In this episode of The Truth About Dentistry, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to create a VIP experience in a dental practice—and no, it’s not about fancy coffee bars or spa music. It’s about the little things that leave a big impression.
I’ll walk you through the mindset, systems, and culture shifts that helped me build a clinic where patients consistently say, “I’ve never experienced anything like this.” Whether you’re a new practice owner or looking to refresh your brand, I’ll share the strategies that helped us earn trust, generate buzz, and keep both patients and team members genuinely excited to walk through the doors.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
The real definition of a “VIP experience”—and why it starts before patients even arrive
How we design every touchpoint to feel intentional and elevated
My top tips for making patients feel seen, valued, and eager to tell their friends
Let’s shift your focus from transactions to transformations—and build a patient experience that people can’t stop talking about.
🎧 Let me know what resonates by messaging me on Instagram @drpeggybown or email me at peggy@smilesbybown.com.
As a practice owner, I’ve learned that caring deeply about your work is only part of the equation—getting your team aligned with that same level of purpose is where the real magic happens.
In this episode, I’m diving into what’s helped me build a team that’s not just skilled, but genuinely connected to the mission of our practice. I’ll share lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about communicating vision, setting clear expectations, and creating a culture where people want to go above and beyond—not because they have to, but because they believe in what we’re building together.
Here’s what I’ll be diving into:
How your energy, tone, and daily habits set the tone for your entire team
Why having the right people on the bus matters more than trying to motivate the wrong ones
The practical shifts that helped me move from managing people to inspiring them
📩 Share your thoughts or questions: peggy@smilesbybown.com
📱 Let’s connect on Instagram: @drpeggybown
In this episode, I’m breaking down why offering sleep apnea treatment is one of the smartest and most impactful additions a general dental practice can make.
As GPs, we see the signs of sleep-disordered breathing every day—wear facets, scalloped tongues, narrow arches, chronic fatigue—but too often we miss the opportunity to intervene. Treating sleep apnea not only improves patient health and quality of life, it can elevate your role as a provider, diversify your services, and add a new revenue stream without adding major complexity.
Key Takeaways:
How to recognize airway issues during everyday dental exams
The clinical and business value of integrating oral appliance therapy
Why sleep medicine is a natural extension of modern general dentistry
If you’re looking to grow your practice in a meaningful way, this episode is for you.
Follow along @drpeggybown or reach out at peggy@smilesbybown.com—I’d love to hear how you’re thinking about airway in your practice.
Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful assets in my practice isn’t a piece of equipment — it’s my hygienist. In this episode, I’m sharing how I’ve turned hygiene appointments into one of the most effective ways to build trust, boost case acceptance, and truly elevate the patient experience. If you’re not already seeing your hygienist as your secret weapon, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
3 Key Takeaways:
How I coach my hygienist to move beyond “just a cleaning” and step into a diagnostic mindset.
The communication strategies we use to introduce treatment confidently and collaboratively.
What systems we’ve put in place so patients feel heard, educated, and ready to move forward — before I even walk into the room.
This is one of the biggest mindset shifts that helped me grow a modern, patient-centered practice — and I hope it does the same for you.
Follow me on Instagram @drpeggybown or reach out directly at peggy@smilesbybown.com.
In this episode of The Truth About Dentistry, we’re joined by dental communication expert Laura Cafik-Martin to talk about how to confidently guide patients toward treatment—without ever feeling pushy or salesy.
We dive into how the magic happens when patients co-discover their dental conditions, how to identify the dominating buying motive, and why helping patients pay closer attention to their teeth outside the operatory is key to long-term case acceptance.
3 Key Takeaways:
✨ How to guide patients into co-discovery rather than telling them what they need
✨ What "dominating buying motive" means—and how to uncover it
✨ Ways to help patients see the value of treatment, even if they say “not yet”
Follow us on Instagram @drpeggybown
Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at peggy@smilesbybown.com
In today’s world, patients don’t just want great dentistry—they want to understand it. In this episode of The Truth About Dentistry, I break down how leveraging technology can revolutionize the way you educate patients, leading to higher case acceptance, better patient trust, and a stronger brand presence both in and out of the office.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Modern dentistry is all about connection—and the right tech makes all the difference. Tune in to learn how to take your patient experience (and practice growth) to the next level!
📲 Follow Dr. Bown on Instagram: @drpeggybown
📩 Have questions? Email peggy@smilesbybown.com
In this Marketing Moments episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful tools for growing your practice—Google reviews! 📲✨ We break down a fascinating study on how different generations use online reviews to choose their dentist and share simple yet effective strategies to collect more 5-star ratings. Whether you're struggling to get patients to leave reviews or just want to maximize your online presence, this quick episode is packed with actionable tips you can start using today.
Follow @drpeggybown on Instagram or reach out at peggy@smilesbybown.com for more. 🎙️
Making the switch to a non-assignment model in your dental practice can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a game-changer for both your team and your patients. In this episode, we break down our experience going non-assignment—what worked, what didn’t, and how we refined our approach along the way.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ How to confidently explain non-assignment to new patients over the phone without scaring them off
✔️ Strategies for handling larger treatment plans and patient concerns about big investments
✔️ The biggest lessons we learned in our transition—what we did well and what we’d do differently
Tune in for an honest discussion on the challenges and wins of going non-assignment, plus practical tips to help you implement it smoothly in your practice!
📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Email us at peggy@smilesbybown.com
📲 Follow along on Instagram @drpeggybown for more insights and updates!
Dentistry can take a serious toll on your body over time, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Truth About Dentistry, we dive into the physical demands of the profession and share practical strategies to safeguard your health. Discover ergonomic tools, equipment upgrades, and simple adjustments you can make today to reduce strain, improve posture, and extend your career without chronic pain.
Key Takeaways:
Tune in to invest in the most important tool in your practice—your health.
In this episode of The Truth About Dentistry, I explore why GP dentists should consider offering Invisalign in their own practices. From increasing patient retention to addressing critical oral health concerns in children, Invisalign can be a powerful tool for both patient care and practice growth. Tune in as I break down the benefits, challenges, and strategies for success.
Takeaway Messages:
Get in Touch:
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas for upcoming episodes! Send me a message on Instagram at @drpeggybown or email me directly at peggy@smilesbybown.com. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Welcome to the first episode of The Truth About Dentistry for the new year! We’re kicking things off with a deep dive into goal setting—both for personal growth and practice success. From building physical balance and mental clarity to refining your consultations and marketing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you start the year strong. Whether you’re looking to improve patient outcomes, boost your Invisalign case acceptance, or just feel more aligned in your day-to-day, this episode is for you.
3 Key Takeaways:
Be sure to download the attached PDF for detailed exercises, metrics, and tools to help you stay on track with your goals this year.
It’s that time of year again! In this annual tradition, I’m sharing my 10 favorite things from 2024—both dental and personal. From standout products and technologies to memorable moments and personal growth highlights, this episode is packed with reflections and inspiration. Join me for a fun and insightful look back at a year full of progress and discovery!
Get in Touch:
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas for upcoming episodes! Send me a message on Instagram at @drpeggybown or email me directly at peggy@smilesbybown.com. Let’s keep the conversation going!
In this end-of-year episode of The Truth About Dentistry, Quincy and I reflect on the wins, challenges, and game-changing insights that defined 2024. From refining marketing strategies to prioritizing team morale and personal well-being, this episode is packed with actionable advice for dentists looking to level up their practice in 2025. Join me as I share inspiration and practical tips to help you start the new year on the right foot!
Takeaway Messages:
Consistency breeds results: Implementing consistent marketing efforts like ongoing email campaigns and multi-day Invisalign events proved far more effective than one-off approaches. Staying visible keeps your pipeline full and patients engaged.
Happy teams, thriving practices: Prioritizing team outings and morale boosts doesn’t just improve workplace culture—it directly impacts patient experiences and retention.
Systems drive success: A robust follow-up system ensures no patient slips through the cracks, keeping chairs filled while fostering trust and loyalty with existing patients.
Get in Touch:
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas for upcoming episodes! Send me a message on Instagram at @drpeggybown or email me directly at peggy@smilesbybown.com. Let’s keep the conversation going!
How do you tell patients something they don’t want to hear without making them dread coming back? In this episode, we’ll explore proven strategies for delivering difficult news while maintaining trust, clarity, and hope. Whether it’s a major treatment plan or a surprising diagnosis, learn how to handle these conversations with confidence and care.
What you’ll learn:
Leave your patients with not just the facts but also a path forward that builds their confidence in you as their trusted provider.
If YOU have ideas for a podcast or would like to get in touch with me about 1-on-1 coaching, DM me on instagram @drpeggybown or send me an email to peggy@smilesbybown.com.
In this episode, we explore the top three clinical skills that can elevate your practice and amaze your patients immediately. From delivering painless injections to mastering occlusion and addressing airway health, I’ll share actionable tips that you can start using today to create unforgettable patient experiences.
Topics Covered:
Tune in to learn how these skills can set you apart as a clinician patients rave about!
Connect with me:
📸 Instagram: @drpeggybown
📧 Email: peggy@smilesbybown.com
In this episode of the podcast, we’re tackling the vital issue of work-life balance for dentists. Being a dentist can mean balancing clinical responsibilities, patient care, and administrative work, often leaving little room for personal time. We’ll share essential strategies to help you separate your professional life from your personal time, allowing you to thrive both at work and home.
Key takeaways include:
Start Commitments for Accountability: Engage in activities that require your presence to break away from work.
Set Boundaries Around Work Hours: Define specific work hours, even when working from home, to protect your personal time.
"Brain Dump" for Mental Clarity: Share your thoughts with colleagues in a structured way that respects everyone’s downtime.
Don’t miss these insights that can transform your work-life balance! For more information or to suggest topics, connect with us on social media @drpeggybown or email peggy@smilesbybown.com.
Join us in this episode as we explore simple yet effective strategies to elevate your online presence and engagement. Discover how making small changes can lead to significant impacts on your brand.
Key Points:
Authentic Imagery: Learn why using familiar faces instead of stock images can build trust and connection with your audience.
Engagement Techniques: Discover the importance of responding to comments and reaching out to new followers to foster community.
Effective CTAs and Promotions: Understand how clear calls-to-action and leveraging email promotions can drive participation and enhance your visibility.
Tune in to transform your social media strategy!
Connect with us!
Email: peggy@smilesbybown.com
In this episode, we dive into the 3 key factors that often hold patients back from proceeding with dental treatment: Fear, Finances, and Family Responsibility. We break down each of these barriers and share the practical strategies we use to help our patients overcome their concerns, enabling them to receive the care they need. Whether it's easing patient anxiety, discussing financial options, or helping them navigate their own hang-ups, you'll find actionable tips for your practice.
Stay connected with us for more insights:
📧 Email: peggy@smilesbybown.com
HABITS.
Forming healthy habits is one of the hardest and best things you can do for yourself! And these are my top ten that have improved my life and made me a healthier and more productive person. If you have any habits that have changed your life, please share them with me by email at peggy@smilesbybown.com or DM me on instagram!
IF YOU want a DEEPER DIVE, we have just the thing! We have recently launched our 6 Module Modern Dentist Challenge! Here we provide more insight into ALL the systems I use at my office and how we make it happen. For more info, Click HERE! As always, I would LOVE and appreciate if you would RATE and REVIEW this podcast and don’t forget it TAG me @drpeggybown on IG and please remember to hit the FOLLOW button! Peggy xox
Welcome back to this 2 part mini series where I try and save you from making mistakes in your career that will ultimately lead to unhappiness and stress in your work life!
GET $550 OFF OUR MARKETING COURSE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE! Click HERE to gain access to tons of advice and templates to kickstart your online marketing! As always, I would LOVE and appreciate if you would RATE and REVIEW this podcast and don’t forget it TAG me @drpeggybown on IG and please remember to hit the FOLLOW button! Peggy xox
