The Doctor Avi Show

Epizode

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  My Family of Dentists Never Taught Me This | Stephen Thorne CEO of PDS Health 09.09.2026 39min

  Stephen Thorne's mom died at 65. A heart attack, three weeks after her cardiologist told her she'd probably live to 100. Her scores were perfect. She'd done everything right. Her death sent him looking for answers. What he found was research connecting oral health to overall health, especially cardiovascular health, something none of the dentists in his own family (his grandfather, his father, two of his brothers) had ever mentioned to him.Stephen is CEO of PDS Health, formerly Pacific Dental Services. He started the company with his father in 1994, hit his first real growth ceiling in 1999, and has spent decades building it into the organization it is today.That personal loss changed the direction of the whole company.In this conversation with Dr. Avi:➡️Why he believes dentists can be the point person for a patient's overall health, not just their teeth➡️The four chronic disease categories tied to inflammation, and why gingivitis sits at the center of all of them➡️How PDS Health started integrating physicians and nurse practitioners directly into dental practices➡️Why saliva diagnostics are coming, and what changes once chairside testing gets approved➡️What it took to rebuild the company's org structure around this shift, and why COVID set that timeline back years.Worth listening to if you're a dentist trying to understand where the industry is heading, or a DSO leader thinking about medical-dental integration.Comment with what you think dentistry's role in overall healthcare should look like.Follow Stephen Thorne on:LinkedIn @stevethornepdshealthInstagram @stevethorne_pdshealth---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastNeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Care Credit: https://www.carecredit.com/providers/dental-practice-growth/Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/al...About Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram →   / doctor.avi  LinkedIn →   / dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor  
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  Why Dentists Struggle With Invisalign | Bryan Smits 02.09.2026 41min

  Bryan Smits got a call from Align about a product called iTero. He had no idea what it was. So he asked his wife, a general dentist, and she told him it was the scanner she had used on him when she treated him with Invisalign.He had not been paying attention. He started paying attention fast.Bryan is now General Manager of Special Markets at Align Technology. He came from hospital and diagnostic sales at Abbott Laboratories and Thermo Fisher, joined Align in 2017 running iTero for the central US, and got turned down the first time he interviewed for the Special Markets team. Nine months later they came back and asked him to build the iTero side of it.Watching his wife move from a DSO to private practice to Heartland gave him something most executives never get. He saw the clinical day from the inside before he ever sold into it.In this conversation with Dr. Avi:- Why he thinks the dental market today looks like the hospital market did in 2005, right before consolidation- The three attributes he screens every hire for, and how he tests for work ethic in an interview- What his wife noticed about patients thanking her for Invisalign, and why that reaction is different from any other procedure- Why Align invests in restorative education and lab work that has nothing to do with aligners- The emerging DSO segment, three to 15 locations, and why Align built a dedicated team for it this yearWorth listening to if you sell into dental groups, lead one, or are trying to understand how a manufacturer decides where to put its support.Comment with the one thing your group standardized that made the biggest difference.Follow Bryan Smits on Likedin at @BryanSmits1a330925 and Align Technology at @aligntechinc.---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastNeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  Everyone Wants to Be a Cosmetic Dentist… Here’s the Reality | Dr. Clement Kairouz 26.08.2026 31min

  The patient says "I want white teeth." You know white is the wrong call for their face.What do you actually do?Dr. Clem deals with this constantly. He works alongside Dr. Apa and Dr. Rosenthal doing high end cosmetic cases, and he is direct about where the tension lives. Patient expectation and patient education are two different things, and the job is finding the spot where both people are happy.His rule on shade is specific. If you are making the teeth bigger, you usually cannot also make them whiter. Pick one. Both at once will overwhelm the face.But he also lost that argument with a patient once, redid an entire full mouth case in a shade he disagreed with, and watched her become one of his happiest patients.What comes up:- Why he says the shave-teeth-to-nubs fear is a misconception, and why social media keeps it alive- Choosing between bigger and whiter, and how to explain that to a patient- What changed when he got his own veneers and went through the process as a patient- Why he thinks a smile changes perception, not identity- His one non-negotiable, which is not aesthetic at all- The advice he gives students: learn photography, and let it humble youUseful for general dentists adding cosmetic work, associates building case acceptance, and anyone who struggles with the shade conversation.Share the shade conversation that went sideways on you and what you would do differently.Follow Dr. Clem at @doctor.clem on intagram and @clementkairouz on LinkedIn and his Apa Aesthetic at @apa.aesthetic---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  Why Dentists Think DSOs Are Bad, and What Actually Makes One Good | Dr. Garg 20.08.2026 22min

  Dr. Garg spent 12 years as a dental attending at Bronx Care, running one of the hospital's satellite clinics. Then she left academia for a DSO. Five years later, she is still there.That is not a common story. Most dentists do not stay in one group that long.In this conversation, Dr. Garg walks through why she made the move, how she picked the organization, and what she looked for in the interview process. She wanted a long term career, not a job. She wanted the digital side of dentistry. And she wanted to know the promises were real before she signed.She also talks openly about the moment she was offered the aligner program and thought, "I hope this is not another marketing gimmick."Inside the conversation:- What she looked for in a DSO interview, and why "run by a dentist" mattered- The Infusion onboarding program at Dentsply Sirona headquarters- A two phase leadership program that changed how she talks to her team- Why she felt like a "one man army" when she started offering aligners- The one shift that took her from a handful of cases to eight in a month- How getting hygienists and front staff on board changed her case acceptanceThis one is for associates weighing a DSO offer, dentists who feel stuck at a few aligner cases a year, and anyone deciding whether a group can actually deliver on what it promised in the interview.If you have ever wondered whether a DSO can really invest in a clinician, drop a comment with what you would want to see in writing before you signed.Follow Dr. Garg at @Ridhima1227 the North American Dental Group (NADG) at @northamericandentalgroup.---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  How to Scale a Dental Practice Like a Real Business | Matt Coggin 12.08.2026 1h 11min

  Matt Coggin did not come up through dentistry. He came up fixing businesses.He spent most of his career on mergers, integrations, and go-to-market work. He ran a specialty pharmaceutical business. Then he led the ortho and clear aligner businesses at Dentsply Sirona as Chief Strategy Officer. About three years ago he became CEO of Spear Education.When he looked at dental practices, he saw something familiar. Small businesses. Under 20 employees. And almost no one actually leading the business.That is the heart of this conversation.Matt breaks down the difference between working in your business and working on it. He explains why a dental practice runs like a supply chain, where ten saved seconds add up to real money. And he is honest about the trap that catches many owners: hire an associate to work less, and your profit per day can actually drop.In this episode:Why most practices have no one running the businessWorking in the business versus working on it, and why it mattersThe associate math nobody explains before you hireTreatment planning the full mouth, the skill Spear was built onHow a structured pathway moves an associate from $3,000 to $4,500 a dayWhy training and development is the priority most owners skipThis one is for practice owners, multi-location owners, and DSO leaders who want to grow without burning out. Associates thinking about ownership will get a clear look at what running the business really takes.Comment with your biggest takeaway. If you know an owner stuck working in their practice, send this their way.Follow Matt Coggin at @matthew.coggins and Spear Education at @speareducation.---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  The Mentorship Crisis in Dentistry | Dr. Ray Scott 05.08.2026 52min

  There is a "secret handshake" in dentistry. Dentists listen more to other dentists.Dr. Ray Scott has built his whole leadership career around that truth. His job, as he learned early from a mentor, is to be the translator. He takes what is happening at the chair and explains it to the operating team. Then he takes what the business needs and explains it back to the doctors.The organizations that do this well tend to succeed. The ones missing visible dental leadership in the C-suite tend to struggle.Dr. Ray has earned the right to say it. He grew a Texas group from 5 practices to 35, became Chief Dental Officer at American Dental Partners, stayed through the Heartland Dental acquisition, and now leads clinical operations at North American Dental Group. He spent 25 years at the chair before any of the titles.In this conversation he opens up about:Why DSOs got a bad name, and what part of it was earnedThe hidden cost of moving from clinician to executiveWhy he tells dental leaders to keep "their fingers wet" at the chairGiving doctors a voice again, and building real community inside a groupHow he vets a new program before bringing it to the organizationHe is honest about the hard parts too. Facing a board. Learning the numbers. Having "enough stomach lining" for the role.This is for dentists who want to lead, and for DSO leaders who want their clinical voice to be heard.Comment with your biggest takeaway. If you know a dentist facing this call, send it their way.Follow Dr. Scott on Instagram at @mrsjrdds or connect with him on LinkedIn at @m-ray-scott-dds. You can also follow North American Dental Group at @nadentalgroup.---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  How to Buy a Dental Practice (What Nobody Warns You About) | Dr. Donnie Wiggin 29.07.2026 37min

  Dr. Donnie Wiggins worked at seven practices in his first year out of residency. Then he bought his own. This is how he decided he was ready, and what he learned once the keys were in his hand.We get into the real parts of practice ownership. Why acquiring a practice means acquiring someone else's problems. How he picked a location by the type of dentistry he wanted to do and the economics of the area. Why "ready" is a decision you make, not a place you arrive at.Donnie also shares how he uses AI to run the business. He feeds it his numbers and works through the margins with it, like a second brain. That is what led him to stop outsourcing his media and start building a team instead.We cover the part most owners get wrong. Pouring into your associates and your team is not a cost. It is the unlock for scale. As he puts it, your team needs to eat before you do.You will also hear about Cyber, the materials company he started in dental school. If you are an associate thinking about ownership, this one is for you. Comment your biggest question about buying a practice below, and follow for more conversations like this.Find Donnie at BondDentalStudios.com / @bonddentalstudios and @donniedental on Instagram.---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  Are DSOs Actually Bad? A Dentist Partner Responds | Dr. Kush Parikh 23.07.2026 1h 10min

  Dr. Kush graduated top of his class at Temple. He says his career looked almost exactly like what he pictured in dental school. In this episode we get into how that happens on purpose, not by luck.We talk about the habits underneath it. Waking up early. Treating time like the one currency you cannot get back. Surrounding yourself with different kinds of people, not just five sharks, so you grow in more than one direction.Kush also makes the case for structure. Dental school gives you a clear path. The day you graduate, that structure disappears. He explains why group models and good onboarding are actually good for young dentists, and why he took a pay cut at his first job to get real mentorship.Then we get into his jump from associate to partner in a six-office group, the owner mindset he built before he was an owner, and the part of ownership nobody warns you about.We also cover the mantra in his bio, be better than you were yesterday, and where he sees dental mentorship going in five years.If you are early in your career and figuring out your path, comment your biggest takeaway below and follow for more.Find Kush at @smilesbykush and Smile Culture Dental on Instagram and TikTok.---Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/---🔹 General DentistsIf you’re looking to implement clear aligners confidently and predictably:Free Training → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔹 DSOs & Group PracticesIf you’re exploring doctor activation, aligner adoption, or associate retention strategy:Learn more → https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/aligneradvantageAbout Dr. Avi: Dr. Avi Patel is a general dentist and founder of Clear Aligner Advisor. He works with solo practices and DSOs nationwide to bridge the gap between education and real-world execution — helping doctors grow with clarity and confidence.Connect with Dr. AviInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/doctor.aviLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor/
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  She Couldn’t Practice Dentistry Anymore. Here's What Happened Next | Dr. Mariz Tanious 10.07.2026 42min

  What happens when a dentist can no longer practice?In this episode of The Dr. Avi Show, Dr. Avi Patel sits down with Dr. Mariz Tanious, Chief Dental Officer at Affinity Dental, to discuss an unexpected career pivot that transformed her perspective on dentistry, leadership, and the future of DSOs.After being diagnosed with arthritis, Dr. Mariz Tanious was forced to step away from clinical dentistry. Rather than leaving the profession, she found a new way to make an impact—leading quality management and clinical excellence across large dental organizations.In this conversation, they discuss:• Why dental school doesn't prepare you for the realities of practice.• Student loans, burnout, and financial pressure in dentistry.• The importance of mentorship and continuous learning.• What Chief Dental Officers actually do (and why no one trains them).• The biggest challenges facing DSOs today.• Why conferences need more honest conversations and less surface-level content.• How AI is changing dentistry—and what it takes to implement it successfully.Whether you're a dental student, associate, practice owner, or DSO leader, this episode offers an honest look at career growth, leadership, and building a profession through collaboration instead of competition.Shoutout to our sponsors:SprintRay Midas: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-PodcastOrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OINeer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3Connect with Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/Connect with Dr. Mariz Tanious : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariz-tanious-dds/
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  From Broke Dentist to 10 Practices | Dr. Hardik Chodavadia 26.06.2026 54min

  Dr. Hardik Chodavadia co-founded Enamel Dentistry, growing it from a single startup practice with no formal business plan into a 10+ location dental group across Austin and McKinney. In this conversation, he's refreshingly honest about how much of that journey came down to timing, taking calculated risks, and what he jokingly calls a "dangerous level of lack of risk tolerance."In this episode, Dr. Hardik joins Dr. Avi to discuss:How he convinced a bank to fund his first startup practice despite having no business plan and a negative net worth.Why being a "terrible employee" ultimately led him to practice ownership.The books and mentors—including Buy Back Your Time, Dan Martell, and Alex Hormozi—that have shaped his leadership and business philosophy.Learning to delegate after being diagnosed with ADHD at age 38.The story behind Enamel Dentistry's signature purple branding (inspired by the Sacramento Kings).His current focus on marketing efficiency, AI-driven automation, and scaling a growing dental organization.Shoutout to our sponsors:🦷 SprintRay: https://bit.ly/SprintRay-Podcast🦷 Neer: https://bit.ly/4vzRFG3🦷 OrthoBrain: https://bit.ly/4vFk9OILearn more about Clear Aligner Advisor:https://clearaligneradvisor.coConnect with Dr. Hardik Chodavadia:https://linkedin.com/in/hardik-chodavadia-b1970820
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  How 25 Years at Heartland Dental Changed My Dental Career | Dr. Anna Singh 12.06.2026 45min

  25 years ago Anna Singh was a new grad with no map. Today she's Senior VP of Clinical Operations at Heartland Dental, overseeing care across nearly 2,000 practices. In this episode, she breaks down the systems behind that growth: why "bread-and-butter" dentistry beats chasing big procedures, how time studies transform efficiency, why the doctor-PMO partnership makes or breaks a practice, and why radical transparency around production numbers builds stronger teams. Anna also shares the mindset shift that changed how she saw clear aligner cases—and why patient quality of life, not aesthetics, should drive the conversation.Sponsors for this episode: SprintRay Midas: https://info.sprintray.com/midas-podcast OrthoBrain: https://orthobrain.co/ClearAlignerAdvisor Neer: http://getneer.com/patel Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/Connect with Anna Singh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-singh-b87a086a/
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  The 3 Promises Every DSO Should Make Before You Sign | Dave Gaspar 29.05.2026 1h 2min

  Dave Gaspar, CEO of Smile Partners (120+ practices), pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to lead a DSO without a clinical background and why that forces better decisions.In this episode, Dr. Avi and Dave break down the three promises every DSO should make before a doctor signs, why clinical autonomy is only meaningful when you're willing to sacrifice for it, and how grit — not just IQ or EQ — determines whether a partnership actually works.They also get into the real conversation around AI adoption in group practices, what the next generation of dentists gets right (and wrong) about grinding, and why social media is the most underutilized tool in the DSO playbook.If you're a dentist considering a DSO partnership, or already in one, this episode is worth your full attention. The tools and resources mentioned are linked below — use them.Sponsors for the episode:SprintRay Midas: https://info.sprintray.com/midas-podcas; OrthoBrain: https://orthobrain.co/ClearAlignerAdvisor ; Neer: http://getneer.com/patel ; Clear Aligner Advisor: https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/ Connect with Dave Gaspar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-gaspar-2a930311/
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  Why Oral Care Hasn't Innovated in 50 Years — Until Now | Gulshan Kumar 15.05.2026 49min

  What happens when a serial CPG entrepreneur meets a disrupting dentist — and they start building together? In this episode, Dr. Avi sits down with Gulshan Kumar, CEO and co-founder of Swishables, the portable mouthwash brand disrupting oral care. From his roots building Pathwater to identifying a massive white space in dental wellness, Gulshan breaks down how curiosity, strategy, and imagination drive real innovation.They go deep on why oral care has lacked innovation for decades, how Swishables fits into both DSO and solo practice models, and what dentists can learn from the CPG playbook. Plus: why education kills imagination — and how to get it back.If you're a dental professional thinking beyond the chair, this one's for you.🦷 Try Swishables for your practice:https://getswishables.com/pages/dentalUse code AVISWISH for 10% off📈 Scale your aligner revenue with Clear Aligner Advisor:https://www.clearaligneradvisor.co/🔗 Connect with Gulshan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulshan-kumar-b23900b6/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulshanjaikumar
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  I Built a DSO the Hard Way — Here's What I'd Do Differently | Dr. AJ Acierno 01.05.2026 51min

  Dr. AJ Acierno built a 27-location dental group while still practicing four days a week, and he's not sugarcoating what that actually took. In this episode, he breaks down why dentistry is falling from within, what standard of care really means in today's climate, and how AI is reshaping diagnostics and accountability.He also shares the leadership lessons he learned the hard way scaling Decision One Dental before merging with Smile Brands, where he now serves as Chief Dental Officer. If you want to understand where dentistry is headed, and what it takes to lead in it, this one's for you.
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  Hard Truths About DSOs | Brian Colao 17.04.2026 54min

  Brian Colao has spent 31 years at the intersection of law and dentistry — and in that time, he's watched the DSO industry go from a misunderstood concept to the most powerful force reshaping the profession.In this episode, Brian breaks down why most dentists still don't know how to leverage technology for same-store growth, what the biggest mistake is when selling a practice (hint: it's not the price), and how he went from being turned away at every conference to building the industry's premier event from scratch.If you're a dentist, DSO leader, or anyone navigating the business side of dentistry, this one's worth your full attention. Brian's event, Dykema DSO, is happening July 15–17 in Denver. Use code PODCAST300 at registration for $300 off. Register here: dykemadso.com/conference
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  Your Office Manager Can't Save You. Here's What Can. | Craig Iott 03.04.2026 27min

  Most dentists are great clinicians. Nobody taught them how to run a business.Dr. Avi sits down with Craig Iott, operational consultant to 200+ businesses , to break down why dental practices feel chaotic, and what to do about it.They cover systems, DSO mistakes, shiny object syndrome, and why your personal brand matters more than ever.If you own a practice or plan to, this one is worth your time.Craig Iott: www.allsolutions.consultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-iott/Dr. Avi: @Doctor.Avi | clearaligneradvisor.coLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avi-patel-clearaligner-advisor
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  The Honest Truth About Dentistry: Burnout, Boundaries & Finding Your Way | Dr. Ellie Halabian 20.03.2026 41min

  Dr. Avi sits down with Dr. Ellie Bucklin, dentist, podcaster behind Teeth Matter, and NYU faculty, for a candid conversation about what dental school doesn't prepare you for.From mental health and people-pleasing to navigating toxic mentorship and building resilience, Ellie shares the raw reality of early-career dentistry and how she turned her lowest points into a platform that's helping the next generation.If you've ever felt like you weren't enough, moved too fast, or wondered why no one talks about the hard stuff, this episode is for you.
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  From Dentist to CEO: Building a 100x Vision in Modern Dentistry - Dr. Brad Hughes 06.03.2026 51min

   In this episode, Dr. Avi sits down with a third-generation dentist and founder of Vision Dental Partners, Dr. Brad Hughes, to discuss the mindset shift that transformed his career—from thinking about 5x growth to building a 100x vision. They explore the power of community, personal branding, and social media for young dentists, the reality behind DSOs and mentorship, and why leadership and patient trust are the true drivers of practice growth. This conversation offers practical insights for dentists who want to move beyond the chair and build something bigger.
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  The Disconnect in Dentistry - Dr. Naved Fatmi 20.02.2026 35min

  What does success in modern dentistry really look like?In this episode of The Dr. Avi Show, Dr. Avi sits down with entrepreneur and clinician Dr. Naved Fatmi to discuss scaling without burnout, building strong systems, and redefining ownership in today’s dental landscape.They cover why most dentists get in trouble, the importance of communication and culture, the myth that everyone needs to own a practice, and how to optimize for time, money, and fulfillment — not just production.A must-listen for dentists, associates, and DSO leaders looking to build smarter, not just bigger.
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  Unleashing the Power of Clear Aligners with Dr. Stephane Reinhardt 26.07.2024 1h 5min

  In this insightful episode, Dr. Stephane Reinhardt delves into the importance of aligner education and the surprisingly low adoption rate of aligners among dentists. He underscores the immense potential and profitability of incorporating aligners into dental practices and addresses the common fear of orthodontics, advocating for a focus on improvement rather than perfection. Dr. Reinhardt discusses key aspects such as: Aligner Education: The critical need for better education among dentists regarding the use of aligners. Case Selection: The importance of selecting appropriate cases for aligner treatment. Financial Simplification: Simplifying financial agreements to make aligner treatments more accessible. Personal Journey: His transition from clinical dentistry to becoming an educator and the creation of the Clear Institute. Empowerment through Education: The Clear Institute’s mission is to empower dentists to integrate clear aligners into their practices and provide comprehensive dental care. Dr. Reinhardt also shares his journey into dentistry and his shift towards clear aligners, emphasizing the principles behind their use, the necessity of informed consent, and alternative treatments with clear aligners. He encourages dentists to embrace clear aligners to enhance their practice and better serve their patients.