EP 167 Can Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) SOLVE The Dental Shortage?
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
Release Date: 02/03/2026
EP 168 What Makes a Great Dental Office Manager (It’s Not What You Think)
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: This episode with my friend Michelle Affanato breaks down what truly makes a great dental office manager, especially for those promoted from within or stepping into the role for the first time. We get honest about the realities of new manager energy ranging from being handed a title without training to suddenly managing former coworkers who now see you differently. Is this why so many managers feel overwhelmed early on? Maybe it's not because they are incapable but because expectations were never clearly defined. Michelle...
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EP 167 Can Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDA) SOLVE The Dental Shortage?
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Dental practices are being stretched thinner than ever, but the solution isn’t just hiring more people. It’s learning how to better use, train, and trust the team you already have. In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Singleton - assistant extraordinaire - to discuss how dental practices can adapt to staffing shortages by rethinking team roles and expanding responsibilities within proper scope of practice. We talked about expanded function dental assistants, smarter scheduling, access to care challenges, and...
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EP 166 The Real Reason Dental Billing Is So Frustrating
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Does dental billing feel harder than it used to? You’re doing the same work, but claims stall, rules change, and nothing seems consistent anymore. My friend and Dental Revenue Network member Brooke Bird joins me to break down why that’s happening. The rules keep changing, knowledge is scattered, and practice management systems haven’t kept up all that well. Why does working on claims now feel like detective work? Different payer quirks and clearinghouse changes have quietly slowed cash flow. What are your options?...
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Special Episode: Chew On This Trends for 2026
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: What will dentistry really look like in 2026? Teresa Duncan and Kevin Henry cut through the noise to unpack the economic, workforce, insurance, and technology trends that will shape dental practices sooner than many expect. They take a data-driven look at trends such as persistent staffing shortages and rising labor costs to the growing role of AI. Compliance risk is increasing and practices face mounting profitability pressure. How can we refocus on business fundamentals while adapting to shifting patient...
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EP 165 The Side of Dental Practice Management No One Talks About!
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Most dental practices don’t struggle because of dentistry but because of what happens behind the scenes. Practice management is rarely taught even though it controls profitability, team morale, and long-term growth. My friend Olivia Smith shares insight and stories of her clients’ misses and wins. The realities of running a successful dental practice include understanding KPIs (without drowning in numbers) to leading teams with clarity and accountability (without losing your mind!). We touched on so many...
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EP 164 How To Protect Your Dental License
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Did you know that throwing away a simple "education letter" from an insurance company could be the first step toward an audit seven years later? Or that hiring a team member without checking the exclusion list could label your practice "radioactive" and cut you off from federal funding? Many dental practice owners don't realize that common habits, like billing under a selling doctor's name during a transition are actually considered False Claims fraud. In this episode, I sit down with dental-specific attorney Justin Withrow to reveal...
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EP 163 Leadership Advice For New Managers
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Leading employees can feel like walking through a minefield. One wrong step and morale, productivity, or trust can explode. But great leaders are not born with the ability to navigate tough personalities. They learn the strategies, communication skills, and mindset shifts that turn conflict into constructive growth. My friends Ashley Bond and Lorie Streeter joined me to talk about leadership challenges new managers face every day. We tackled it all: resistant employees, navigating office politics, and owners who may not always...
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EP 162 #1 Cost Optimization Expert: Use My Tips to Cut Dental Costs by 28%
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Your practice might look efficient, but what if unnoticed expenses are quietly draining thousands from your bottom line each year? My friend Adam Smith talked with me about the hidden costs that most dental offices overlook and how small changes can make a big difference. Everyday expenses like merchant fees, internet contracts, and bundled tech services can quietly add up. Negotiating and reviewing your fees can bring real savings without cutting team members or quality. We dig into what indirect costs really mean, why checking...
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EP 161 The Real World of Dentistry No One Prepares You For
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Dental school prepares you to save teeth but not for the life that comes with it. The truth is, most dentists are blindsided by what happens once the drills are down: confusing insurance contracts, shrinking reimbursements, rising debt, and the daily challenges of managing people. In this conversation with my friend Dr. Amrita Patel, we unpacked the realities of practice ownership and associate life. Did you know that you'll need to know how to prevent accounts receivable nightmares? Or how to lead a team without burning out? Oh...
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Special Episode: The Dental Billing Lie Everyone Believes
Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan
More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: In this special takeover episode, Ashley Bond shares why dental billing isn’t a solo job, it's a team sport. When hygienists, assistants, and front office staff work in sync, claims get paid on the first try. Clinical notes play a critical role here; detailed SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) ensure accuracy and prevent denials. Ashley shares how poor documentation and missing details like forgetting how old a crown is can cost practices thousands. She explains why “stock narratives” no longer cut it and how...
info_outlineMore management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter
Dental practices are being stretched thinner than ever, but the solution isn’t just hiring more people. It’s learning how to better use, train, and trust the team you already have.
In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Singleton - assistant extraordinaire - to discuss how dental practices can adapt to staffing shortages by rethinking team roles and expanding responsibilities within proper scope of practice. We talked about expanded function dental assistants, smarter scheduling, access to care challenges, and the impact of investing in education and training. Stacey has built an accredited program all while working with dentists across states. Graduates seek out practices who elevate assistants, hygienists, and teams as a whole. Every dental office should be full of such colleagues!
Connect with Stacey
Website: https://www.talkteeth2me.com/
IG: @talkteeth2me
Link we referenced:
DANB State Dental Assisting Requirements
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Join us for Practice Management Power Day on Sept. 25 in Denver! This event is designed for experienced managers and dentists. Visit https://practicemanagementpowerday.com to register!
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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.
Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees. Registration is open. Secure your spot today:
🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/
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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/
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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services
https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy
NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.
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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.
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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.
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Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!
**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt
#DentalPractice #DentalTeam #DentalStaffing #DentalAssistants #PracticeManagement #AccessToCare