Your dental practice is only as strong as the people behind it—and if you're not shaping your culture with intention, someone else is. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to create a happy, high-performing team that grows your practice from the inside out.

To help us reframe how we approach leadership and growth, I’m joined by Bianca Dornan, founder of Practices Made Perfect. With 20+ years of in-the-trenches consulting experience and a hands-on approach that’s reshaped practices across North America, Bianca brings rare clarity to the chaos many dental teams face.

We cover everything from hiring strategies and training systems to retention KPIs and creating a “no gossip” culture where your team actually thrives. Whether you're an overwhelmed owner or a team leader struggling to keep morale up, this episode offers a roadmap to building the kind of dental practice where both your team and your patients want to stay.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ The real reason culture fails—and how to rebuild it intentionally
✅ How to hire based on values (not just skill)
✅ What it really costs to train a new employee—and why training should never stop
✅ The connection between low patient retention and untrained front-desk teams
✅ Why your current treatment plans might hold millions in lost revenue
✅ How to turn your team into your best strategic asset

—

00:41 Introduction and Sponsorships

03:15 Meet Bianca Dornan: A Dental Consultant's Journey

04:00 Understanding Practice Culture and Its Importance

10:47 Strategies for Improving Practice Culture

13:56 The Importance of Continuous Training

18:13 Patient Retention: A Key Performance Indicator

26:43 Hiring the Right Team Members

31:21 Upcoming Event: Unoia Retreats

36:20 Lightning Round Q&A

39:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

—

🌐 practicesmadeperfect.ca

📧 bianca@practicesmadeperfect.ca

📱 647-928-7924

🔗 Unoia Retreat: unoiaretreats.ca

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by insurance red tape, staffing headaches, or the pressure to be a “do-it-all” practice—this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Tejas Patel, a leading cosmetic dentist whose journey from multi-location burnout to solo, specialized success is one every dentist should hear. With over 2 million TikTok followers and a fully cosmetic boutique practice in Austin, Texas, Dr. Patel has redefined what’s possible when you combine smart systems, social media, and staying true to your passion.

We talk about everything from patient acquisition through viral video, to the growing demand for natural-looking veneers, and why he shut down two thriving offices to go all-in on what he loved most. You’ll also learn about the Veneer Blueprint Course, his online CE-accredited training that helps dentists confidently master cosmetic cases—from preparation to marketing.

Whether you're cosmetic-curious or ready to pivot your practice, this episode delivers.

Here are just a few of the important and eye-opening topics we explored:

• The Power of Focus: Why simplifying your procedures and practice model could be the secret to long-term success.

• Social Media as Strategy: How Dr. Patel leverages TikTok and Instagram to attract out-of-state veneer patients—daily.

• From Insurance to Independence: What it really takes to transition away from PPOs and build a fee-for-service model.

• What Patients Want Now: A look into the latest veneer trends—think natural, undetectable, and confidence-boosting.

• Teaching with Transparency: Why Dr. Patel built a step-by-step veneer course (with live procedure footage, checklists, and marketing tips) to help others get the same results.

—

00:42 Welcome + Event Reminder

02:37 Meet Dr. Tejas Patel

04:37 The TikTok Journey

12:52 Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry

16:56 From Burnout to Boutique

20:44 Building a Streamlined Practice

22:27 Inside the Veneer Blueprint Course

29:20 Vision for Cosmetic Education

31:12 Lightning Round Q&A

—

Instagram (Main): @tejaspateldds

Instagram (Courses): @veneertraining

Veneer Course Info: drtejaspatel.podia.com

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

If you’re worried that modern dentistry is trading principles for profit, you’re not alone. But today’s episode might just give you the confidence and clarity to do things differently.

Dentistry is changing—and not always for the better. In this compelling episode, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Ed Feinberg, a crown-and-bridge expert and educator with over four decades of hands-on clinical experience. Ed was mentored by his father, a pioneer in full-mouth reconstruction, and today he carries on that legacy by helping dental professionals understand why foundational skills still matter in an industry swept up by implants and fast fixes.

Together, they discuss how young dentists are being pulled into production-driven careers without the mentorship or mastery needed to truly thrive. Ed shares how practicing in both New York and Arizona shaped his philosophy—one grounded in long-term results, patient-first ethics, and clinical integrity. You’ll hear his unfiltered take on the overuse of implants, the dangers of piecemeal treatment, and how modern dental education is missing the mark.

More than a critique, this episode is a call to action. Whether you’re a seasoned dentist or just starting your career, you’ll walk away inspired to deepen your craft, lead your team with purpose, and maybe even mentor the next generation of dental professionals. Because as Ed says, success isn’t about being flashy—it’s about making a difference that lasts.

Here are just a few of the important and eye-opening topics we explored:

• Why foundational crown-and-bridge techniques still matter more than ever

• The long-term problems with piecemeal treatment planning

• How mentorship can change the trajectory of a young dentist’s career

• The risks of a production-first mindset in new graduates

• Building a practice through community involvement—not just advertising

• What true leadership in dentistry looks like

• Why implants aren’t the solution to every restorative case

• Ed’s unique insights from 70+ years of documented dental cases

—

00:49 Introduction and Event Announcement

03:11 Ed Feinberg's Unique Career Journey

12:10 Comprehensive Treatment Planning in Dentistry

12:49 Disturbing Trends in Modern Dentistry

21:35 Building a Successful Dental Practice

23:56 Leadership in Dentistry and Community Engagement

31:39 Rapid-Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

—

Want to learn more about Ed’s restorative philosophy—or explore his extensive library of online dental courses?

• Visit: https://theonwardprogram.com/

• Check out his books on Amazon:

• • Open Wide

  • The Double Tilt Precision Attachment Case for Natural Teeth and Implants

Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned practitioner, Dr. Ed is passionate about helping dentists elevate their skills and serve their patients with integrity.

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

Grief doesn’t wait for the perfect moment—and neither does oral cancer. In this powerful episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau welcomes Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar to share how personal tragedy transformed her career and fueled a mission to save lives.

After losing her brother—also a dentist—to oral cancer at just 34, Parul now advocates for early diagnosis, clinical vigilance, and emotional healing within dentistry. This isn’t just a clinical conversation—it’s a raw, inspiring look at how loss can fuel purpose, and how every provider can be a part of the legacy of prevention.

You’ll also learn how grief doesn’t follow a linear path, the emotional complexity of legacy, and why speaking about difficult topics can be the most powerful way to connect and lead in the dental community. Dr. Parul reminds us all: life is short, but the impact you make can be lasting.

Some of the powerful insights from this episode include:

• Early detection saves lives: Persistent red or white lesions lasting more than two weeks must be evaluated—biopsies are non-negotiable.
  
  

• Technology is a tool, not a replacement: Light-based oral screening aids are helpful, but only biopsies offer definitive answers.
  
  

• Grief is complex—and valid: Whether from personal or professional loss, grief affects every part of your life and practice. Processing it is crucial to continue showing up fully.
  
  

• Legacy is not about length, but impact: What you leave behind—through your words, your work, or how you treat others—matters more than you know.
  
  

• Support and community are essential: Healing doesn't happen alone. Sharing stories helps others feel seen, heard, and less isolated in their struggles.
  
  

—

00:45 Introduction to Leaving a Legacy

03:26 The Impact of Oral Cancer

11:45 Grief and Its Many Forms

20:54 Understanding Legacy

24:23 Life Interrupted: A Book of Lessons

27:30 Speaking Out on Oral Cancer Awareness

30:53 Lightning Round Q&A

—

Website: www.parulduamakkar.com

Instagram: @duagoodjob

Coaching & Resources: duagoodjob.com

Explore her free grief and cancer support resources, check out her speaking topics, or grab a copy of her book "Life Interrupted: Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide" available on Amazon.

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to balance patient care while navigating all the buzz about AI in dentistry, you're not alone. But today's episode will help clear the confusion and show you how to use AI to your advantage—starting now.

To break it down, I’ve invited Conner Ludlow, founder of Annie, an AI platform that builds virtual front desk assistants for dental practices. With a background as a software engineer and tech leader, Conner knows exactly where AI is truly helpful—and where the hype gets a little too loud.

In this episode, we explore the real-world uses of AI for dentists today (without needing expensive software), what "AI hallucinations" mean for your practice, and how tools like Annie can stretch your operational dollars without replacing your team. It's a must-listen if you want practical strategies to make technology work for you—not against you.

• AI is a tool, not a silver bullet: It can boost efficiency but still needs human oversight to represent your practice properly.
  
  

• Real-world wins with AI: Practices can save time with AI-generated blogs, better market research, and virtual front desk agents like Annie.
  
  

• Customization is key: The most successful use of AI in a dental office feels personalized—not robotic—thanks to intentional setup and continuous fine-tuning.

—

Soundbites

"Our goal is not to replace humans, but to help offices stretch their operational dollars and make sure that they have backup and help to never miss opportunities and make sure that they're capturing all of their revenue potential."– Conner Ludlow

"AI is really just a new tool that can help practices and business owners and everybody be more effective in their job."– Conner Ludlow

"We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect of the technology in the long run."— Conner Ludlow

"Annie is not here to replace a full-time employee—it's a helper. When you bring it into your office, make sure your front desk team knows it’s there to make their job easier, not replace them. It’s about simplifying their work, not taking it away."-Dr. Len Tau

—

dental AI, dental marketing, front desk automation, dental practice growth, artificial intelligence in dentistry, dental staffing solutions, AI for dentists, AI overhype, Annie AI, dental office management, chatbot dentistry, ChatGPT dental uses

—

01:40 Introduction to AI in Dentistry

04:04 Understanding AI: Hype vs. Reality

07:03 Practical Applications of AI in Dental Practices

09:13 The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation

13:20 AI's Limitations and Challenges

17:04 The Future of AI in Dentistry

23:50 Annie: The AI Assistant for Dental Practices

31:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

—

Want to learn more about how Annie can help your dental practice thrive with AI?

✅ Visit helloannie.com to schedule a demo.

✅ Mention you heard about Annie on the Raving Patients Podcast to get an exclusive discount — half off your setup fee plus savings on your monthly dues!

✅ Explore Annie’s AI tools and see how you can streamline your front desk without replacing your valuable team.

Follow Conner and Annie for the latest updates:

🔹 Website: https://helloannie.com/

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

What if the key to transforming your entire practice isn’t a new procedure—but a reimagined hygiene department?

In this powerful episode of the Raving Patients Podcast, Dr. Len Tau is joined by Rachel Wall, founder and CEO of Inspired Hygiene, to explore how dental practices can heal old rifts, boost team synergy, and build a more profitable, empowered hygiene department.

Rachel shares her insights from over 30 years in the industry and breaks down why 2025 is the perfect time to invest in your hygiene team. From integrating new technology to creating solid communication frameworks, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help your hygiene department thrive. Whether you're facing high turnover, frustrated teams, or stagnating profits, this conversation will give you the direction and motivation to make lasting change.

• 2025 is a crucial year for resetting expectations, values, and communication in the hygiene department
  
  

• Assisted hygiene is a sustainable and empowering model—when implemented correctly
  
  

• Technology integration is only effective when teams have aligned protocols and workflows
  
  

• Healing the hygienist-dentist rift starts with open communication and mutual respect
  
  

• Investing in hygiene isn’t just about productivity—it’s about delivering better patient care and empowering your team

—

00:50 Introduction and Event Announcement

01:43 Investing in Your Hygiene Team

03:21 Understanding Inspired Hygiene

07:48 Recognizing the Need for Coaching

11:52 The Importance of 2025 for Hygiene Investment

17:35 The Future of Assisted Hygiene

21:21 Healing the Rift Between Hygienists and Dentists

27:05 Future Predictions for Dental Hygiene

29:58 Exciting Technological Advancements in Dentistry

33:34 Lightning Round Q&A

—

📧 Email: info@inspiredhygiene.com

🌐 Website: inspiredhygiene.com

📅 Book a Discovery Call: Use the link on their website under the “Coaching” tab

💥 Special Offer: $500 off the enrollment fee for their Success Hub virtual coaching program

🎟 Promo Code: RAVING

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

If your team’s struggling to stay aligned or your office feels stuck in a rut, you’re not alone—and this episode is your wake-up call.
Dental success isn’t just about clinical excellence. It’s about communication, leadership, and team synergy—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

I’m joined by three powerhouse women in dentistry—Lois Banta, Dana Watson, and Emme Sanders—to talk about their latest collaborative event: COLLABricon, the team synergy summit built specifically for dental practices that are ready to evolve.

These women bring decades of experience in leadership, hygiene systems, front office strategy, and coaching—and they’re on a mission to help you build a stronger, more aligned, and more empowered dental team.

• Why team communication often breaks down—and how to fix it

• How COLLABricon is not your average CE event (think: intimate team retreats with powerful coaching)

• What every dentist thinks their team knows vs. what the team actually feels

• How to know if your office is “green, yellow, or red” in key practice areas

• Real stories from the trenches on team burnout, miscommunication, and turning things around

• Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Collabricon event in Nashville, TN
  
  

Whether you’re a practice owner, hygienist, office manager, or dental assistant—you’ll leave this conversation with renewed inspiration and real tools to strengthen your practice from the inside out.

—

Key Takeaways

00:40 Introduction and Event Announcement

02:00 Introducing the Guests and Their Expertise

04:40 The Concept of COLLABricon

08:50 Understanding Team Synergy

14:25 Identifying Ideal Candidates for COLLABricon

17:36 Recognizing the Need for Help

20:38 The Importance of Communication and Feedback

25:10 Exciting Details About COLLABricon

27:25 Interactive Learning Experience

33:01 Mindsets for Success

32:36 Books That Inspire

36:25 Essential Subscriptions for Productivity

38:35 How to Get Involved with COLLABricon

—

🗓️ Dates: November 14–15, 2025
📍 Location: Nashville, TN at the boutique Hotel Fraye
🔗 collabricon.com
📩 Contact: colabriconevent@gmail.com

This isn’t just another conference. It’s a fully immersive team-building experience—round tables, hands-on exercises, and transformational coaching, all in one space.

—

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!

If you’re investing time and money into attracting new patients but still struggling to build long-term loyalty, this episode is for you.

Great dental marketing doesn’t stop when a new patient books—it starts the moment they walk through the door. And no one understands that better than Victoria Porter, founder of Bitemark Media.

With a background in luxury hospitality and a passion for branding, Victoria brings a fresh perspective to dental marketing—one centered around real relationships, high-quality care, and community connection.

In this episode, Victoria and Dr. Len Tau dive into:

• Why patient retention is the most underrated growth strategy in dentistry
  
  

• How to align your office experience with your brand voice
  
  

• The key touchpoints that keep patients loyal, even between appointments
  
  

• Creative ways to offer value without falling into the "discount trap"
  
  

• How to build a loyalty program that actually works
  
  

• And why believing in your brand's mission is the ultimate secret weapon
  
  

Whether you’re opening your first practice or looking to refresh your approach, Victoria shares practical advice (and real-life examples) for creating a practice that patients want to return to—and rave about.

—

00:42 Introduction and Event Announcement

01:56 Meet Victoria Porter: A Dental Marketing Powerhouse

05:06 The Importance of Patient Retention

10:06 Enhancing Patient Experience and Brand Voice

15:20 Nourishing Patient Relationships Beyond the Office

23:54 Implementing Loyalty Programs in Dental Practices

29:55 Authenticity in Patient Care

31:58 Lightning Round Q&A

37:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

—

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriasoleil/

🎁 Bonus Offer: Mention the Raving Patients Podcast and get $1,000 off your first month with Bitemark Media. Visit www.bitemarkmedia.com to claim your discount.

Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by The Doc Sites, the leading provider of websites and online marketing for dentists. Find out more here.

Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!