care and advanced treatment planning. He is passionate about helping dentists develop confidence through clarity and mastery of foundational skills.

Connect With Simplify Dentistry:
🌐 Website: simplifydds.com