Deanna Otts-Whitfield is a Marine Corps veteran and dental professional with over 16 years of experience in hygiene, infection prevention, and compliance. She holds a bachelor's in dental hygiene, a master's in healthcare quality and safety, and is CDIPC certified. After serving one tour in Iraq as a heavy truck driver, Deanna transitioned to civilian life and discovered dental hygiene by literally going down a university program list. Her military background as a rule follower who appreciates black-and-white procedures naturally aligned with infection control compliance work. In 2019, feeling bored with clinical practice and seeking something bigger, she pursued her master's degree which opened doors to the consulting world. Now as owner of Copper Penny Consulting, Deanna empowers dental teams with practical strategies to enhance safety and compliance, serving on professional boards and passionately elevating patient care standards across the industry through virtual assessments, comprehensive training, and ongoing support.

In this episode....

Concerned about potential compliance violations hiding in plain sight at your practice, but not sure where to start or what you might be missing? Many dental practices operate under the dangerous assumption that following basic protocols learned in school is sufficient, while unknowingly exposing patients and staff to serious health risks through contaminated waterlines, improper sterilization procedures, and cross-contamination from everyday habits like keeping drinks in sterilization areas. What if the difference between a safe practice and a potential OSHA violation is simply not knowing what you don't know?

According to Deanna Otts-Whitfield, a Marine Corps veteran turned compliance consultant with 16 years of dental experience, most practices have good intentions but lack awareness of current safety standards that extend far beyond basic infection control. Her shocking revelations include dentists still practicing without gloves in rural communities, biofilm-contaminated water systems delivering microorganisms directly into patients' bloodstreams during procedures, and staff unknowingly creating cross-contamination by placing personal items near ultrasonic cleaners that aerosolize dangerous pathogens. Her military-trained eye for detail reveals that compliance isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about the ethical responsibility healthcare providers have to model safety behaviors and create protocols that protect everyone in the practice.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Deanna Otts-Whitfield about the critical but often overlooked world of dental compliance and safety. They explore her unique journey from Marine Corps truck driver to dental compliance expert, discuss shocking real-world examples of practices unknowingly putting patients at risk, and dive into her comprehensive virtual assessment process that uncovers violations from sterilization areas to electrical panels. The conversation reveals how seemingly innocent habits like keeping drinks near ultrasonic cleaners can create serious health hazards, while providing practical insights into OSHA's expanding scope and the growing trend of whistleblower complaints that triggered over $100,000 in fines across dental offices in 2023.

Doug Fettig is a CPA and MBA who travels the country inspiring dentists to lead with an abundance mindset, think like a CEO, and plan for the retirement of their dreams. After dropping out of college and spending seven years traveling Europe doing odd jobs from blackjack dealer to encyclopedia salesman, Doug eventually found his way back to school and into accounting. Ten years ago, he transitioned from traditional CPA work to specializing in the dental industry when a retiring partner asked him to take over their dental niche. Since then, Doug has built a reputation for making financial and leadership education entertaining and actionable, speaking at major dental conferences, study clubs, and associations across the country. His unique approach combines practical financial wisdom with mindset transformation, helping dentists overcome the paradox of becoming CEOs without any business or leadership training while building the foundation for long-term wealth and personal fulfillment.

In this episode...

Feeling trapped on a hamster wheel despite clinical success, or struggling to lead a team without any formal business training? Many dentists face the unique paradox of becoming CEOs at 32 without ever learning leadership skills, creating a cycle of stress and reactive management that limits both personal fulfillment and practice potential. What if the key to breaking free isn't just about business systems, but fundamentally shifting how you view challenges, opportunities, and your role as a leader?

According to Doug Fettig, a CPA and mindset coach who specializes in the dental industry, most dentists operate from a scarcity mindset that treats every situation as a zero-sum game, limiting their ability to grow both personally and professionally. Drawing from his own profound loss of his son Parker, Doug demonstrates how choosing abundance over scarcity—celebrating life and helping others rather than becoming resentful—can transform not just your practice but your entire approach to challenges. His practical approach combines simple tools like gratitude and generosity journals with fundamental financial wisdom, emphasizing that building wealth requires starting early with consistent investing in broad market index funds, letting compound returns work their magic over decades.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Doug Fettig about the critical mindset shifts that separate thriving dentists from those stuck in survival mode. They explore why dentists need leadership training as much as clinical training, discuss practical tools for developing an abundance mindset, and dive deep into retirement planning strategies that leverage the power of compound returns. The conversation covers everything from the importance of vulnerability in growth to why trying to time the stock market fails, while providing actionable steps for both personal development and long-term financial success.

Shelly VanEpps is the COO and an executive coach at All-Star Dental Academy where she helps dental practices elevate their performance through leadership development, streamlined systems, and exceptional patient experiences. With over 20 years of experience in both clinical and administrative roles, Shelly brings a unique blend of real-world insight and coaching expertise to her work empowering dental teams to communicate more effectively, run more efficiently, and grow with intention. At All-Star Dental Academy, she specializes in implementing their trademarked GREAT call process and comprehensive hiring services, helping practices bridge the critical gap between marketing leads and booked appointments while building high-performing teams that deliver consistent patient experiences from the first phone call through treatment completion.

In this episode...

Frustrated with low phone conversion rates despite investing in marketing? Many dental practices experience the painful disconnect between generating leads and actually booking appointments, often converting only 20-25% of incoming calls into scheduled patients. What if the solution isn't just about having someone answer the phone, but about fundamentally changing how your team approaches each interaction?

According to Shelly VanEpps, COO of All-Star Dental Academy, the key lies in moving from transactional to relational interactions through their trademarked GREAT call process. This systematic approach—Greeting, Rapport, Engage, Ask, Take information, and Thank—flips traditional phone handling on its head by building trust before asking for anything. Using her gum analogy, Shelly demonstrates that people won't accept offers from strangers, but will readily accept them from trusted friends. Since dental patients inherently distrust dentists and dental procedures, practices must earn trust from the very first phone interaction, which requires the entire team to be cross-trained in phone skills, not just the front desk.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Shelly VanEpps about transforming dental practice phone performance and team building. They explore the GREAT call process methodology, discuss why 60-80% booking rates should be the standard rather than the exception, and dive into All-Star Dental Academy's comprehensive hiring services that help practices find qualified team members. The conversation covers practical strategies for handling multiple priorities at the front desk, the importance of asking for appointments, and Shelly's transformational philosophy of focusing on what's working well in your practice to amplify positive results.

Joyce Weeks is the owner of Dental Ed, Inc. and a science nerd turned compliance crusader who makes infection control and dental safety surprisingly clear and manageable. With a BS and MSC background in immunology and global health, including HIV vaccine research at the Scripps Research Institute, Joyce brings 37 years of family legacy to dental compliance education. Following in her mother's footsteps, who started the company in 1988 when dental regulations first changed, Joyce has dedicated her career to translating complex OSHA and infection control regulations into real-world strategies that dental teams can actually understand and implement. Her unique approach focuses on explaining the "why" behind compliance requirements rather than just the "what," helping practices see meaningful behavior changes through education rather than fear-based training.

In this episode..

Feeling overwhelmed by the complex web of OSHA requirements, infection control protocols, and constantly changing compliance regulations in your dental practice? Many dental teams struggle with understanding not just what they're supposed to do, but why these protocols matter for both patient and staff safety. What if the key to successful compliance isn't just following rules, but truly understanding the science behind them?

According to Joyce Weeks, owner of Dental Ed, Inc. and immunology expert, most dental practices fail at compliance because they're only taught the "what" without understanding the "why." With 37 years of family experience in dental compliance education, Joyce has observed that when teams understand the science behind protocols—like why masks lose effectiveness after 20 minutes or why single-use items can't truly be sterilized without manufacturer testing—they naturally want to follow proper procedures. Her approach reveals that many common practices, from reusing impression trays to wearing the same mask all day, create significant infection risks that most teams don't realize they're taking.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Joyce Weeks about the critical but often overlooked world of dental compliance and infection control. They explore common mistakes happening in most practices, the two biggest disease transmission risks in dentistry, and Joyce's six-step framework for achieving and maintaining compliance. The conversation covers everything from the historical context of glove requirements to modern challenges like navigating conflicting information from health agencies, while providing practical solutions for organizing documentation, training teams, and staying current with ever-changing regulations without getting overwhelmed.

Dr. Mohamed Attia is an esteemed leader of the Alexandria Center of Dentistry in Franconia and Alexandria, Virginia, bringing over two decades of expertise since graduating in 2002 and completing a postgraduate general practice residency. As a master of the Academy of General Dentistry, diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology, and fellow of both the AAID and ICOI, he is among the top few percent of dentists in implant and general dentistry. Dr. Attia integrates cutting-edge technology from CEREC same-day crowns to CBCT 3D implant surgery, ensuring patients receive modern, precise, and comfortable care.

In this episode…

Feeling intimidated by implant dentistry or wondering if you're adequately prepared to offer this life-changing treatment to your patients? Many dentists graduate from dental school having never placed an implant, yet find themselves in practices where patients desperately need these services. What if the key to successfully integrating implants isn't just clinical skill, but understanding how to avoid complications and learning from someone who's made the mistakes already?

According to Dr. Mohamed Attia, a diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology and master educator, implant dentistry is no longer optional for general practitioners—it's an integral part of modern dental care. His teaching philosophy centers on learning complications first, believing that understanding what can go wrong and how to prevent it creates more confident, successful implant dentists. Drawing from over two decades of experience and witnessing the transformative impact implants had on his own grandparents' quality of life, Dr. Attia emphasizes that while full arch cases may be demanding and invasive, the patient transformation they provide creates unmatched professional satisfaction.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Dr. Mohamed Attia about the essential role of implant dentistry in modern practice. They explore why dental schools aren't adequately preparing graduates for implant procedures, the importance of comprehensive year-long training programs, and Dr. Attia's unique approach to teaching through complications and live surgery mentoring.

Dr. Jeff Grove is a practicing dentist with over 20 years of experience who has built and led multiple successful dental practices, including founding Grove Dental Group and co-founding a 10-location dental support organization. As a faculty clinical instructor at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and a frequent guest lecturer at Harvard, UPenn and Temple Dental Schools, he brings both clinical expertise and academic credibility to his work. Dr. Grove now coaches dentists on achieving work-life freedom while maintaining practice independence through Ascension Dental Coach, specializing in helping dental professionals combat burnout and build sustainable, fulfilling careers while leveraging their unique strengths and surrounding themselves with talented teams.

Feeling burned out from the daily grind of dentistry while struggling with staff turnover and financial pressure? Many dentists find themselves seven to ten years into their careers wondering if this is really what they signed up for when they entered dental school. The reality of practice ownership often looks very different from the vision they had as students, leaving them questioning whether they should sell to a DSO or find another way forward.

According to Dr. Jeff Grove, veteran practice owner and founder of Ascension Dental Coach, the answer isn’t necessarily selling your independence but rather becoming the leader your practice needs you to be. Through his experience building everything from single-doctor practices to a 10-location group backed by private equity, Dr. Grove has learned that sustainable success comes from leveraging your unique strengths while building systems and teams that fill in your gaps. Rather than trying to do everything yourself—which leads to burnout—successful practice owners focus on the five to ten things they do exceptionally well and surround themselves with talented people who excel in the areas where they don’t.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Dr. Jeff Grove about building sustainable dental practices that don’t drain your energy but instead fuel your passion for dentistry. They explore the common pitfalls that lead to burnout, why panic-mode hiring creates revolving door staff problems, and how to align your practice vision with your marketing strategy to attract ideal patients. Dr. Grove shares insights from his diverse experience, including his time with private equity, and explains why the key breakthrough moment for any practice owner is making the same level of investment in developing leadership skills that they once made in becoming a dentist.

Bob Spiel is a dental practice consultant and co-founder of Dentist Partner Pros with over 25 years of business experience, including serving as a hospital and surgical center CEO before entering dentistry 17 years ago. With a mission to build high-performance practices that deliver exceptional service while doing more in less time with less stress, Spiel has transformed general and specialty practices by building leaders at all levels. His firm specializes in associate placement with an 85% success rate, dramatically outperforming the industry’s 75% failure rate. Beyond practice consulting, Spiel has become a vocal advocate for independent dentistry through his podcast “Just Say No to the DSO,” where he and financial analyst Nate Williams expose the predatory practices of private equity-backed dental service organizations and educate dentists about the hidden traps in acquisition offers.

Feeling tempted by those multi-million dollar DSO offers flooding your inbox? Many independent dentists are being courted by private equity-backed dental service organizations promising generational wealth, stress-free practice management, and the ability to “just focus on dentistry.” But what if these seemingly generous offers are actually sophisticated traps designed to extract maximum value from your life’s work while leaving you worse off than if you’d simply continued building your own practice?

According to Bob Spiel, veteran business consultant and co-founder of Dentist Partner Pros, the private equity takeover of dentistry follows the same destructive playbook used in medicine, veterinary care, and other service industries. Through his podcast “Just Say No to the DSO,” Spiel and financial analyst Nate Williams have reviewed over 100 DSO acquisition offers and found that not a single one truly benefits the selling dentist. The typical deal structure involves massive upfront numbers designed to create “foggy-eyed” decision-making, but the fine print reveals clawback clauses, production requirements, and equity promises that essentially amount to working five years to pay back money you thought you’d already received. Spiel’s analysis shows that dentists would literally be better off burning down their practices after 5.5 years than selling to a DSO and working under their terms.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Bob Spiel about the hidden dangers of DSO acquisition offers and the broader private equity assault on independent dentistry. They explore the four-step private equity playbook, why 75% of associate relationships fail in traditional hiring versus Spiel’s 85% success rate, and how DSOs are buying influence through dental schools, trade publications, and industry events. Spiel shares his mission to educate dentists about maintaining independence while building successful practices through proven leadership principles, strategic associate hiring, and surrounding themselves with quality service providers rather than selling their life’s work for empty promises.

Morgan Hamon is a CPA and partner at Eisner Amper, bringing over 20 years of experience helping dental practices take control of their finances, increase profitability, and navigate complex tax strategies. As the former president of HDA Accounting Group, which he co-founded with his father after transitioning from an 11-year career as a Navy F-18 pilot, Hamon built a firm that grew to serve over 900 dental practices across all 50 states. Following a strategic merger with one of the top 20 accounting firms in the country, he now leads EAG Dental Advisors as a subsidiary of Eisner Amper, continuing his mission to help practice owners make smarter financial decisions. His unique approach focuses on monthly practice profitability analysis rather than just tax preparation, emphasizing revenue optimization before expense management to help dentists achieve their business goals of making a nice living, maintaining control over their professional lives, and building appreciating assets.

In this episode…

Are you feeling like you’re working harder in your practice than ever but not seeing the financial results you deserve? Many dental practice owners experience the frustrating disconnect between clinical productivity and actual profit, often assuming they must be overspending somewhere when the real issue lies elsewhere. What if the key to improving practice profitability isn’t cutting expenses, but rather optimizing the revenue side of the equation?

According to Morgan Hamon, CPA and partner at Eisner Amper, most dental practices struggling with profitability have a revenue problem, not an expense problem. With experience serving over 1,000 dental practices, Hamon emphasizes that successful seven-figure practices should maintain profit margins of 35-40%, and when they fall short, the issue typically stems from not producing enough, not scheduling efficiently, not charging appropriately, or not collecting what’s owed. His diagnostic approach examines accounts receivable monthly, fee structures, and operational effectiveness before diving into expense analysis. Hamon’s philosophy centers on helping dentists achieve their real business goals: making a nice living, maintaining control over their professional lives, and building appreciating assets—not just filing tax returns.

In this episode of The Marketing32 Show, host Brett Allen interviews Morgan Hamon about taking a comprehensive approach to dental practice financial health. They explore the critical profit margin benchmarks for different practice sizes, why revenue optimization often trumps expense reduction, and how marketing budgets should scale based on practice phase and growth goals. Hamon shares insights from his unique journey from Navy pilot to dental industry CPA and explains why he believes accounts receivable management is the most important administrative function in any practice.