
The Dental Practice Launch Podcast intersects the topics of management, marketing and strategy that helps dentists, orthodontists and periodontists grow their private practices. Learn how startup and newly acquired dental practices are growing and thriving hearing real life stories.
This podcast is owned and operated by Crimson Media Dental Marketing.
Episodes

Monday Dec 15, 2025
Don't Make This Critical Marketing Growth Mistake | Ep. 78
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, Shane Simmons discusses the importance of tracking long-term patient production rather than just focusing on initial new patient appointments. He emphasizes the need for dental practices to analyze their marketing efforts and patient retention over time to make informed decisions that support sustainable growth. By understanding the full picture of patient production, practices can avoid making short-sighted marketing mistakes and ensure they are investing in effective channels.
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Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click here. https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways:
- Don't make the mistake of only tracking initial new patient appointments.
- Look at total patient growth, production, and collections over time.
- Consider the long-term value of new patients beyond their first visit.
- Track future production from new patients to understand true ROI.
- Analyze how many new patients return for follow-up appointments.
- Understand the impact of referrals from new patients on practice growth.
- Avoid cutting marketing channels that may have delayed effects.
- Focus on average patient production over a 12-month period.
- Data-driven decisions are crucial for sustainable practice growth.
- Celebrate record years but analyze the metrics behind them.

Friday Oct 17, 2025
If You Don’t Know These 4 KPIs, You’re Flying Blind | Ep. 77
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, Shane discusses the four essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that every dental practice owner should know. He emphasizes the importance of understanding new patient metrics, patient production, total production, and the cost of acquiring new patients. By tracking these KPIs, practice owners can make informed decisions to grow their practices and reduce stress. The episode provides valuable insights into how to effectively manage and analyze these metrics for better practice management.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes:
https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dental-practice-launch-podcast/id1333327986
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click here. https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways:
- You need to know how many new patients you're getting.
- Don't be too short-sighted with your marketing.
- Everything is marketing, including patient referrals.
- Track the total production as well as new patient production.
- Your cost to acquire a new patient is crucial for growth.
- Understanding KPIs helps reduce stress in practice management.
- You should reverse engineer your future growth based on data.
- Knowing your new patients scheduled each month is essential.
- Patient production should be analyzed over a longer term.
- Effective marketing strategies can lead to increased patient retention.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
02:03 Understanding New Patient Metrics
05:09 Analyzing Patient Production and Revenue
07:23 Total Production Insights
08:49 Cost of Acquiring New Patients
13:04 Summary of Essential KPIs

Monday Sep 22, 2025
One Year Later: Lessons From a Pediatric Dental Startup | Ep. 76
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
They’re back!!! In this episode, Shane Simmons gets a one year update from Dr. Dinowitz and his wife Michelle, owners of Voorhees Pediatric Dentistry. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of running an out-of-network pediatric dental practice, including their unique out-of-network model, marketing strategies, and the importance of building a strong reputation in the community. The conversation highlights the significance of patience, authenticity, and strategic partnerships in achieving business growth and maintaining quality care. There are great lessons in this episode!
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click here. https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways:
- The journey of starting a dental practice is a roller coaster of learning experiences.
- Choosing to operate out-of-network can be challenging but rewarding.
- Building a reputation takes time and effort, especially in a new community.
- Influencer marketing can significantly boost visibility and patient acquisition.
- Community engagement is crucial for establishing trust and relationships.
- Transparency in communication about insurance is key to patient retention.
- Delayed gratification is a vital mindset for business owners.
- Quality control must be maintained while pursuing growth.
- Utilizing social media authentically can resonate with potential patients.
- Having a supportive team and network is essential for success.
Chapters:
00:00 The Journey Begins: A Year in Review
06:47 Building Reputation: Overcoming Initial Challenges
12:57 Marketing Strategies: Influencer Partnerships and Community Engagement
20:03 Navigating Out-of-Network Challenges
47:03 Future Goals: Growth and Quality Control

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
From 30% to 70% Conversions: The Phone Training Fix | Ep. 75
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, host Shane Simmons interviews Susan Leckowicz, owner of Dental Coaches, about the critical role of front desk training in dental practices. They discuss the importance of first impressions on the phone, the impact of patient conversion rates, and effective strategies for handling insurance inquiries. Susan shares insights on building relationships with patients, discussing treatment costs, and the value of ongoing training for front desk teams. The conversation emphasizes the need for dental practices to understand their patient value and improve their phone conversion processes to enhance overall practice success.
Takeaways:
- Dental practices should focus on building freedom through effective marketing.
- First impressions on the phone are crucial for patient conversion.
- Patients often call multiple offices before making a decision.
- Understanding annual patient value can help practices gauge their success.
- Each lost call can cost a practice significant revenue.
- Training front desk staff is essential for improving patient interactions.
- Insurance questions should be handled with care and empathy.
- Building relationships with patients can lead to better retention and referrals.
- Ongoing training and monitoring of calls can enhance team performance.
- Creating a positive patient experience is key to practice growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Dental Practice Launch Podcast
01:23 Susan Leckowicz's Journey in Dentistry
04:02 The Importance of First Impressions on the Phone
09:29 Understanding Patient Value and Conversion Rates
13:12 Handling Insurance Questions Effectively
18:28 Building Relationships with Patients
28:09 The Bootcamp Training for Front Desk Teams
34:35 Actionable Advice for Improving Phone Conversions

Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, Shane Simmons interviews Dr. Sarah Severson, who shares her journey of opening a pediatric dental practice in Round Rock, Texas. Sarah discusses her motivations for practice ownership, the challenges she faced in building her practice, and the importance of investing in herself and her brand. She emphasizes the significance of clinical autonomy and the rewarding nature of being a practice owner, despite the daunting challenges that come with it.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click the link below: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways
- Dr. Sarah Severson opened a pediatric dental practice in Round Rock, Texas.
- She was motivated by a desire for clinical autonomy and to work with children.
- The journey to practice ownership was daunting but rewarding.
- Investing in continuing education is crucial for differentiation in services.
- Building a strong brand is essential for attracting patients.
- Staffing challenges are common in practice ownership.
- The importance of having a solid marketing plan before opening.
- Finding the right location is key to practice success.
- The first few months of opening can be overwhelming but affirming.
- Practice ownership requires wearing many hats and making tough decisions.

Friday Aug 01, 2025
You’re Not Spending Too Much on Marketing, You’re Tracking It Wrong | Ep. 73
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, Shane Simmons discusses the critical importance of understanding marketing ROI for dental practices. He emphasizes that many practice owners mistakenly cut marketing expenses without realizing the long-term revenue losses that can result. By tracking marketing efforts accurately and viewing them as investments rather than expenses, dental practices can achieve significant growth. The conversation highlights the need for proper data tracking and long-term thinking to maximize the effectiveness of marketing strategies.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click the link below: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways
- You do not want to be the practice owner that cuts $30,000 of revenue to save $2,000.
- Tracking marketing has improved significantly in recent years.
- Marketing should be viewed as an investment, not an expense.
- Dentists often think about marketing the wrong way.
- Successful practice owners focus on ROI rather than minimizing costs.
- Long-term tracking is essential for accurate ROI assessment.
- Cutting marketing can lead to substantial revenue loss.
- Accurate data tracking is crucial for understanding marketing effectiveness.
- You need to measure results over a longer time frame.
- Understanding your numbers is key to practice growth.

Monday Jul 21, 2025
How short-term marketing will destroy your practice | Ep. 72
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, Shane Simmons discusses the pitfalls of short-term marketing strategies in dental practices and emphasizes the importance of building a long-term vision for sustainable growth. He outlines key principles for effective marketing, including the need for patience, the significance of branding, and the necessity of tracking ROI accurately. By adopting a long-term perspective, dental practices can foster patient trust and create a thriving business environment.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast! Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click the link below: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways:
- Short-term marketing can trap dental practices in a cycle of stress.
- Successful practices focus on long-term visions and sustainable growth.
- Instant ROI is a false promise; marketing takes time to yield results.
- Marketing should be viewed as a flywheel, not a slot machine.
- Building a strong brand is essential for long-term success.
- Tracking ROI accurately is crucial for informed decision-making.
- Let your marketing efforts mature like a fine wine.
- Good marketing requires patience and consistency.
- Engaging with the community builds trust and loyalty.
- Successful practices invest in their brand and patient experience.

Monday Jun 09, 2025
Why Demographics Are Critical When Building Your Dream Practice | Ep. 71
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
In this episode, Shane Simmons discusses the critical importance of location selection for dental practices with Bobby Lind and Isaiah Douglass from Pinpoint. They explore how understanding demographics, competition, and patient ratios can significantly impact the success of a dental startup. The conversation gets into the tools and data available to help practice owners make informed decisions about where to establish their practices, as well as effective marketing strategies based on demographic insights. Key takeaways emphasize the need for practice owners to understand their market and partner with the right professionals to ensure success.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Pinpoint and secure your practice’s demographics analysis, visit their website https://pinpointmypractice.com/
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click the link below: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways:
- Understanding the demographics of an area is crucial for practice success.
- Stacking the odds in your favor starts with location selection.
- A healthy dentist-to-population ratio is essential for sustainability.
- Utilizing data can help identify the best locations for dental practices.
- Marketing strategies should be tailored to the demographics of the area.
- Partnering with real estate and marketing professionals is key.
- Data-driven decisions can lead to better patient targeting.
- Existing practices can leverage data to refine their marketing efforts.
- Understanding patient spending habits can inform service offerings.
- Continuous analysis of market data is vital for growth.

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
In this conversation, Shane and Dr. Ben Friberg drive into Dr. Friberg’s transformative journey from a stressed practice owner to a thriving dentist who prioritizes work-life balance.
He discusses the importance of defining personal and business values, effective team building, and the shift from high-volume to quality-focused marketing strategies.
The discussion emphasizes the need for clarity in personal goals, the significance of investing in team members, and the evolving nature of marketing in the dental industry.
To learn how Dr. Friberg helps overstressed dentists find freedom in their practice, visit his website https://www.drbenfriberg.com/
To order “The Seven Figure Practice Blueprint For Dentists”, click here: https://www.drbenfriberg.com/book
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click the link below: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways
- Practice ownership can lead to stress and burnout.
- Defining personal values is crucial for business success.
- Investing in team members leads to better retention and performance.
- Marketing should focus on quality over quantity.
- A clear vision helps in aligning business practices with personal goals.
- Team incentives should align with practice profitability and patient experience.
- Marketing is an ongoing experiment that requires time and feedback.
- Building trust with patients leads to higher case acceptance rates.
- Creating a positive team culture enhances productivity and morale.
- Work-life balance is achievable in dental practice ownership.

Friday May 09, 2025
The 3 KPIs You Must Know For Your Dental Practice | Ep. 69
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Practice Launch Podcast, Shane Simmons discusses the three key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for growing a dental practice predictably. He emphasizes the importance of understanding annual patient value, the cost of acquiring new patients, and the average booking time for new patients. By focusing on these metrics, dental practice owners can make informed decisions that lead to sustainable growth and profitability.
SUBSCRIBE to The Dental Practice Launch Podcast!
Check out more episodes: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/podcast
To learn more about Crimson Media and how we help dental startups grow through proven marketing strategies, click the link below: https://www.crimsonmediagroup.com/
Takeaways:
- Understanding KPIs is crucial for dental practice growth.
- Annual patient value indicates how much each patient contributes.
- Cost of acquiring new patients affects marketing strategies.
- Booking time for new patients impacts conversion rates.
- Tracking these metrics leads to informed decision-making.
- Growth should be prioritized over cutting costs.
- Data-driven insights can predict practice performance.
- Marketing investments should yield a good return.
- Practices need to be proactive in scheduling new patients.
- Effective tracking systems can enhance practice management.
