Got a busy schedule and thin margins? In this episode, I break down the simple math behind hitting 25% profit—and why most dental practices miss it. I’ll show you where money leaks, how to plug them fast, and the key habits that keep your numbers strong month after month.
What you’ll learn:
The 3 numbers that control profit (and how to track them weekly)
A clear target for payroll, supplies, and overhead
The “leaky bucket” costs hiding in plain sight
How to price, schedule, and collect so cash actually sticks
A quick checklist to move from 10–15% profit to 25%+
In this episode of the KLAS Solutions Dental Education Podcast, we're talking about how to lead with heart and make clear business decisions. You care about your patients and your team—that’s a strength. But when empathy drives every call, it can lead to burnout, confusion, and lost profit. We'll walk you through simple ways to set fair boundaries, coach with clarity, and still show up as the caring leader your practice needs.
In this episode, I break down cash discounting—what it is, how it’s different from surcharging, and how to set it up the right way in a dental office. Credit card fees keep rising, and most practices now run far more card volume than they did a decade ago. I’ll show you how to protect margins without hurting patient trust or payment flexibility.
Being the first in your family to become a dentist isn’t just an achievement—it’s a journey filled with unique challenges and triumphs. In this video, Phil Cole shares the real-life struggles and successes of first-generation dentists, offering insights and encouragement for anyone carving their own path in dentistry.
In this episode, we dive into why being truly known and trusted is the cornerstone of a thriving dental practice. We’ll share practical strategies to strengthen patient relationships, build credibility in your community, and create a practice culture where trust drives growth and long-term success.
Strategic Financial Planning for Dentists: Insights with Jennifer LeeIn this episode of the Solutions Dental Education Podcast, host Phil Cole discusses financial planning with Jennifer Lee, a seasoned financial advisor and founder of Modern Wealth, who has been helping dentists for nearly 30 years. They cover crucial topics such as tax sheltering, the importance of planning for retirement and an exit strategy, and how to replace income after the sale of a dental practice. Jennifer emphasizes the need for early financial planning, the benefits of having a comprehensive financial plan, and the role of disability and life insurance in securing a dentist's financial future. Tune in to gain valuable insights on building a financially sound dental practice and planning for successful retirement.00:00 Welcome to Solutions Dental Education Podcast00:35 Introducing Jennifer Lee: Financial Advisor for Dentists01:17 The Importance of Planning for Your Exit03:20 Common Financial Mistakes Dentists Make05:41 When to Start Thinking About Retirement08:48 The Ideal Timeline for Exit Strategy18:23 Building Blocks for Replacing Income After Exiting21:57 Long-Term Financial Planning for Dentists22:37 The Role of Insurance in Financial Planning23:34 Building a Strong Financial Foundation26:38 The Importance of Disability Insurance33:05 Financial Planning for Peak Earning Years35:50 Tax Benefits of Relocating to Tax-Favorable States38:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
For more information on Coaching, Transitions, Marketing and Accounting for your Dental practice visit www.klassolutions.com
Key Strategies for Successfully Expanding Your Dental Practice
In this episode of the KLAS Solutions Dental Education podcast, Phil Cole discusses the important considerations and strategic roadmap for dental practice owners contemplating opening a second location. Key points include assessing if your current practice is truly maxed out, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to effectively structure your team and systems to support expansion. Phil emphasizes the importance of basing decisions on data and creating a solid platform for growth, rather than succumbing to emotional impulses. Additionally, the podcast covers essential aspects like market demographics, competition analysis, and the necessity of leadership and strong systems to build a successful multi-location practice. Whether you're planning your first expansion or looking to avoid burnout during growth, this episode offers invaluable insights for dental entrepreneurs.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:16 Assessing Readiness for Expansion
05:08 Identifying Red Flags
10:07 Choosing the Right Location
20:17 Scaling Systems and Leadership
26:17 Common Mistakes to Avoid
30:15 Final Thoughts and Action Items
Visit klassolutions.com for more information about our Coaching, Transition, Marketing and Accounting Services.
Ever have trouble getting patients to agree to the treatment they need? We talk about how to explain procedures and costs in a way that makes sense to patients and builds trust. By using a few simple communication tips, you’ll find more patients saying “yes” to the care they need – a win-win for them and your practice.
Buying vs. Starting a Dental Practice: Insights and Advice
In this episode of KLAS Solutions Dental Education Podcast, host Phil Cole addresses a common question from dentists: Should you buy an existing practice or start your own from scratch?
Phil explores the pros and cons of both options, sharing real-life examples and key considerations, including patient base, location, financials, active patient count, and staffing. He also highlights the importance of having a strong vision, comprehensive due diligence, marketing strategies, and clean financials when making this significant decision.
Listeners will gain valuable insights to help determine the best path for their dental practice journey.
01:23 Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Practice
03:09 Key Considerations When Buying a Practice
05:02 Real Stories and Red Flags in Practice Acquisition
15:47 Starting a Dental Practice from Scratch
28:30 Cost Breakdown and Financing Options
31:20 Personality and Fit: Choosing Your Path
37:04 Conclusion and Final Advice
Visit https://klassolutions.com for more information on buying or starting a dental practice, to obtain coaching services and more...
In this episode, we’ll talk about how to hire and keep a great team for your practice. We discuss ways to find the right people, build a positive office culture, and keep everyone motivated. By the end, you’ll have tips to become a stronger leader for your staff.
Books mentioned in the episode:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and The Servant Leader by James A. Autry
www.klassolutions.com
844-552-7100
We're taking a good look at what private equity is dentistry - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Whether you're thinking about selling, holding strong, or just trying to figure out what this is all about, this is the podcast for you!
Access dental marketing resources here: https://cleartolaunchdental.com/resources/
To learn more about Clear to Launch Dental Marketing, visit their website: https://cleartolaunchdental.com
Want to hear an episode on a specific topic? Email us at info@klassolutions.com.Thanks for listening!
www.klassolutions.com
Navigating OSHA, HIPAA, and doing risk assessments can feel overwhelming, but ignoring them is not an option. Today we have Angel Simmons, CEO of Simmons Safe, to break down things for us and give us actionable takeaways. She shares common mistakes, challenges, and other things you can do to keep your dental practice safe and in line with regulations.
About Simmons Safe: At Simmons Safe, we understand that a safe practice is a successful practice. But we also know from experience that complying with OSHA and HIPAA standards can be a time-consuming and complex process. We founded Simmons Safe in response to the growing need for a modern approach to compliance that streamlines tasks, updates systems, and protects practices. Founder Angela Simmons brings 30 years of experience to this mission, drawing on her extensive work in the dental industry to modernize compliance programs. Angela has dedicated her career to creating safe environments for patients and employees, and she prides herself on building a culture of positivity toward compliance wherever she goes.
🎙️ Welcome to the Dental Education Podcast with KLAS Solutions! Hosted by Phil Cole, this episode is a must-listen for any dentist thinking about selling their practice—whether retirement is around the corner or years away.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
💡 Whether you plan to sell soon or in the distant future, these strategies will ensure you get the best return on the practice you worked so hard to build.
🎧 Tune in now!
Visit us at https://www.klassolutions.com
In today's episode, Phil Cole has a conversation with Jane Levy, Plan Forward's Co-Founder and Co-CEO.
Plan Forward is a company of dental experts who have developed a platform that puts you in control with cutting-edge software for dental offices specifically and designed to be a comprehensive dental membership plan solution.
Now you can work smarter with practice technology that connects into one communication and management platform for seamless patient care.
How can the Plan Forward Membership Solution help you run a more efficient, successful and client-focused practice?
It’s simple. The Plan Forward Solution empowers dental teams to operate a more efficient and patient-centric practice. It leverages automation, customization, accurate patient communication, transparency, and unparalleled customer service to ensure dentists can focus on what matters most: delivering only the best oral care in the digital age.
Tap into the power of advanced practice software with tools that help you run your business as well as your practice.
www.planforward.io
www.klassolutions.com
In today's episode, we'll discuss:1. Why merchant services are the unsung hero of a seamless patient experience2. How outdated payment systems can create friction points that frustrate both you and the patient3. The impact of flexible payment options
We are so excited to be joined by Blueswipe's CEO and Founder, Tim Ryan!
In today's episode, Launching Your Own Dental Practice, we'll unpack the journey of transforming your dental career from being an employee to starting your dental practice from scratch.
Have a topic you'd love to learn about? Send us an email: info@klassolutions.com
To learn more, visit our website: www.klassolutions.com
Thank you for listening and sharing!
KLAS Solutions isn't here to teach you dentistry - you've already mastered that. Instead, like a seasoned coach who helps shape raw talent into championship performance, we help transform skilled practitioners into successful practice owners. Whether you're looking to grow your practice, improve operations, or plan for the future, we provide the strategic guidance that turns potential into actual results.
Just as a great coach helps athletes see opportunities they might have missed and avoid pitfalls they might not have anticipated, we work alongside you to optimize every aspect of your practice. Our role isn't to take control - it's to be your partner and provide the insights, strategies, and support that help you achieve your goals.
At the end of the day, success in any field isn't just about talent - it's about having the right team in your corner. The greatest athletes understood this truth, and the most successful dental practices embrace it too. Excellence thrives on partnership, and that's exactly why KLAS Solutions exists.
www.klassolutions.com
844-552-7100
In this episode of the Dental Education Podcast, host Phil Cole addresses the importance of scheduling optimization in dental practices. Inefficient scheduling can lead to significant revenue loss, with studies showing that dental practices may lose between $30,000 to $50,000 annually. Phil discusses cutting-edge scheduling strategies to maximize productivity, eliminate bottlenecks, and recommends top tools and software for efficient scheduling. He emphasizes the need for practices to have daily goals, utilize technology effectively, and continuously monitor key performance indicators (KPIs). By prioritizing strategic scheduling, using automated reminders, and maintaining proper communication protocols, dental practices can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve patient satisfaction.
Find out more at klassolutions.com
In the KLAS Solutions Dental Education Podcast, host Phil Cole discusses crucial considerations for aspiring and current dentists looking to purchase a practice. He emphasizes the importance of having a buyer advocate by your side to guide through the entire acquisition process. Phil highlights the comprehensive buyer advocate program offered by KLAS Solutions, covering key components such as practice valuation, demographic analysis, financial assistance, due diligence, crafting a proper offer, transition planning, and business ownership coaching. The podcast provides in-depth insights and strategies to ensure informed decision-making and long-term success in running a dental practice.
Find out more about our buyer advocate solution here: klassolutions.com
In today's episode, Daniel and Phil Cole of KLAS Solutions discuss things that can go wrong in a dental transition, things that can get misunderstood, all while giving you real life examples.
If you'd like to learn more about dental transitions, please visit our website!
www.klassolutions.com