Dentists often keep operating beliefs long after the market, technology, and patient expectations have changed. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with recurring guest Dr. Tom Hedge, practicing dentist and educator, to unpack myths dentists still believe — from selling to DSOs and misunderstanding recap/valuation, to overestimating the cost and complexity of modern technology, imaging, magnification, and hygiene staffing.
You’ll learn how to rethink “rules of thumb,” evaluate DSO offers more clearly, adopt practical tech that improves diagnosis and case acceptance, and use education and community to stay adaptable. Listen to Episode 1052 of The Best Practices Show!
Main Takeaways:
- Dentists often assume what worked ten years ago will keep working, even when costs, fees, and alternatives have changed.
- DSO deals can break down when recapitalization happens and cheap money is no longer cheap, shrinking what DSOs can “skim” between dentist pay and profitability.
- A “second bite of the apple” payout is not guaranteed, and dentists can lose value if the DSO is not financially strong when the holdback comes due.
- Technology prices and workflows have changed dramatically, and many tools (cameras, scanners, digital X-rays) now deliver faster diagnosis and better patient understanding.
- Patient imaging can be created quickly using AI tools, which can help patients visualize outcomes and move forward without high-pressure selling.
- Magnification and hands-free lighting can simplify clinical work, reduce operatory clutter, and improve the patient experience compared to traditional overhead lights.
- Investing in continuing education moves dentists from “not knowing what you don’t know” to confident clinical decision-making, but learning never stops.
Snippets:
00:00 Welcome And Setup
02:04 Why Myths Persist
02:38 Rethinking Fees
03:42 DSO Big Check Myth
05:31 Recap And EBITDA
08:19 Independent Dentistry Future
09:39 Tech Costs Myth
12:59 Hands Free Operatory Tech
13:50 AI Smile Imaging Fast
15:58 Magnification Lighting Simplified
17:33 Hygiene Crisis Reframed
19:27 Education And Community
20:35 SmileSource Exchange Invite
22:09 Final Takeaways Goodbye
Guest Bio/Guest Resources:
Dr. Tom Hedge is widely known as one of the top-notch cosmetic dentists in the United States. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he majored in biology and chemistry. While studying at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, he conducted research resulting in the publication of seven abstracts and one paper, which received numerous awards at the state and national levels. After graduating from dental school, he completed a general practice residency at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. This advanced education included training in anesthesia, pediatrics, emergency medicine, geriatrics, TMJ treatment, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, prosthetics, and implantology.
Dr. Hedge is nationally recognized not only for excellence in clinical programs, but for sound business practices that make full use of the newest technologies in dentistry. He is an alumnus of the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, as well as the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Hedge is a frequent contributor to dental publications, as well as professional development magazines.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
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