Safe Spaces, Strong Teams: Building a High-Performing Dental Team with Jonathan Bonanno
Release Date: 03/07/2025
Smarter Smiles : How AI is Transforming the Future of Dentistry
The Raving Patients Podcast
Podcast Title Title: Smarter Smiles : How AI is Transforming the Future of Dentistry Thumbnail Tagline: AI-Driven Dental Future Let’s face it—dealing with insurance is the least favorite part of running a practice. But what if AI could take that burden off your plate without replacing your team? In this episode, I’m joined by Bruce Bell and Mike Nelson of Stratus, and we’re breaking down how artificial intelligence is making life easier for your front desk, improving patient experience, and reclaiming your time—one insurance call at a time. AI isn’t a trend—it’s a...
info_outline
No More Silent Tension: Conflict Resolution the Ombuds Way
The Raving Patients Podcast
If you're navigating the complexities of staff dynamics, practice transitions, or rapid DSO growth—this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: hope is not a strategy. And when it comes to managing workplace conflict, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away—it just costs you more. To break this down, I’ve invited Dina Lynch Eisenberg, Esq., a nationally recognized ombuds and conflict resolution consultant, to the show. Dina brings decades of cross-industry experience—from Coca-Cola and Twitter to DSOs and private practices. She specializes in resolving internal conflict,...
info_outline
Unlocking the Power of Hygiene: Empowering Leadership, Elevating Operations and Driving Practice Success
The Raving Patients Podcast
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your hygiene department into a true engine of growth—this episode is for you. Because the truth is, many practices underestimate the power of hygiene. But when done right, your hygiene team can elevate patient care, boost profitability, and transform your entire practice culture. To dive into this, I’m joined by Tiffany Wuebben—an accomplished hygienist, author, and founder of The Hygienepreneur. Tiffany’s 30+ years in the field, paired with a background in luxury hospitality, gives her a unique perspective on what drives success behind the scenes....
info_outline
Clinical Records Present Criminal Records
The Raving Patients Podcast
What if one missing note in your chart could cost you your license—or even your freedom? That’s not a scare tactic—it’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Dr. Roy Shelburne. A respected dentist turned federal inmate, Roy learned the hard way that poor documentation and billing practices can destroy even the most well-intentioned practice. Now, he's using his story to help others protect what they’ve built—and to ensure no one else has to go through what he did. If you're running a dental practice and think documentation is just a formality, think again. This episode is a...
info_outline
Cultivating Culture in the Modern Dental Practice
The Raving Patients Podcast
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...
info_outline
All Things Cosmetic Dentistry: Building a Brand That Smiles Back
The Raving Patients Podcast
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...
info_outline
Open Wide: Striving for Excellence in Your Dental Career
The Raving Patients Podcast
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...
info_outline
Leaving a Legacy: Turning Grief into Purpose with Dr. Parul Dua-Makkar
The Raving Patients Podcast
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...
info_outline
Is AI Being Overhyped? How Dental Practices Can Actually Use It Today
The Raving Patients Podcast
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...
info_outline
Hygiene 2025 and Beyond – Profitable. Productive. Aligned.
The Raving Patients Podcast
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...
info_outlineIf you've ever struggled with hiring the right people, fostering a positive workplace culture, or keeping your team engaged, you’re not alone. But today’s episode of The Raving Patients Podcast can help you change that.
To break this down, I’ve invited Jonathan Bonanno, an expert in leadership development, workplace culture, and psychological safety. With a background in corporate consulting and dental practice optimization, Jonathan specializes in helping practices attract top talent, build cohesive teams, and create a thriving, productive work environment.
In this conversation, we discuss:
-
How to hire and retain top-tier dental talent
-
The power of psychological safety in your practice
-
Why toxic workplaces happen—and how to fix them
-
Leadership strategies to strengthen your team and improve practice culture
-
Combatting imposter syndrome and building confidence as a leader
If you want to transform your dental practice into a place where both your team and patients thrive, this episode is a must-listen!
—
Key Takeaways
Introduction and Event Overview (00:47)
Jonathan Bonanno's Background and Expertise (01:49)
Talent Optimization in Dental Practices (06:03)
Improving Workplace Health and Behavior (11:10)
Creating Psychological Safety in Teams (14:36)
Leadership's Role in Workplace Culture (16:35)
Understanding and Combating Imposter Syndrome (20:06)
Exploring Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (23:43)
Recognizing the Need for External Help (27:02)
Lightning Round Q&A (28:10)
—
Connect with Jonathan Bonanno
🔹 Social Media: @TheChiefPsycho
🔹 Website: https://www.talentbyzia.com
🔹 Podcast: Chief Psycho Podcast
—
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!