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The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

Written 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
  • 1065: The Hidden Role of Buy-In in Dental Communication - Melissa Obrotka

    1065: The Hidden Role of Buy-In in Dental Communication - Melissa Obrotka
    Jun 26 2026
    Patients may seem uninterested in their oral health, but the real issue may be that they have not been given a clear reason to participate in their care. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Melissa Obrotka, a dental hygienist and oral-systemic health educator, about helping patients understand what is happening in their mouths and why it matters to their overall health. You will learn how to create patient buy-in, use visual evidence and open-ended questions, calibrate your team, and transition from task-based hygiene to a healthcare-focused approach. To improve communication and help patients take action, listen to Episode 1065 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Dental professionals must help patients understand how oral inflammation and bacteria can affect systemic health.Team calibration requires dedicated non-patient time to establish shared clinical standards, protocols, and expectations.Disclosing biofilm gives patients visual evidence that helps them understand disease, inflammation, and areas of risk.Open-ended questions and motivational interviewing can uncover the fear or previous experiences behind patient resistance.Providers can challenge patients directly while acknowledging their choices and asking permission to explain clinical concerns.Hygienists earn healthcare-level compensation by consistently delivering comprehensive healthcare rather than limited task-based services.Dentists and hygienists should learn and implement an oral-systemic approach together so patients receive consistent care.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:00 Why patients may appear not to care about their oral health.02:20 Melissa’s background in dental hygiene and oral-systemic education.03:45 The relationship between oral inflammation, bacteria, and systemic health.06:05 How hygienists inherit task-based systems and schedules.09:05 Why dental hygienists may be the most important healthcare providers patients see all year.10:55 The need to schedule non-patient time for team calibration.12:00 How disclosing biofilm creates patient buy-in.13:45 Connecting periodontal charting, radiographs, bleeding, and visible bacteria.16:00 The expanding research on oral and systemic health.18:35 Using questions and motivational interviewing with resistant patients.22:00 How to care deeply while challenging patients directly.24:20 Melissa’s perspective on dental hygiene as a career.28:45 Melissa’s courses at The Exchange.31:10 Final thoughts on helping patients care and take action.32:00 Why dentists and hygienists should attend training together.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Melissa A Obrotka, BA, RDH, holds over 25 years of experience in the dental field and concentrated clinical experience with the dental implant patient population. Melissa’s core objectives for her patients in specialty perio/prosthodontics are focused on a “whole-listic” approach to dental prevention, disease remission, and therapies that encompass total body health and wellness. Her approach to patient care is focused on biofilm disruption strategies for periodontal and peri-implant health and longevity while providing healthcare advocacy to patients. In addition, Obrotka is a dental hygiene motivator, educator, podcast host, change agent, influencer, and industry thought leader. Obrotka serves as a clinical adjunct professor at her alma mater, Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, where she elevated clinical education by instructing students on the oral microbiome, biofilm disruption and introduced the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) methodology. Obrotka was nationally recognized in 2016 as a Master Clinician for her outstanding clinical expertise. In 2017, Obrotka was named one of the “Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know’’ in the clinincal practice category by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.Resources mentioned in the episode:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthebadasshygienist/Website: https://itsthebadasshygienist.comMentioned Programs:No More Ignored Advice &The Biology Led Hygiene Appointment: https://www.itsthebadasshygienist.com/speaking-the-badass-hygienist-melissa-obrotka-rdhOPSM Framework: Oral Prevention is Systemic Medicine: https://www.itsthebadasshygienist.com/opsm-framework-courseMore 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
    35 mins
  • 1064: The Key to More Joy at Work - What is Working Genius & Why It Matters - Heather Crockett

    1064: The Key to More Joy at Work - What is Working Genius & Why It Matters - Heather Crockett
    Jun 24 2026
    Why do some team members leave work energized while others feel drained, frustrated, or misunderstood? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with coach Heather Crockett about the Working Genius model and how dental teams can use it to better understand their strengths, frustrations, communication patterns, and roles. You will learn the six types of Working Genius, why every stage of work matters, and how shared language can improve meetings, teamwork, productivity, and joy at work. To understand how your team can work more effectively together, listen to Episode 1064 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysWorking Genius helps team members understand which types of work give them energy and which types drain them.The six Working Geniuses are wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.Each person has two geniuses, two competencies, and two frustrations.Teams need all six geniuses to move work from identifying a need through implementation and completion.Meetings become less effective when teams move directly from generating ideas to assigning tasks without discernment and galvanizing.A shared understanding of Working Genius can reduce judgment, improve communication, and help leaders assign work more intentionally.A Working Genius indicates the type of work a person enjoys, but it does not automatically mean that person has mastered it.Snippets00:00 Welcome03:17 What Is Working Genius06:55 An introduction to the six types of Working Genius.07:45 How invention generates solutions and new ideas.09:50 How discernment evaluates ideas and galvanizing creates momentum.11:12 How enablement supports implementation and tenacity completes the work.12:09 The difference between geniuses, competencies, and frustrations.13:01 How complementary geniuses helped ACT Dental grow.22:05 How Working Genius can reduce judgment and attribution errors.24:59 How Working Genius affects meetings and workplace culture.29:51 Why leaders should avoid pigeonholing people by their assessment results.32:12 A practical treatment plan for applying Working Genius.34:38 Wrap Up And Part Two Tease35:13 Final Outro And ResourcesGuest 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.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
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 1063: Metric Mondays: Production Gaps Usually Start in the Schedule, Not the Operatory - Ariel Siegel

    1063: Metric Mondays: Production Gaps Usually Start in the Schedule, Not the Operatory - Ariel Siegel
    Jun 22 2026

    Production gaps are often blamed on low case acceptance or insufficient diagnosis, but the real issue may begin with how the schedule is structured, protected, and maintained. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with dental practice coach Ariel Siegel about identifying whether lost production begins in the schedule or the operatory. You will learn how reappointment systems, downtime monitoring, intentional scheduling, and future schedule protection can create more consistent production and smoother clinical days.

    To understand where production gaps begin and what your team can do about them, listen to Episode 1063 of The Best Practices Show!

    Main Takeaways

    • Production problems may result from scheduling systems even when diagnosis and treatment acceptance remain strong.
    • Constantly filling last-minute openings prevents administrative team members from completing other production-building activities.
    • Filling schedule gaps with unsuitable appointments can disrupt the intended flow and energy of the clinical day.
    • Strong reappointment systems help patients understand why they are returning and reduce future cancellations.
    • Protecting the future schedule allows the team to maintain production goals and minimize bottlenecks.
    • Monitoring doctor and hygiene downtime reveals both large openings and smaller gaps that accumulate throughout the day.
    • Designing the schedule around provider energy and appointment type supports more consistent monthly production and revenue.

    Snippets:

    00:00 Metric Mondays Intro

    01:19 Schedule vs Operatory

    02:20 Why Gaps Happen

    03:28 When It Goes Wrong

    04:26 Scramble Fill Trap

    06:51 Getting It Right

    07:57 Protect Future Schedule

    09:17 Design Around Energy

    10:07 Action Steps Today

    11:17 Resources and Wrap Up

    11:57 Final Thanks and Outro

    Guest Bio/Guest Resources:

    Ariel has a master’s in healthcare administration and several years of dental experience in all aspects of the administrative roles within the dental office. Her passion is to work with dental teams to empower team members to realize their full potential in order to better serve patients, improve office systems to ensure a well-functioning team/office, and to help everyone have fun in the process!

    Guest Resources:

    https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/

    More 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/bpa
    • Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
    • Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
    • Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com
    • Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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