The Dental HR Podcast

Эпизоды

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  Help! I have a pregnant applicant! What do I do? 11.08.2026 12мин

  Today we have a listener question: "What do I do if an applicant tells me she's pregnant?" Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan Twigg to discuss this one. We break down what to say, what not to say, how to document it, what the rules are, and perspectives to consider. Enjoy! To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  New Practice Managers - how to navigate the transition to leadership 28.07.2026 19мин

  Another listener question: "How do I navigate being a brand-new office manager?" Are you a new manager? Are you now overseeing your peers? How do you lead a team you were recently a part of? Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan Twigg to discuss this common topic. We discuss: The dynamics of middle management: stuck between owners and employees Job description nuances for managers Proper training and risks for new managers What specific power does a manager have? Raises. Hiring. Serious issues. What does the policy manual say? How can the owner(s) empower you in this new role? Don't expect instant authority and obedience Respect is earned over time To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Accidents, Injuries, Worker's Comp - How to handle needlesticks? 14.07.2026 14мин

  Today we have another listener question: an employee had an accidental needlestick, yikes! Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins us to discuss worker's comp, general accidents or workplace injuries, paperwork, etc. Learn how to properly handle all sorts of injuries in the workplace! To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Listener Question: How Do I Talk to My Employee About Her Attendance Problem? 30.06.2026 31мин

  Today we have a listener-submitted question: How Do I Talk to My Employee About Their Attendance Problem? Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP and Alan T. Twigg discuss how to talk to employees who have chronic attendance issues. They discuss what to say, how to differentiate between protected and non-protected Sick Leave, the impact on patients, and addressing common employee responses. In many cases, leaders want to keep their employees, especially with the tight labor market. So how do we navigate this very common issue? Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/ To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
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  Another epic Documentation topic! Tracking Wage and Job Changes over time 16.06.2026 12мин

  You've done all the wonderful delightful new-hire paperwork, and now it's months or years later. Raises, classification changes, full vs part time, benefits, schedule changes....how should you document these things? Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan to discuss this (super exciting) topic. Documentation is EVERYONE's favorite topic! (Maybe just Trisha's.) Learn the downsides of failing to document these common HR changes. In this tight labor market, you need to do everything possible to create trust and avoid preventable turnover. BEA Clients: refer to your Status Benefit Change Notice in the HR Director system! To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  HR + AI with Kara Kelley! How should you use AI in your practice? 01.06.2026 49мин

  Joining us today is Kara Kelley SPHR, SHRM-SCP, a Fractional HR Business Partner and CEO of Clinical HR LLC. Kara is a friend and colleague who helps make sense of the crazy world of HR. This discussion focuses on Artificial Intelligence in HR: hallucinations, hiring risks, what AI does really well right now, and where we might be going. Also be sure to check out her podcast with Amy Wood: Compliant AF, which explores many areas of compliance! https://www.compliantafpodcast.com/ You can learn more about Kara and Clinical HR here: www.clinicalhr.com To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Your Brand is Your Best Recruiter - a discussion with Abe Kasbo! 19.05.2026 31мин

  We are honored to chat with Abe Kasbo, Founder and CEO of Verasoni Worldwide. If you haven't seen Abe's incredible piece on Recruiting & Branding, check it out: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-brand-best-recruiter-verasoni-2tv5e/ Today we discuss Abe's views on how to stand out in this tight labor market, and how your team plays the key role in that. This is a wonderful concept merging HR and Branding. You can learn more about Abe and Verasoni here: https://verasoni.com/ To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Scary Letters Part 2 - State Labor Board Investigations 05.05.2026 19мин

  This episode continues our series on "Scary Letters" which are HR-related serious situations that often start with receiving a letter in the mail. Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins us to discuss scary letters from the state, or federal, labor boards. We discuss common reasons for these situations, how to respond, what the typical process looks like, and how these situations can easily spiral out to include other employees or even former employees. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Can you classify workers as 1099 Independent Contractors? 21.04.2026 23мин

  Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan to break down 1099 contractor vs employee classification. We discuss the Dept of Labor and IRS criteria, why the word "independent" is so important in "independent contractor," and which dental positions might qualify as a contractor. What are the risks of misclassification? Could an associate dentist be a contractor? What about hygienists? For some light reading, check out the DOL info here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/13-flsa-employment-relationship To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Temporary Employees - Hiring and Managing Temp Workers 07.04.2026 20мин

  Alan and Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP discuss all the nuances of Temporary Employees. What paperwork to use, can you classify them as 1099 contractors, employees vs temp agencies, Uber-like temp systems, payroll stuff, what if you like the temp better than your employee on maternity leave? Navigate temp workers safely with today's episode! To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Student Internships - What are the compliance considerations? 26.03.2026 17мин

  Join Alan and Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP for a discussion of Job Shadowing vs Student Internships. Learn the considerations and compliance risks of internships, paperwork required, and your role in the school program. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  DIY Employee Handbooks - the pros and cons of writing, editing, or updating handbooks in-house 17.03.2026 17мин

  In today's episode Alan and Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP share their past experiences with writing, editing, and updating employee handbooks in previous jobs. Trisha was stuck in middle management with too many executives involved. Alan received a free policy manual and made his own updates. In both cases, they struggled with compliance updates, old outdated cringy language, and the time it took. Trisha and Alan also discuss the good 'ole days of the early/mid 2000's when the laws were so much simpler. Join us to learn the pros and cons of DIY employee handbooks in 2026. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Generational Differences - Navigating Challenges with Ryan Vet! 03.03.2026 33мин

  Have you struggled with multiple generations in your practice? Are the young workers a different breed, super weird, and talk funny? We are honored to have Ryan Vet on the show to help navigate this world. Ryan is a globally recognized keynote speaker, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and podcaster. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, launched startups, and spoken at over 1,000+ events. Join us as we dissect the generational metrics, future trends, how major events have shaped each generation, why Gen Z seems so casual, what Gen X'ers want, and more! To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Drug Testing Part 2 - Fun Stories & Reframing Performance Issues 24.02.2026 20мин

  Did you hear the one about the fake penis at the drug testing facility? Or the pouch of pee under the employee's skirt? Join Trisha and Alan for Part 2 on Drug Testing in the workplace! Today we discuss fun stories of employees trying to fake their results. We also dive into the recommended process when you suspect something with an employee and you're not sure. We discuss the important reframing of Performance Issues vs Substance Abuse. Never a dull moment in HR! To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Scary Letters - handling a threatening legal action 11.02.2026 17мин

  Today we're discussing Scary Letters (no not unemployment, that's not scary). Real scary letters are from attorneys representing former employees, threatening lawsuits and legal action, demanding settlements, etc. Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan Twigg to break down where these scary letters come from, and the two common paths forward. Spoiler alert: if you have your HR stuff together, it's a whole lot better! Enjoy. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Our 2026 Predictions - The 4 HR Trends We See Coming 27.01.2026 11мин

  Join us today for our 4 predictions for HR trends in 2026! Alan covers what he sees coming this year, including: 1. The impact of AI on employee awareness 2. The pace of HR legal changes 3. Hiring and onboarding people from outside dental 4. Mental Health in the workplace What trends do you see coming in 2026? We'd love to hear your thoughts: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/ To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Have a great day!
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  Employees Not Following Policies 14.01.2026 25мин

  Happy new year! To kick off 2026 we're discussing the common scenario of employees not following policies. We're joined again by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP. Learn the steps and key management materials. Enjoy! Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/ To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
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  Holiday Parties! Paying wages, serving alcohol, should you serve marijuana? 10.12.2025 18мин

  Join us to discuss holiday parties and paid holidays! We are joined by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP to discuss whether holiday parties are paid/unpaid, reducing liability, how to serve alcohol, what if marijuana is legal, religious accommodations, and when holidays are paid. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director Management System and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/ Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
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  Situation Leadership Skills with Olivia Smith! 25.11.2025 19мин

  Today we're joined by Olivia Smith with OS Dental Consulting to discuss Situational Leadership! We discuss what it entails, how it helps you lead your team throughout the employment lifecycle, and how it relates to your big practice goals. This is great stuff for all practice leaders! Olivia Smith is a trusted consultant, coach, and national speaker with a passion for helping dental practices thrive. With experience supporting over 100 practices across the country, Olivia brings a wealth of knowledge in operations, practice transitions, team coaching, and training. Connect with Olivia at osdentalconsulting.com or email: olivia@osdentalconsulting.com. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
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  Working Interviews & Skills Assessments - Pros and Cons 11.11.2025 17мин

  Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins us again to discuss the common topic of Working Interviews and Skills Assessments. As more practices hire from within and from outside the dental world, assessing a candidate's abilities becomes super important. The resume and interview only tell us so much. While it's logical to want to see a candidate in action, we will explain the nuances of both methods, the pros and cons, and the compliance risks. Bent Ericksen Clients: please refer to the Forms area of your HR Director account for the two agreements mentioned in today's episode. To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/