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EP 148 What To Do When Tragedy Strikes A Dental Practice

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

Release Date: 04/23/2025

EP 158 Lessons Patients Taught Me The Hard Way show art EP 158 Lessons Patients Taught Me The Hard Way

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   Lessons Patients Taught Me The Hard Way   Some of the most powerful lessons in dentistry don’t come from textbooks or training, but from real-life patient encounters that test your patience, humility, and adaptability. In this episode, I reflect on situations where patients pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. You’ll hear how these interactions shaped my approach to communication, accountability, and practice management. More importantly, you’ll discover why it’s okay...

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EP 157 The One Mistake That Could Wipe Out Your Dental Practice Overnight show art EP 157 The One Mistake That Could Wipe Out Your Dental Practice Overnight

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   Did you know a single ransomware attack can cost a dental office six figures or shut it down entirely? A small dental practice is an ideal target for a cyberattack easy to overlook, often underprotected, and rich with valuable patient data. Teresa Pichay (returning guest!) and Katie Fox from the California Dental Association joined me for a scary session. They shared how hackers use phishing emails, malware, and AI-powered scams to break into dental systems, steal information, and demand high ransoms. Many in dentistry assume...

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EP 156 Dental Insurance Secrets Every Dentist Should Know show art EP 156 Dental Insurance Secrets Every Dentist Should Know

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   Did you know 80% of dental claim denials can be overturned with the right strategy? I love meeting fellow insurance nerds! My time with Dr. Christie Bateman was packed full! She shared how to master PPOs, Medicare Advantage plans, and complex prior authorization rules while protecting your bottom line. Dr. Christie breaks down the exact methods she uses to reverse denials, clear documentation, targeted patient photos, and short, persuasive appeals that insurance carriers can’t ignore. Get the inside scoop on Liberty Medicare...

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EP 155 Beyond Micromanagement: What Makes Today’s Office Managers Great show art EP 155 Beyond Micromanagement: What Makes Today’s Office Managers Great

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   Modern office managers lead through clarity, culture, and connection not control. My longtime friend and colleague Lorie Streeter joins me for a frank conversation about the lessons we've learned over the years.    Micromanagement is everywhere, and dental teams are evolving whether leaders are ready or not. The shift from task-checking to true team empowerment is reshaping how successful practices run. We share stories of real managers navigating burnout, toxic dynamics, and panic hiring with surprising clarity. ...

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EP 154 Dental Case Acceptance Tips: How Your Team Can Increase Treatment Acceptance Rates show art EP 154 Dental Case Acceptance Tips: How Your Team Can Increase Treatment Acceptance Rates

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   Is the secret to more dental case acceptance hiding in plain sight right inside your own team?   If you’ve ever wondered why some patients freeze at the mention of treatment costs, or how to handle those moments when someone starts Googling your every word from the chair, you’re not alone. In this episode, Teresa talks with Angela Sullivan of Adaptive Dental Solutions about effectively helping teams boost treatment acceptance without feeling like a pushy salesperson. Angela shares stories and lessons straight from the...

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EP 153 Dental Clues to Your Baby’s Developmental Delays: What Every Parent Should Know show art EP 153 Dental Clues to Your Baby’s Developmental Delays: What Every Parent Should Know

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   What if your child’s speech or chewing could give you clues about hidden developmental delays?   Did you know that your child’s visit to the dentist could hold hidden insights into their overall development? Join host Teresa Duncan and guest Ann-Marie DePalma as they unravel the fascinating connections between a child’s oral health and early signs of developmental delays—including conditions like autism. Discover why dental professionals might be the first to spot clues, from speech impediments to tongue ties, and...

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EP 152 Future of Interoperability of Dental Information with Steve Roberts, CEO of VYNE show art EP 152 Future of Interoperability of Dental Information with Steve Roberts, CEO of VYNE

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   Imagine a dental world where patient data flows as freely as it does in medicine—no more wasted time, lost information, or clunky workarounds. Vyne’s CEO Steve Roberts sits down with me to discuss why the dental industry is ready for transformational change and what that means for claims processing, practice efficiency, and ultimately, better care for your patients. I shared my frustration at the unfairness of ptient data being gatekept just for profit. It could be happening to you - it just seems normal. But it’s not...

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EP 151 Dentists Are Burning Out FAST and Here's How to Stop It! show art EP 151 Dentists Are Burning Out FAST and Here's How to Stop It!

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: Are you a dentist feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just stuck in survival mode? What if the real issue isn’t your clinical skills, but how you’re managing your time, your stress, and your practice? Mark Davis built and ran 16 dental practices over the course of his career — and now he’s sharing what most dentists never figure out until it’s too late. The pressure to stay on schedule, the chaos of last-minute emergencies, the constant tension with staff… it’s not just part of the job. It’s a signal that something’s...

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EP 150 She Turned $40/mo Side Hustle into a 7-Figure Dental Business! show art EP 150 She Turned $40/mo Side Hustle into a 7-Figure Dental Business!

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   She started charging just $40 a month—now she runs a business that hit 7 figures. In this episode, Amanda DeMoura shares how her small side hustle evolved into a thriving dental business, what it really took behind the scenes, and the unexpected turns that shaped her success. In this episode, we talk about her journey from the ground up, navigating remote work and entrepreneurship, and what happens when growth forces you to make big, uncomfortable decisions. If you're in the dental industry, healthcare admin, or just curious...

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EP 149 Dr. Greg Wu Defies Medical Odds and Grows As A Leader show art EP 149 Dr. Greg Wu Defies Medical Odds and Grows As A Leader

Nobody Told Me That! A Dental Podcast with Teresa Duncan

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter:   A stroke stole his manual skills—could it end his career? In this episode, Dr. Gregory Wu opens up about the life-altering moment a stroke derailed his clinical career and how it made him a better businessman and leader. At the peak of his practice, Greg faced a sudden medical crisis that left him unable to perform dentistry—a devastating blow to any clinician. He shares what it felt like to lose not just motor function, but his professional identity. They dive into the emotional impact, the grieving process, and the harsh...

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More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

What actually happens when an unexpected loss or injury shatters the routine of your practice? It’s a question no one wants to ask—until it’s too late. I would like to walk you through the uncertainty that can unfold in a dental practice when the unexpected happens to the doctor at the center of it all. My hope is that you are prepared - nobody told me that, remember?

The sudden loss of a dentist—especially in a solo or small practice—is not just a tragedy. It’s a disruption that ripples through patients, staff, finances, and even the long-term value of the business. What has to happen right away? Should the office close? How do you support a grieving team while still making decisions that keep the doors open?

But death isn’t the only event that can throw a practice into turmoil. I also discuss scenarios like disability, serious injury, or anything that keeps a dentist from returning to work. Each one brings its own emotional and operational fallout, and without a plan, the burden often falls squarely on the manager’s shoulders—right when they’re least prepared to carry it.

And what if the unexpected - good or bad - happens on the other side of the desk? What if it’s you—the manager—who needs to step away, transition into a new career, or start something of your own? We’ll explore how to prepare for your own exit with intention and clarity, making sure the practice doesn’t fall apart the moment you walk out the door.

This is a raw and necessary look at what no one wants to talk about—until it’s already happening. Because if no one else has told you what to do when it all goes sideways, I’m here to help and to make sure you’re not caught in the dark.

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Reach out them here: http://withwisdom.com/teresaduncan 

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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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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! 

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