• Special List #18: Why the Biggest Stress in Dentistry Isn’t the Dentistry with Geri Gottlieb
    Apr 30 2026
    Running a dental practice isn't taught in dental school, and most owners learn it the hard way. Practice coach and former periodontal practice co-owner Geri Gottlieb joins the show to share what 30+ years in dentistry — and a humbling jump into ownership herself — taught her about what actually makes a practice work.Geri unpacks why dentistry is a team sport, why culture is anything but soft, and why a culture is whatever you tolerate, not what you write on the wall. She breaks down the character traits of an ideal team player (humble, hungry, emotionally intelligent), why 85% of poor performance is the system and not the human, and why systems aren't restriction — they're the bumpers that free your team to be present with patients.Geri also shares the moment her own team told her she was holding them down, and what it took to finally build the team she'd been preaching about all along.GUESTGeri GottliebFounder & Lead Coach, GG Practice Coaching & DevelopmentGeri Gottlieb has spent more than three decades in the dental industry as a practice manager, co-owner of two large periodontal practices alongside her husband, and now founder and lead coach of GG Practice Coaching & Development.She helps dentists and specialists across the country build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more sustainable businesses. Geri is certified in the Five Behaviors of a Team and DiSC Behavioral Assessments, and previously spent four years as a lead coach with ACT Dental Practice Management. Her philosophy: build a team so strong you don't know who the boss is.Learn more about GG Practice Coaching & DevelopmentConnect with Geri on LinkedInThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists. Running a dental practice isn't easy, and if you're in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you're on an island. That's why finding your people—those who've been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It's about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.comTransform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.ioCameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Seda's interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction.His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD)...
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    1 hr
  • Special List #17: How Structure and Core Values Drive Better Hiring with Dr. Justin Zalewsky
    Mar 26 2026
    Beyond clinical skill, running a successful dental practice requires clear vision, strong systems, and the right people.Periodontist and MAZ Management co-founder Dr. Justin Zalewsky shares the leadership principles that guide his approach, including organizing life into three buckets — work, thinking, and personal time — and using tools like impact filters to keep projects and teams aligned. He explains how core values and structure shape hiring, promotions, and day-to-day decision-making.Justin also addresses the challenges of hiring associates, emphasizing mentorship, clear expectations, and structured onboarding. GUESTJustin Zalewsky, DMDPresident & Co-founder, MAZ ManagementJustin is a board-certified periodontist who has practiced in the Washington, D.C. metro area for more than 15 years. Seven years ago, he co-founded MAZ and began expanding through strategic acquisitions, building a network that now includes three periodontal practices and four general dental offices. Today he leads an organization of more than 80 team members and 15 doctors, supported by a centralized management team that allows him to remain an active clinician while guiding the company’s growth. His leadership focuses on developing strong teams, placing people in roles where they can thrive, and building practices that deliver exceptional patient care.Learn more about MAZ ManagementLearn more about Alexandria periodontist Dr. Justin ZalewskyConnect with Justin on LinkedInThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction. His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master’s degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University.More about Bay Area periodontist Dr. Michael SedaFollow Dr. Seda on ...
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    50 mins
  • Special List #16: Long-Game Strategies For Thriving Practices with Dr. David Lee Hill
    Mar 12 2026
    What does it really take to build a dental practice that’s future-proof and not just profitable?Through relentless investment in safety, leadership, and education, oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. David Lee Hill shaped Chapel Hill Oral Surgery into what it is today. From rebuilding his entire facility to meet AAAHC standards, to adopting a dual-provider anesthesia model, to embracing dynamic navigation technology, doing things the hard way early paid off later.Hear why delayed gratification beats shortcuts, how mentorship and continuing education shaped his career, and why having the right leadership team matters more than any single piece of technology. Listen for his takes on anesthesia models, surgical planning, culture, and why perseverance—not perfection—is often the real differentiator between practices that stall and those that thrive.GUESTDavid Lee Hill, JR., DDSCEO, OMS Chapel Hill Oral SurgeryDr. Hill is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of Osseointegration, the International Team for Implantology, North Carolina State Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, North Carolina State Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Dental Research.Dr. Hill is an active sportsman, a deep sea fisherman, a cyclist, and an enthusiastic UNC Tar Heel fan. He enjoys spending time with his family, his wife, Olivia, and his son Rémy Oliver (5y/o) and daughter Violette (1.5y/o).Learn more about Chapel Hill Oral SurgeryFollow Dr. Hill’s practice on Instagram @chapelhilloralsurgeryThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction. His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from ...
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    49 mins
  • Special List #15: Business Blind Spots Dentists Don’t Learn in School with Mike Gergen
    Feb 26 2026
    Dentistry looks polished from the outside, but behind the scenes, it’s harder, messier, and more human than most people realize.Dental industry veteran Mike Gergen believes the key to success is lifelong education, culture that holds up under pressure, and leaders willing to admit that dentistry is both a clinical craft and a business. Hear why “just go to the course” might be the best advice dentists get, how friction in patient experience is costing practices more than they think, and why refusing to evolve risks turning dentistry into a commodity. Get candid insights on DSOs, leadership fatigue, patient engagement, and what it really takes to build a practice people want to be part of on both sides of the chair.GUESTMike GergenCEO of EviDent AllianceMike Gergen is a seasoned dental industry executive and growth strategist known for driving transformation, culture, profitability, and strategic exits. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to know and work with some of the best dentists in the country.Connect with Mike Gergen on LinkedInLearn more about EviDent AllianceThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to practice growth and patient satisfaction. His education spans several disciplines, including a degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Doctorate degree from Harvard University (DMD), and a Master’s degree in Periodontics and Oral Medicine from Columbia University.More about Bay Area periodontist Dr. Michael SedaFollow Dr. Seda on Instagram @sedaperioCo-hosts: Cameron Full, Jason Souyias, DDS & Michael Seda, DDSProducer: Eva Sheie @ The AxisAssistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Hannah BurkhartEngineering: Cameron LairdTheme music: Papa Funk, spring gangCover Art: Dan ChildsThe Special Lists is a production of The Axis: theaxis.io
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    53 mins
  • Special List #14: Strategies That Turn Referrals Into Revenue with Dr. Amit Patel
    Feb 12 2026
    Want to know how one periodontist turned patient-centered care into a thriving, multi-practice powerhouse?Dr. Amit Patel is the founder of ROOT Periodontal and Implant Centers and co-founder of the Center for Oral Pathology, one of the country’s busiest oral medicine practices. Frustrated by slow biopsy results and limited patient access, he and his partner now see 150 new patients a month for oral pathology, TMD, and facial pain.At ROOT, Dr. Patel flipped Dallas’ implant-heavy market with his “We Save Teeth” campaign, promoting LANAP laser surgery as a more affordable alternative. He ditched expensive ads and boosted results through hundreds of referral lunch-and-learns each year.He also shares how AI, Perioscope tech, and smart KPIs streamline care, improve patient intake, and catch hidden revenue leaks that cost practices big. He explains how to leverage customized questionnaires to reveal what patients really want.Hear how Dr. Patel maximizes efficiency, grows revenue, and keeps both patients and doctors happy. Learn how to spot hidden opportunities, improve care, and build a practice that thrives.GUESTAmit Patel, DDSOwner of ROOT Periodontal and Implant Centers, Owner of ROOT Med Spa, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Center for Oral PathologyDr. Amit Patel was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Dallas in 2010. He went to undergrad and dental school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and did his perio residency at Indiana University in Indianapolis. He is the director of the Seattle Study Club of Dallas and a Coach for the DEO (Dentist Entrepreneur Organization).Learn more about ROOT Periodontal and Implant CentersLearn more about ROOT Med SpaConnect with Amit Patel on LinkedInFollow ROOT Perio on Instagram @rootperioFollow ROOT Med Spa on Instagram @rootmedspaLearn more about Center for Oral PathologyThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key ...
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    51 mins
  • Special List #13: A CEO’s Proven Blueprint for Dental Partnerships That Last with Dr. Jeffrey Burch
    Jan 29 2026
    From Army infantry to dental empire, Dr. Jeffrey Burch explains his formula for building a team that actually sticks.He’s a periodontist, former Army infantry soldier, and the CEO of Burch Dental Partners, overseeing 15 practices and 23 dentists. His “Team Never Sell” model focuses on long-term partnerships instead of flipping practices, with retention rates far above industry averages.Culture is the engine behind it all. Dr. Burch built his group on four core values—commitment to excellence, humble and hungry to grow, effective communication, and winning attitude—which guide every decision from hiring to leadership development to knowing when to part ways. He lays out a clear path to partnership, built on careful recruiting, hands-on onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing business and clinical training. Hear how investing early helps associates grow into confident, aligned owners.Find out how to spot the right partners, create offers doctors actually want, and build a team that’s in it for the long haul.GUESTJeffrey Burch, DMDCEO, CFO, and CIO of Burch Dental Partners and Managing Partner of Featherstone Periodontics & Implant DentistryJeff is a board certified periodontist with over 20 years of experience in innovative modern dental surgery such as LANAP, Pinhole therapy, advanced bone grafting, and dental implant therapy to replace one or all teeth.Dr. Burch is a happily married man. His wife is a GP Dentist and they have 2 boys together ages 9 and 16. He is a former infantry soldier in the US Army with service in combat zones overseas. He is an entrepreneur at his core with a special focus on businesses that serve people. His business has a buy and hold strategy and is on “Team Never Sell.”Learn more about Burch Dental PartnersConnect with Dr. Burch on LinkedInGot a question for Dr. Burch? Email him at jeffreyburchdental@gmail.comThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key ...
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    50 mins
  • Special List #12: Why the Doctor Isn’t the Most Important Person in the Practice with Dr. Deana Cook
    Jan 15 2026
    North Carolina periodontist Dr. Deana Cook believes the real engine of a dental practice isn't the dentist, but the team running it.Dr. Cook has two thriving practices and an executive MBA from UNC. With a background in art history, she blends creativity with science and a people-first approach to running her team. In her practices, Dr. Cook leans into transparency, daily KPIs, and fun incentives like team lunches and pooled bonuses to motivate staff. She shares clever systems to keep the office efficient while building ownership and accountability among her 12-person team.She also challenges the myth of work-life balance, viewing it instead as a pendulum that swings with priorities. Hear how she gamifies goals, fosters leadership across roles, and takes incremental steps to improve systems without overwhelming the team.Find out how Dr. Cook builds a culture where every team member feels responsible, patients are happier, and growth happens naturally. GUESTDeana Cook, DDS, MS, MBAOwner & Periodontist at Cook Periodontics & Dental ImplantsDr. Cook attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate education in Art History. After studying abroad in Italy, she began to appreciate the wonderful mix of art and science dentistry provided and went on to graduate from UNC School of Dentistry with honors (2009). She graduated with her Master’s degree in Biomedical Science and a Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (2012). Additionally, she graduated with honors from the Executive MBA Program at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School (2023). Dr. Cook is the owner of two periodontal practices in Southeastern NC (Wilmington, Leland) and is the director of a Spear Study Club. She’s a proud wife and mom to two girls (Emery & Sutton).Learn more about Cook Periodontics & Dental ImplantsThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key ...
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    51 mins
  • Special List #11: How I Built a Thriving Perio Practice From Nothing with Dr. Lee Cochrane
    Dec 30 2025
    For Dr. Lee Cochrane, clarity came through doing: learning on the fly, adjusting quickly, and letting the early chaos shape better systems. He talks about what it really takes to build a periodontal practice from the ground up, and why you often have to start before you feel “ready.”A big part of his story is culture. Lee is honest about how much a practice depends on the people inside it. He describes the power of a team that feels safe, supported, and respected—both in their internal interactions and in how they show up for patients. Standard operating procedures, consistent communication, and clear roles create room for better patient care. When excellence is repeatable, Lee says the entire practice feels lighter and more focused.Mentorship shaped his career, and now leadership shapes his daily life. At the end of the day, Lee sees the team as the most valuable asset he has, and building an environment where they can thrive is the real marker of a successful practice. He explains how team empowerment, positivity, and trust ripple outward into every patient experience. GUESTLeonard Cochrane, DMDPeriodontist + Owner of Coastal PeriodonticsLee Cochrane is a periodontist and the founder of Coastal Periodontics in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A native of Greenville, Lee graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Bioengineering before completing both dental school and a periodontics residency at The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. After launching his practice from scratch in 2022, Lee has grown it into one of the area’s most trusted specialty practices through a relentless focus on team culture, operational excellence, and patient experience.Learn more about Myrtle Beach periodontist Dr. Leonard CochraneFollow Coastal Periodontics on Instagram @coastal.periodonticsThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.Running a dental practice isn’t easy, and if you’re in private practice, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island. That’s why finding your people—those who’ve been in your shoes and can share real, lived experience—changes the game.Referral Lab was built specifically for dental specialists, helping you track, manage, and convert every referral. It’s about improving case acceptance, boosting team performance, and strengthening relationships with referring providers so your whole practice runs smarter.This spirit of connection fuels The Special Lists podcast. Hosted by the team behind Referral Lab, we bring you wisdom from practice owners and dental professionals, sharing the wins, mistakes, and lessons that shape how they run their businesses today.Got a question for us? Send us a message at speciallists.com Transform your referral workflow with Referral Lab, the purpose-built platform for dental specialists to track, manage and convert every referral. Request a demo at referrallab.io Cameron FullCo-Founder of Referral LabCameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.Connect with Cameron on LinkedInJason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral LabDr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder of Referral Lab software. He teaches dentists and hygienists, including as a Pikos Institute faculty member. In his Port Huron private practice, he's known for excellent patient communication and experience. He's passionate about his work and dedicated to helping other dentists.More about Port Huron, Michigan periodontist Dr. Jason SouyiasMichael Seda, DMD, MSPeriodontist and Co-Developer of Referral LabA clinician and entrepreneur, Dr. Seda brings 19 years of private practice experience to his periodontal and implant surgery practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.Dr. Seda’s interests are rooted in evaluating and influencing private practice management systems in dentistry. He wants to increase practice efficiency, establish a greater sense of collaboration and trust among practice team members, and enhance quality of care and service delivered—all while maximizing and growing profitability.Through associateship opportunities early in his career, Dr. Seda was exposed to various private practice leadership and business models. He witnessed first-hand inconsistencies in the degree of success and failure owners experienced in private practices. This ignited his passion for learning what empowers practices to thrive and grow successfully while delivering a highly satisfying patient experience. He is particularly interested in using cutting-edge analytics platforms to measure advanced practice metrics. He leverages these to design data-driven strategies to enhance referral patterns, scheduling systems, case acceptance rates, and other key performance indicators that lead to ...
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    56 mins