Journey From New Dentist to Dental Expert & Educator. Trends in Digital Dentistry w/ Mike Skramstad
Release Date: 02/12/2025
The Dental App - Cloud based practice management software
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Dr. Lior Tamir joins Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan to share his journey from clinician to software founder and practice owner. He discusses the gaps in traditional practice management systems, why dentistry needs true CRM/PRM tools, and how The Dental App helps practices streamline operations, improve follow-up, and drive predictable growth. A must-listen for dentists who want to simplify their workflow, increase efficiency, and run more profitable, human-centered practices. Featured Discussion Topics: CRM vs. PMS vs. PRM in dentistry How practices lose revenue without realizing it Automation and...
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Why you need a great dental lawyer - A chat with Robert Montgomery
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Our guest today is Rob Montgomery, an attorney focused on dental legal solutions and a co-host of the Dental Amigos podcast. Rob joins us to discuss the critical legal, operational, and personal aspects of your dental practice. The conversation dives deep into the complex world of selling a dental practice, focusing on the common pitfalls when dealing with buyers. Rob emphasizes that happiness in a sale is not always about squeezing the highest valuation. He cautions practitioners against partnering with buyers who will ultimately make them miserable for the next five years, stressing the...
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Strategic HR: A conversation with Kara Kelley
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Join Dr. Richard Offutt as he sits down with Kara Kelley, founder and CEO of Clinical HR, to discuss how dental practices can strengthen their teams and reduce turnover through strategic HR. Kara shares how culture, compliance, and communication can be powerful tools for recruitment and retention—especially in today’s competitive dental job market. Learn why “competing with culture” matters more than competing on pay, how to create systems that support your people, and how simple communication can transform team loyalty and performance. Episode Navigation 00:00 –...
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A journey through modern oral surgery practices with Drs. Bart and Brian Farrell
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Join our hosts, as they sit down with Drs. Bart and Brian Farrell to discuss their journey into oral surgery, practice growth strategies, and insights into modern surgical techniques. The Farrell brothers share valuable perspectives on leadership, practice management, and the evolution of oral surgery in today's healthcare landscape. Episode Navigation 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:07 - Path to dentistry and oral surgery 03:02 - Evolution of surgical techniques 11:31 - Impact of technology on practice 18:43 - Practice growth and equity partnerships 27:53 - Leadership lessons learned...
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The Truth About Dental Growth: Marketing, Front Desk Conversions, and Practice Potential with Gary Bird
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Join Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt as they sit down with Gary Bird, founder of SMC National and host of Dental Marketing GOAT. In this no-fluff conversation, Gary breaks down the real barriers that hold dental practices back from growth—from marketing missteps to front desk inefficiencies. Learn how to convert more leads, improve patient experience, and think like a modern dental business. Episode Navigation 00:00 – Welcome and guest intro 01:45 – Why most dental marketing fails 04:05 – Referral patients vs. marketing patients 08:00 – Breaking through the dental...
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The Future of Dentistry: AI, Practice Culture, and Industry Trends with Dr. Pamela Maragliano
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Join Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offut as they discuss the evolving landscape of dentistry with Dr. Pamela Maragliano, Chief Editor of Dental Economics. From AI implementation to practice culture and staffing challenges, this episode provides valuable insights into current industry trends and practical solutions for modern dental practices. Episode Navigation 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:32 - Dr. Pam's dual role as practice owner and chief editor 01:37 - Current dental industry trends 03:02 - Discussion on AI in dentistry 07:44 - Remineralization technologies 10:58 -...
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Membership plans: DentalHQ, Dr. Brett Wells
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In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, host Dr. Richard Offutt sits down with Dr. Brett Wells of Wells Family Dental Group. Brett shares his journey of building a patient-centered, multi-location practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, while balancing growth, leadership, and family life. From creating trust-based relationships to navigating the challenges of expansion, Brett offers wisdom for dentists who want to grow without losing sight of their values. Episode Navigation 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 01:25 –Brett’s journey into dentistry and building his practice 05:40 – Why...
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Dr. Paul Etchison: Dental Heroes, taking your practice to the next level
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In this episode of Simplify Dentistry, hosts Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt welcome Dr. Paul Etchison—practicing dentist, author of Dental Practice Hero, and host of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast. Paul shares his journey of building a thriving multi-doctor practice, the systems that created freedom instead of chaos, and the leadership lessons that help dentists design practices that serve both their patients and their lives. Episode Navigation 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 01:42 – Paul’s early journey and practice growth 05:10 – Why systems equal freedom...
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Dental Entrepreneurs and the Growth Journey with Perrin DesPortes: Next Level Executive
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In this special roundtable episode of Simplified Dentistry, Dr. Murtuza Shah-Khan, Dr. Mustafa Shah-Khan and Dr. Richard Offutt are joined by dental industry veteran Perrin DesPortes (Co-Founder of Polaris Healthcare Partners) for a live Q&A-style discussion on leadership, group practice growth, mentorship, and the financial realities of scaling as a dental entrepreneur. Whether you're solo and curious about expansion, or navigating the transition from hands-on clinician to strategic CEO, this candid conversation delivers practical wisdom with humor and heart. Episode...
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Digital Dentistry to Imagen: Advice from Dr. Richard Rosenblatt of CDOCS
Simplify Dentistry
Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Richard Rosenblatt, a leader in CAD CAM and digital dentistry. Dr. Rosenblatt shares his journey from New Jersey to becoming a prominent educator at CDOCS, his experience growing a successful practice, and valuable insights on practice leadership, mentorship, and maintaining work-life balance in dentistry. Learn practical strategies for practice growth, team building, and implementing effective bonus systems. Episode Navigation 00:14 - Introduction to Dr. Richard Rosenblatt 00:51 - Personal background and early career 02:25 - Lessons from...
info_outlineIn the latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Mike Skramstad, a leader in digital dentistry, listeners are introduced to his unexpected journey into the field following his graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000. Skramstad shares insights into the evolution of CAD/CAM dentistry and the importance of adequate tooth preparation, advocating for preparation courses for new dentists. Additionally, he discusses cloud-based collaboration tools and various intraoral scanners, emphasizing a scanner-agnostic approach within the SPEAR curriculum. The episode also highlights Skramstad's personal interests, including a recent golf trip, and he concludes with key takeaways centered on focusing on fundamentals and investing in efficient workflows for dental practices.
🎙️ Introduction and Background
- Graduated from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000
- Certified advanced digital dentistry trainer
- Lectured internationally on technology, implantology, and digital dentistry
- Leader in development of CDOCS educational program
- Skramstad's journey into dentistry was unplanned
- Bought first CEREC machine in 2002
- Focused on digital dentistry throughout career
- Became educator through online community involvement
🖥️ Digital Dentistry Evolution
- Discussed evolution of CAD/CAM dentistry materials
- Emphasized importance of proper tooth preparation
- Recommended preparation courses for new dentists
- Explained integration of digital technology in SPEAR education
- Discussed cloud-based collaboration tools like DS Core and Smile Cloud
- Highlighted importance of understanding treatment planning fundamentals
🔬 Technology and Education
- Discussed various intraoral scanners (Prime Scan, 3Shape, ITERO)
- Mentioned new A Oral Elite scanner with built-in photogrammetry
- Emphasized scanner-agnostic approach in SPEAR curriculum
- Talked about personal scanner preferences for clinical use
- Discussed golf as a personal hobby and recent competitions
⛳ Personal Interests and Closing Thoughts
- Discussed recent golf trip to Ozarks
- Mentioned daughter's artwork of Jordan shoes
Provided key takeaway messages:
- Slow down and focus on fundamentals
- Don't be afraid to invest in efficient workflows