The Tooth Sleuth Podcast

The Tooth Sleuth podcast is hosted by Greg Essenmacher, Principal at GnA consult. "Helping Dentists and Dental Professionals Maximize Their Potential"—From vision to execution-creating business strategies that work!Want to Grow Your Full Arch Practice?-Book a Discover Call here:www.DentalConsult4u.comOr email:Greg@DentalConsult4u.com

TTS- 146 T.E.A.M. w/Martin Mendelson 01/14/2026

TTS- 146 T.E.A.M. w/Martin Mendelson In this episode of The Tooth Sleuth Podcast, Greg Essenmacher welcomes back Dr. Martin Mendelson for a powerful second conversation—one that dives deep into mindset, leadership, and the thoughts that quietly shape our lives and practices. Dr. Mendelson, a dentist-turned-coach and author of One Move Makes All the Difference, breaks down why happiness leads to success (not the other way around), how the space between stimulus and response determines our outcomes, and why teams thrive when psychological safety and accountability coexist. This episode blends neuroscience, emotional intelligence, real-world leadership tools, and humor—offering practical frameworks clinicians and teams can apply immediately. If you’ve ever felt stuck reacting instead of responding, or sensed your team could be healthier, calmer, and more aligned—this conversation is for you. Key Topics Covered Why happiness is the driver of success—not the reward The TEAM framework: Thoughts → Emotions → Actions → Results Responding vs. reacting under stress The power of the pause between stimulus and response Creating psychological safety and accountability within teams Preventing “jumping to catastrophe” in leadership and communication Why mindset work is essential for sustainable growth in dentistry Insights from Martin’s new book One Move Makes All the Difference Key Takeaways ✔ Mindset always precedes outcomes ✔ Small pauses can create massive change ✔ Strong cultures are built intentionally, not accidentally ✔ Leadership begins between your ears About the Guest Dr. Martin Mendelson is a speaker, certified coach, and author of One Move Makes All the Difference: How to Find Your Power and Transform Your Life. With experience spanning clinical dentistry, education, emotional intelligence, and happiness studies, Martin helps individuals and teams get out of their own way and lead with clarity, intention, and purpose. 🔗 Website: martinmendelson.com 📘 Book: One Move Makes All the Difference (available wherever books are sold) About the Host Greg Essenmacher is the founder of GnA Consult and host of The Tooth Sleuth Podcast, where he explores the business, leadership, and human side of dentistry—helping teams improve patient experience, case acceptance, and long-term sustainability. /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/39714530

145 All Comes Down to Me w/Dr. Farokh Jiveh 01/07/2026

145 All Comes Down to Me w/Dr. Farokh Jiveh In this powerful episode of The Tooth Sleuth Podcast, Greg Essenmacher sits down with cosmetic dentist and educator Dr. Farokh Jiveh for a deeply honest conversation about personal transformation, leadership, and what truly drives patient connection and case acceptance. Dr. J shares his journey from outward success and inner burnout to alignment, clarity, and purpose—and how that shift changed everything from how he leads his team to how patients experience care. This episode goes far beyond techniques and procedures. It’s about presence, energy, listening, and why dentistry is ultimately a human experience before it’s ever a clinical one. If you’ve ever felt successful on paper but disconnected in practice—or wondered why some teams and doctors thrive while others struggle—this conversation will resonate. 🔑 Key Topics Covered The hidden cost of comfort and “success on paper” Why leadership always starts with self-leadership How inner chaos shows up in your practice and your team The difference between fixing patients and truly listening to them Why patients will tell you their treatment plan—if you’re present Alignment, energy, and their impact on case acceptance Letting go of ego, control, and attachment to outcomes Dentistry as a feeling-based, human-centered experience 💡 Key Takeaways ✔ You can’t lead others until you learn to lead yourself ✔ Case acceptance improves when patients feel heard, not sold ✔ Alignment creates trust—for teams and patients alike ✔ Dentistry isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you show up 👤 About the Guest Dr. Farokh Jiveh is a cosmetic dentist, educator, and founder of Palm Beach Dental Academy. Known for his immersive, one-on-one mentoring approach, Dr. J teaches dentists how to master cosmetic dentistry while emphasizing presence, leadership, and authentic patient connection. His teaching philosophy focuses on helping clinicians shorten their learning curve—not just clinically, but personally—so they can practice with confidence, clarity, and alignment. 🔗 Learn more: PalmBeachDentalAcademy.com /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/39619490

TTS-144 Human Capital – w/ Gabriel Hofmann 12/31/2025

TTS- 143 Culture Strategist Leah Roling 12/24/2025

Episode: TTS-142 Men’s Apparel to Master GTM w/ Ian Miller 12/17/2025

Episode: TTS-142 Men’s Apparel to Master GTM w/ Ian Miller In this episode of The Tooth Sleuth Podcast, Greg sits down with Ian Miller—entrepreneur, apparel expert, and GTM operator—to explore the unexpected overlap between men’s fashion and building a market strategy that actually works. What starts as a conversation about fit, fabric, and confidence quickly shifts into a masterclass on positioning, clarity, and the discipline behind a clean go-to-market motion. They open with a story about Ian’s early days in apparel—learning the difference between style and identity—and move into a candid discussion on momentum, leadership, and why most GTM problems are really communication problems. Together, Greg and Ian unpack: From Apparel to GTM: How understanding fit, form, and function in clothing gave Ian the foundation to build customer-centric strategies that scale. Building a Repeatable Motion: Ian’s framework for removing noise, simplifying decisions, and creating a go-to-market engine teams can actually execute on. Confidence as a Business Tool: The psychology of dressing well and how presence, clarity, and intention translate directly into sales, leadership, and patient experience. When to Pivot (and When to Double Down): Lessons from apparel manufacturing that taught Ian how to manage risk, read early signals, and course-correct before it’s expensive. Ian’s story blends creativity with operational insight, showing how the same principles that define a great wardrobe—fit, coherence, and consistency—are the ones behind every successful GTM strategy. Through his journey across fashion, entrepreneurship, and systems thinking, he demonstrates that style isn't superficial; it’s a strategic lens that shapes how teams move, sell, and lead. 👉 Tune in now to learn how to sharpen your GTM motion, build trust through clarity, and use presence as a competitive advantage. #ToothSleuth #GTMStrategy #PatientExperience #GnAConsult #Leadership #BrandAlignment #BusinessGrowth /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/39413340

Episode: TTS-141 Dentistry from Diapers – Addison Freeman 12/10/2025

Episode: TTS-140 Hygiene Philosophy – Janet Hagerman 12/03/2025

Episode: TTS-139 Level Up w/ Thomas Passalacqua 11/26/2025

TTS- 138 Service Every Day- DeVon Banks 11/19/2025

TTS- 137 Don't Pitch Slap - Al Kushner 11/12/2025

TTS- 136 What I learned from Jump 34 w/Loren King 11/05/2025

TTS- 135 AI Implementation & Integration 10/29/2025

TTS- 135 AI Implementation & Integration Austin and Nate Show Notes 🎙 Episode Snapshot Guests: Nathaniel Baker — Enterprise Sales / Key Account Executive, Overjet Austin Moffat — Fractional CFO & DSO Growth Expert, DSO CFO What happens when AI hype meets the reality of dental operations? In this episode of The Tooth Sleuth Podcast, host Greg Essenmacher sits down with Nathaniel Baker (Overjet) and Austin Moffat (DSO CFO) to break down how AI is really being implemented in dental practices and DSOs—and what it takes to make it stick. From API access headaches to real ROI wins, this episode is equal parts tactical and entertaining. 💡 What You’ll Learn Implementation over inspiration — How clear goals and aligned expectations beat buzzwords every time. Integration realities — Why PMS barriers and disjointed data slow AI adoption before it even begins. ROI that counts — How one DSO cut ~$12K/month in payroll using AI while improving data flow and cash insight. Pilot like a pro — Test with 10–15% of locations, blending top performers and underdogs for true results. Measure and own it — Define success at every level, assign champions, and treat tech as an investment, not a cost. 🎤 Mic Drop Moments Austin on profit-focused AI adoption: “Do your homework, measure ROI, and own your data.” Nathaniel on alignment and accountability: Why shared success criteria make or break adoption. Greg’s “What the Sleuth is Going On?” round—equal parts comedy and candor. Whether you’re running a solo practice or scaling a 100-location DSO, this episode delivers a grounded playbook for piloting AI, aligning teams, and tracking real business impact. 🎧 Where to Listen 🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 Subscribe to The Tooth Sleuth Podcast on YouTube #ToothSleuth #AIinDentistry #DentalBusiness #Leadership #GnAConsult #Overjet #DSOCFO /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/38801570

TTS- 134 The Ideal Patient 10/22/2025

TTS- 133 Put Action Behind It 10/15/2025

TTS- 132 The Why with People 10/08/2025

TTS- 132 The Why with People 🦷 The Tooth Sleuth Podcast – Episode with Michal Butler, Vision Dental Partners Host: Greg Essenmacher Guest: Michal Butler – Vision Dental Partners 🎙️ Episode Overview In this episode of The Tooth Sleuth Podcast, host Greg Essenmacher welcomes Michal Butler, the powerhouse behind operations at Vision Dental Partners. They dive into leadership, culture, patient experience, and the lessons learned in scaling a modern dental organization — with a few laughs and lighthearted digs at Brad Hughes’ famous Ferragamos. 🧩 Key Topics Discussed 1. Falling into Dentistry Michal shares her unconventional entry into dentistry — she joined Vision Dental Partners just six weeks after open-heart surgery. What started as a temporary favor turned into a 16-year career of leadership, growth, and transformation within the organization. 2. Building Vision Dental Partners The group began as a single practice and expanded significantly, acquiring their second office in 2019. Vision’s philosophy: patient experience over profit. When patients are happy and trust the team, financial success follows naturally. 3. Patient Experience and Leadership Greg and Michal emphasize that great patient care begins with great team leadership. Vision Dental Partners focuses on: Team development and empowerment. Consistent training and coaching. Creating genuine value and connection with patients. 4. Quarterly Leadership Training Every quarter, Michal hosts in-person leadership meetings with practice managers and regional leads. Each session includes: Reviewing practice metrics and patient reviews. Discussing leadership versus management principles. Open brainstorming and strategy alignment. Reinforcing documentation, communication, and consistent check-ins. 5. Challenges and Growth Michal notes the hardest part of scaling isn’t logistics — it’s people alignment. Lessons learned: “Fire faster when values don’t align, and coach constantly.” Vision Dental Partners runs as a Doctor Partnered Organization (DPO) — balancing technology and human connection. 6. Purpose and “The Why” Vision’s internal mantra: “We’re a media company that just happens to do dentistry.” They aim to redefine how dentistry is perceived — authentic, modern, and patient-centered. Michal emphasizes consistent communication of “the why” to every team member to ensure mission alignment. 7. Time, Talent, and Treasure Greg highlights the constant trade-offs between time, talent, and treasure. Investing time in leadership and people development always yields the greatest return. 💬 Fun Segment: “What the Sleuth Is Going On?” Rapid-fire questions with Michal: Worst bad breath ever: During a tooth extraction on a perio patient — she almost passed out! One thing she’d change about her smile: Whiter teeth (though she already loves her smile). Dental product she wishes she’d invented: The dental implant — “It’s amazing to have a permanent solution like that!” 💡 Key Takeaways Consistency is key in leadership and communication. Patient experience is the foundation for lasting success. Strong leadership empowers team culture and trust. Document everything — clarity drives accountability. “Coach up or coach out”: act fast to protect team culture. 🔗 Connect with Vision Dental Partners LinkedIn: Vision Dental Partners Featuring: Dr. Brad Hughes & Team Follow: The Tooth Sleuth Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and LinkedIn /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/38444780

TTS- 131 The EAZ Framework 10/01/2025

TTS- 130- Kind is Clear...Clear is Kind 09/24/2025

TTS 129- Owning the Call 09/17/2025

TTS 128- Napkin Ai or Not 09/10/2025

TTS 128- Napkin Ai or Not Rivers Morrell Show Notes Napkin AI or Not? The Truth About Dental Data with Rivers Morrell 🎧 Episode Summary: Most dental AI products are overhyped. Rivers Morrell is not. In this episode of The Tooth Sleuth, Greg sits down with Rivers Morrell, CEO and founder of Hey Donto, to break down what real AI in dentistry looks like—and why most of what's out there is just "napkin AI." From building the first self-healing API for dental practice data to enabling true FHIR compliance, Rivers and his team are doing what billion-dollar health systems couldn’t. And they’re doing it with empathy, compliance, and a vision for better access and interoperability across the dental space. If you’ve ever asked: "What’s the real deal with AI in dentistry?" "Why can’t dental data move the way medical data does?" "How can we build tech that actually helps patients and teams?" …this episode is for you. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: What makes Hey Donto’s self-healing API revolutionary How FHIR compliance unlocks interoperability across DSOs Why most “AI” tools in dental are just white-labeled noise How Rivers is working to create a Provider Data Access Standard The culture behind building tech with both clinical empathy and compliance 🔥 Episode Highlights: “It would've taken a billion dollars to convert dental to FHIR—until we figured out how to do it with AI.” “There’s too much cowboy tech in dental. We’re building for ethics, compliance, and patient rights.” “If you’re not asking whether it’s napkin AI or not—you’re probably using it.” 🧩 Don’t Miss: The most unexpected answer to “What’s the worst breath you’ve ever smelled?” 😅 Why the toothbrush is still the MVP of all dental products How to spot fake AI from a mile away 👤 Guest Info: Rivers Morrell Founder & CEO – 📩 rivers@heydonto.com 🔗 /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/38120850

TTS 127 - Not Just Another Consultant: The Story Behind GnA 09/03/2025

TTS 127 - Not Just Another Consultant: The Story Behind GnA 🎙 Episode Snapshot What’s the bridge between awareness and real, lasting change in your practice? In Part 3 of Why GnA, Greg Esenmacher gets personal—sharing the biggest challenges he’s faced as a founder, the role of acceptance in creating sustainable action, and why empathy, leadership, and accountability are at the core of every successful Full Arch practice. From building a brand that connects emotionally with patients to fostering team culture that drives case acceptance, this episode dives deep into the human side of scaling. Whether you’re a practice owner, a DSO exec, or a leader in the making, Greg’s insights will challenge how you approach growth and leadership. 💡 What You’ll Learn 🧠 Why awareness isn’t enough—and how acceptance fuels sustainable change 🦷 How leadership mindset directly impacts case acceptance rates 💙 The power of empathy and emotional connection in patient experience 📊 Why brand differentiation starts with the leader’s personal growth 🤝 How accountability with compassion creates stronger teams 🏆 What Greg is most proud of since launching GNA Consult 📌 The personal meaning behind the name GNA 🎤 Mic Drop Moments “Awareness and action aren’t sustainable without acceptance.” “Case acceptance is all about the patient experience—and that starts with leadership.” “Accountability without compassion fails; compassion without accountability stalls.” “Leadership growth trickles down to your team, and your team drives the patient experience.” 🔗 Resources & References Learn more about GNA Consult: Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: Book a discovery call: 🎧 Where to Listen 📱 Available on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google | YouTube | Amazon ▶ Watch full episodes on YouTube: Tooth Sleuth 📲 Stay Connected Host: Greg Esenmacher IG: FB: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/37560090

TTS 126- M&A It's a Team Game 08/27/2025

TTS 126- M&A It's a Team Game 🎙 Episode Snapshot Selling or buying a dental practice? It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about timing, fit, and legacy. In this episode, Greg Esenmacher sits down with David Cohen, founder of Cohen Law Firm, to unpack what really happens during dental practice sales—whether you’re selling to a DSO or private buyer. With 300+ transactions a year under his belt, David shares insider tips on building the right team, avoiding costly mistakes, and ensuring your sale aligns with your goals and values. Whether you’re a solo practice owner, an emerging group, or a DSO executive, this conversation gives you the legal and strategic clarity you need before stepping into the sale process. 💡 What You’ll Learn 🦷 The differences between DSO sales and Sale to a Private Buyer 📊 Why consolidation isn’t as overwhelming as you might think 🤝 The essential players on your transaction team—and their roles 💰 How to know if (and when) you’re truly ready to sell 🎯 The biggest mistake sellers make (and how to avoid it) 🏆 Why culture and legacy matter in choosing the right buyer 📈 Best practices for smoother, more profitable transactions 🎤 Mic Drop Moments “Build your foundation before you start—it’s the number one thing you can do.” “Hidden costs and headaches come when you’re not ready to sell.” “Culture fit matters—for you, your team, and your legacy.” “A great broker doesn’t just find a buyer—they find the right buyer.” 🔗 Resources & References Connect with David: david@cohenlawfirmpllc.com Learn more about Cohen Law Firm: Follow Greg Esenmacher on LinkedIn: 🎧 Where to Listen 📱 Available on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google | YouTube | Amazon ▶ Watch full episodes on YouTube: Tooth Sleuth 📲 Stay Connected Host: Greg Esenmacher IG: FB: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/37942910

TTS 125 -Not Just Another Consultant: The Story Behind GnA 08/20/2025

TTS 125 -Not Just Another Consultant: The Story Behind GnA 🎙 Episode Snapshot What does it take to truly master the business of Full Arch? In Part 2 of Why GnA, Greg Esenmacher dives deeper with John Stamper into the 360° approach that sets GNA Consult apart—from hands-on surgical experience to understanding the financial heartbeat of a practice. From hidden arches in your pipeline to knowing exactly when to scale, Greg shares why clinical knowledge is only half the equation—and how operational insight, accountability, and custom solutions can transform results. Whether you’re running a GP practice, leading a DSO, or looking to unlock the real ROI of Full Arch, this conversation will change how you think about growth. 💡 What You’ll Learn 🦷 Why clinical experience alone isn’t enough to scale Full Arch 📊 How to track (and find) hidden arches in your pipeline 💰 The KPIs that drive profitability—and when to add to your team 🔄 Why integration of your tech stack is critical for efficiency 🤝 How GNA bridges the gap between clinical training and operational execution 🎯 Why accountability is the missing link in most practices 📈 The stages of development for sustainable Full Arch growth 🛠 How to customize solutions instead of relying on cookie-cutter scripts 🎤 Mic Drop Moments “If you can’t answer where every arch came from in the last three months—you’re not aligned.” “Hidden arches are everywhere. You just have to know how to find them.” “Scaling isn’t more, more, more—it’s about measured growth that protects profitability.” “We believe in formulas, not scripts.” 🔗 Resources & References Learn more about GNA Consult: Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: Book a discovery call: 🎧 Where to Listen 📱 Available on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google | YouTube | Amazon ▶ Watch full episodes on YouTube: Tooth Sleuth 📲 Stay Connected Host: Greg Esenmacher IG: FB: LinkedIn: Website: /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/37560060

TTS 124 - Three Keys to Procurement Advancements 08/13/2025

TTS 123 - Not Just Another Consultant: The Story Behind GnA - Pt 1 08/06/2025

TTS 122- Reprogramming Responsibly 07/30/2025

TTS 122- Reprogramming Responsibly What happens when you stop viewing full arch as just a procedure—and start treating it like a lifelong commitment? In this episode, Greg sits down with Anjuli Avis, RDH, to break down how practices can reprogram their mindset around implant dentistry. Anjuli brings years of experience in hygiene, operations, and education to the mic to explore how dental teams can show up more responsibly—for patients, for outcomes, and for each other. EPISODE SNAPSHOT Anjuli Avis, also known as The Hustle Hygienist, joins the Tooth Sleuth Podcast for a powerful conversation about what it really means to serve full arch patients well. She and Greg talk about the shift from “treat and release” to true patient adoption, the importance of cross-team communication, and why the words we use matter more than we think. Drawing from her early career in temp hygiene and later experience in operations with a high-end restorative practice, Anjuli shares what’s changed, what still needs to, and where teams can step up—together. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why patients need reprogramming before they commit to treatment How tribal language reduces friction and increases case acceptance Why assistants often hold the most trust—and how to leverage it What today’s implant maintenance requires from the entire team How vendor relationships can fuel private practice growth (if used right) MIC DROP MOMENT “We adopt this patient. Not just the dentist. The hygienist, the assistant, the office manager. This is not a one-and-done. It’s a lifetime journey.” – Anjuli Avis RESOURCES MENTIONED The Convenience Revolution by Shep Hyken SmileSource Exchange – a national event for private practices ready to grow through community Anjuli’s LinkedIn and Instagram for continued learning and connection WHERE TO LEARN MORE Follow Anjuli on LinkedIn: Find her on Instagram: Check out SmileSource: smilesource.com /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/37571015

TTS 121 - No More Permission Slips 07/23/2025

TTS120- Don't Poo Poo the Woo Woo 07/16/2025

TTS120- Don't Poo Poo the Woo Woo 🎙️ Tooth Sleuth Podcast – Episode 120 Title: Don’t Poo Poo the Woo Woo: What Burnout, Energy & Career Freedom Really Look Like Guest: Dr. Laura Brenner, Career Coach | Founder of Dentist Side Gigs | Ex-Dentist | Woo Woo Whisperer 🔍 Episode Snapshot Feeling stuck in your dental career? Tired of the burnout buzzword, but know something’s off? Dr. Laura Brenner is back—yes, back!—to join Greg for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation about what it really means to walk away from a career that doesn’t serve you anymore. From closet career shame to spiritual breakthroughs, this episode is a permission slip to redefine success—and actually enjoy your life again. Whether you’re a DSO leader, private practice doc, associate, or just a quiet rebel in scrubs, this one’s for you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn 🌀 Why “burnout” is often just misalignment (and what to do instead) 💬 The silent shame cycle that keeps dental professionals stuck 🔬 A science-based bridge into “woo woo” leadership and mindset 🌪 The danger of outsourcing your decisions (and how to rebuild internal trust) 🔋 How your energy—not your strategy—sets the tone for your team and patients 🛑 Why you need to break the old rules to build a better life (and practice) 💣 Mic Drop Moments “Don’t poo poo the woo woo.” “Burnout isn’t always exhaustion—it’s the symptom of ignoring your own truth.” “We’re trained to fix teeth—not ourselves. That needs to change.” “Leadership doesn’t start with systems. It starts with you.” 🔗 Resources & References 💬 Join the Dentist Side Gigs Facebook community 🌐 Connect with Laura at: 📖 Read her viral blog: 10 Reasons Your Dentist Hates You Too 🧠 Explore energy leadership with Laura’s coaching framework 🧡 Inspired by Brene Brown, Einstein, and one baby’s breath at a time 🎧 Where to Listen 📲 Available on all platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google | YouTube | Amazon 🔗 Listen to Episode 120 now: [Insert Direct Link] 🗣️ Stay Connected Host: IG: Podcast: /episode/index/show/c6d3f7be-2e7d-4276-b0de-e2332b2adac8/id/37395515

TTS119-Beyond the Drill: Emergency Preparedness in Dental Practices 07/09/2025

TTS118- Glenn Vo: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 07/02/2025

TTS117 - From Pike Place to Prime 06/25/2025

The Tooth Sleuth Podcast

TOPICS