Dr. William Chen: Clinical Mistake

This week on Dental Fuel, we're sinking our teeth into the financial facets of dentistry with Dr. Fatmi.  Ask yourself, are you chasing the latest in dental tech and trends like Botox & Juvéderm for the right reasons? 

 Dr. Fatmi challenges us to rethink our investments – and ask yourself, “Does it truly serve our patients?” Or does it just serve our desires for the newest gadgets and procedures. Let's get real about managing our practice's finances without compromising on quality care. 

About the Guest:

Dr. Naved Fatmi is a highly regarded dentist based in the southern area of Boca Raton, Florida. An alumnus of the University of Florida, graduating in 2009, Dr. Fatmi has a robust professional background in dentistry. He has successfully opened and managed multiple practices, growing his ventures to five practices, though he currently owns three. Alongside his role as a practicing dentist, Dr. Fatmi is involved in academia as a faculty member at Palm Beach State College and offers lectures at the University of Florida on the business aspects of dentistry. His commitment to his profession extended to serving on the board of the College of Dentistry, holding the position of chairman in the tenure from 2015 to 2025.

Episode Summary:

In this illuminating installment of Dental Fuel, Dr. Naved Fatmi returns to delve into the oft-overlooked topic of financial mistakes in dentistry, focusing specifically on continuing education and technology investment. His candid discussion with Tanya Sue Maestas offers valuable insights into the pitfalls that dentists can encounter when aiming to be a 'super GP'. The episode is a treasure trove for dental professionals seeking to make informed decisions about their practice and personal growth.

The conversation begins with Dr. Fatmi reflecting on his own experiences, highlighting the cost of pursuing an extensive range of dental services without a strategic approach. He emphasizes the delicate balance between investing in new technologies for patient care versus personal fulfillment. The episode transitions into a deeper exploration of Dr. Fatmi’s journey from clinical mastery to mastering the business of dentistry. He shares invaluable advice for young dentists on choosing continuing education courses and understanding the financial implications of running a multi-practice business model versus focusing on a single practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Investing in a wide array of dental services without a clear strategy can lead to financial strain and a decrease in the quality of care.
• Understanding one's personal limitations and professional goals is crucial before expanding into multiple practices.
• Continuous education should be a blend of improving clinical skills and learning the entrepreneurship side of dentistry.
• The standard of care must remain high, and ethical considerations should always guide treatment decisions.
• Networking with like-minded professionals and joining industry organizations can provide valuable financial and business insights.

Connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi: @drnavedfatmi

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

Listen in to our first episode with Dr. Naved Fatmi, a dentist  and entrepreneur, practicing in Florida. In this episode of #Dental Fuel, Dr. Fatmi shares his journey of scaling his dental practice from one to five locations . He discusses the importance of focusing on profitability  and maximizing the potential of each chair , rather than simply increasing the number of practices. Dr. Fatmi also reflects on the mistake of trying to be a "SUPER GP" and emphasizes the importance of finding your niche in dentistry . He offers advice on how to choose the right procedures based on your interests and the demographics of your practice location. 

About the Guest:

Dr. Naved Fatmi is a highly regarded dentist based in the southern area of Boca Raton, Florida. An alumnus of the University of Florida, graduating in 2009, Dr. Fatmi has a robust professional background in dentistry. He has successfully opened and managed multiple practices, growing his ventures to five practices, though he currently owns three. Alongside his role as a practicing dentist, Dr. Fatmi is involved in academia as a faculty member at Palm Beach State College and offers lectures at the University of Florida on the business aspects of dentistry. His commitment to his profession extended to serving on the board of the College of Dentistry, holding the position of chairman in the tenure from 2015 to 2025.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of Dental Fuel, Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas engages in a rich conversation with Dr. Naved Fatmi, who brings a wealth of experience from the front lines of dental entrepreneurship. The episode delves into Dr. Fatmi's journey of expanding his dental practice endeavours, his strategies for sustainable business growth, and his deep-seated passion for providing exceptional patient care.

Dr. Fatmi shares the story of how he scaled his operations, originally growing to five dental practices, and then strategically narrowing down to three. Emphasizing the importance of chair profitability over the number of practices, he details his current operational setup which maximizes efficiency. He also discusses his clinical involvement, finding fulfillment in impactful patient transformations, and the significance of having specialists like endodontists and periodontists on his team. Throughout, the conversation is interspersed with valuable lessons on identifying and capitalizing on one's strengths within the dental profession.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Naved Fatmi has expanded his dental practice significantly since graduation, emphasizing chair profitability and efficiency over the sheer number of practices.
• Despite his extensive administrative responsibilities, Dr. Fatmi maintains a clinical presence, focusing on transformative patient care.
• Finding a niche and excelling in specific dental procedures can lead to better patient outcomes and a more successful practice.
• Dr. Fatmi encourages new dentists to learn broadly but also to be honest with themselves about which procedures they genuinely enjoy and excel at.
• There is great value in aligning dental services with the demographics and needs of the practice's locality, rather than merely following trends or personal interests.

Connect with Dr. Naved Fatmi: @drnavedfatmi

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

DentalFuel dives deep with Irene Iancu, offering invaluable wisdom for all business owners out there.  In this must-listen episode, Irene shares her ultimate advice: "No is a full sentence"  and "Take deep breaths before big sentences." 

She reminds us that as leaders, we're held to the highest standard - setting the tone for our entire office.  When challenges arise, maintaining composure isn't just an option; it's a necessity.  Remember, the way we react sets the stage for everyone around us. Tune in to learn how to navigate the highs and lows of business ownership with grace and authority. 

About the Guest:

Irene Iancu is a passionate and skilled restorative dental hygienist based in Toronto, Canada. With 16 years of experience in the dental field, Irene has developed a diverse set of skills, working in various specialized practices including periodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. As the owner of her own practice, she goes beyond typical dental hygiene duties by also performing restorative work such as direct and indirect restorations. In addition to her clinical work, Irene is active in the dental community as an educator, social media influencer with 30,000 followers, and host of a popular dental podcast. Her journey and expertise have not only shaped her career but have also provided her with a platform to share her knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful discussion with Tanya Sue Maestas, Irene Iancu delves into her personal journey, contrasting the healthcare practices between the USA and Canada, and shares profound life and professional advice. The illuminating dialogue sheds light on the importance of emotional regulation, workplace culture, and setting boundaries in both personal and professional realms.

The episode begins by exploring Irene's personal excursion into the realm of dental healthcare, leading to an intriguing comparison of practices across North American borders. The summary then pivots to Irene's invaluable guidance for listeners, emphasizing two core principles: the significance of measured responses during tense moments and the power of "no." The episode not only imparts practical wisdom for maintaining poise as a leader but also discusses the ripple effects those actions have on teams and client relations.

Key Takeaways:

• Adopting deep breaths before speaking can help maintain composure and set a professional example in tense situations.
• The assertion that "no" is a complete sentence and does not require justification.
• The embodiment of leadership reflects in every action and sets the standard for team behavior and performance.
• How the demeanor of a leader can influence their team's interaction with clients and overall workplace atmosphere.

Connect with Irene Iancu: @toothlife.irene

Check out Tooth or Dare Podcast: @toothoredare.podcast

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/

Today we are joined by the remarkable Irene Iancu RRDH to talk about overcoming team mistakes and the pivotal moments of her career. 

About the Guest:

Irene Iancu is a passionate and skilled restorative dental hygienist based in Toronto, Canada. With 16 years of experience in the dental field, Irene has developed a diverse set of skills, working in various specialized practices including periodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. As the owner of her own practice, she goes beyond typical dental hygiene duties by also performing restorative work such as direct and indirect restorations. In addition to her clinical work, Irene is active in the dental community as an educator, social media influencer with 30,000 followers, and host of a popular dental podcast. Her journey and expertise have not only shaped her career but have also provided her with a platform to share her knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.

Episode Summary:

In an insightful episode featuring dental professional Irene Iancu, listeners are granted a front-row seat to the trials and triumphs of building and managing a successful dental practice. Irene provides a candid look into the complexities of onboarding employees and fostering a cohesive team. The conversation, which is rich in experiences and expert knowledge, makes it a must-listen for dental practitioners and anyone interested in team management and business growth strategies.

Irene discusses the pitfalls and learning moments encountered while hiring staff for her dental practice, highlighting the crucial balance between individual skill sets and team chemistry. She reveals having to adjust her hiring approach and subsequently stepping away from the process entirely, allowing her office manager to bring in personnel who have since surpassed expectations. Such revelations provide invaluable insights for both existing and budding practice owners seeking to optimize their team dynamics. Through practical examples and heartfelt reflections, this episode examines the subtleties of team-building and leadership in a dental context.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize the potential downside of hiring individuals who are too similar to yourself and the importance of a diverse team.
• Understand that relinquishing hiring control can lead to better outcomes as employees can flourish under the trust and responsibilities given to them.
• Acknowledge that even the best employees may aspire to further their education or change career paths, affecting practice stability.
• Embrace the concept of managing expectations rather than people, and cultivate a nurturing environment where employees can become empowered leaders.
• Reflect on the journey of continuous learning and growth, considering additional education such as business management courses if suitable.

Connect with Irene Iancu: @toothlife.irene

Check out Tooth or Dare Podcast: @toothoredare.podcast

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/

Do you want to avoid Costly Mistakes in Dentistry?  Irene Iancu RRDH shares an essential lesson: The critical importance of implementing systems in your dental practice. Learn from her experience and prevent unauthorized and unwanted write-offs   that can impact your bottom line. It's time to safeguard your practice's financial health! 

About the Guest:

Irene Iancu is a passionate and skilled restorative dental hygienist based in Toronto, Canada. With 16 years of experience in the dental field, Irene has developed a diverse set of skills, working in various specialized practices including periodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. As the owner of her own practice, she goes beyond typical dental hygiene duties by also performing restorative work such as direct and indirect restorations. In addition to her clinical work, Irene is active in the dental community as an educator, social media influencer with 30,000 followers, and host of a popular dental podcast. Her journey and expertise have not only shaped her career but have also provided her with a platform to share her knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, dental professional Irene Iancu shares her candid experience of transitioning from clinical work to owning and managing her own dental practice. Amid the backdrop of the business's nitty gritty, she delves into the financial missteps and lessons learned while building her business from the ground up. The conversation exposes the often unaddressed aspects of dental practice management that go beyond patient care, offering valuable insights for peers in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• There is often a gap in business training for dental professionals, requiring new practice owners to learn management skills on the job.
• Essential systems and checks need to be in place to monitor employees' work and optimize the practice's operational aspects.
• Unanticipated issues like the complexity of insurance claims can lead to costly financial oversights if systems are not well-established.
• Irene recommends listening to industry podcasts, attending conferences, and utilizing available resources like operation manuals to help create practice systems.
• Differing practices and regulatory environments between the U.S. and Canada can pose unique challenges in insurance processing and management.

Connect with Irene Iancu: @toothlife.irene

Check out Tooth or Dare Podcast: @toothoredare.podcast

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/

Irene Iancu’s journey is a testament to determination and passion. Tired of searching for the perfect dental office, she took matters into her own hands and created Toothlife Studio, a haven for dental excellence. In this episode, Irene shares the inspiring story of her journey from dental hygienist to practice owner.

Listen as she delves into the challenges and triumphs of her career, including a candid discussion about a clinical learning experience with treating white spot lesions. Her insights are invaluable for all dental professionals!

About the Guest:

Irene Iancu is a passionate and skilled restorative dental hygienist based in Toronto, Canada. With 16 years of experience in the dental field, Irene has developed a diverse set of skills, working in various specialized practices including periodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. As the owner of her own practice, she goes beyond typical dental hygiene duties by also performing restorative work such as direct and indirect restorations. In addition to her clinical work, Irene is active in the dental community as an educator, social media influencer with 30,000 followers, and host of a popular dental podcast. Her journey and expertise have not only shaped her career but have also provided her with a platform to share her knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Dental Fuel, host Tanya Sue Maestas engages in an insightful conversation with Irene Iancu, providing listeners with a glimpse into the multifaceted world of dental hygiene and practice ownership in Canada. The episode delves into Irene's unique role as a restorative dental hygienist and her entrepreneurial journey opening her own practice.

Irene offers a comprehensive peek into the tasks of a restorative dental hygienist and reveals her collaborative approach with a full-time dentist at her practice. An enthusiastic proponent of continuing education and influencer, Irene traces her steps toward creating educational content and emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations in clinical practice. Her experience brings valuable insights into navigating challenges and embracing new opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Restorative dental hygienists in Canada can perform extensive dental procedures beyond standard dental hygiene tasks.
• Irene Iancu owns a dental practice in Toronto, where she collaborates with a full-time dentist to provide comprehensive dental care.
• Legal guidelines for dental marketing in Canada are strict, influencing the type of outreach dental professionals can engage in.
• The importance of setting proper patient expectations before procedures to ensure satisfactory outcomes and professional accountability.
• Networking and live podcasting at trade shows can provide unique opportunities to engage with peers and the dental community.

Connect with Irene Iancu: @toothlife.irene

Check out Tooth or Dare Podcast: @toothoredare.podcast

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/

 Last Call for Dental Fuel with Dr. Jennifer Bell!  

Episode 4, Dr. Bell’s final advice: Discover the art of finding your dental practice match.  Dr. Bell shares some secrets to success—build a partnership like a strong marriagewith shared vision and complementary skills.  Equal ownership, unwavering support, and community practice have made the dream work for her! 

 Want more of Dr. Jennifer Bell?

 Connect with Dr. Bell on Dentists in the Know on Instagram and Facebook. 

About The Guest:

Dr. Jennifer Bell is a full-time practicing dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 14 years of experience, she owns two diverse dental practices that offer comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Dr. Bell is also the host of the podcast "Dentists in the Know" (DINKs), where she and her colleagues provide up-to-date information and insights on various topics in dentistry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Practicing in community is better than practicing alone.
2. Choose a business partner who shares your vision and complements your skills.
3. Treat your partnership like a marriage, with equal commitment and support.

Connect with Jennifer Bell: @jbreezy.78

Connect with Dentists in the Know: @dentistsintheknow

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/

 In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Bell exposes the secrets of dental team mishaps!  Trust your instincts and learn why holding onto misfits is a costly error and LEARN why a resume  might not tell the whole story. Take responsibility, continue to be BOLD, release the fear of change and embrace the power of letting go for success! Join us for actionable insights,  as we venture into a lively discussion on creating thriving dental teams! 

About The Guest:

Dr. Jennifer Bell is a full-time practicing dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 14 years of experience, she owns two diverse dental practices that offer comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Dr. Bell is also the host of the podcast "Dentists in the Know" (DINKs), where she and her colleagues provide up-to-date information and insights on various topics in dentistry.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust your gut when hiring new staff members, even if their resumes seem impressive.
• Address team members who are not a good fit for the practice and provide proper training and support.
• Conduct regular employee reviews and maintain open communication to address any issues.
• Be bold and confident in running your practice and don't let others disrupt your vision.

Connect with Jennifer Bell: @jbreezy.78

Connect with Dentists in the Know: @dentistsintheknow

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/ 

Diving deep into dentistry's financial landscape with the insightful Dr. Jennifer Bell on our latest Dental Fuel episode! 

 Join us as she uncovers a common pitfall many dentists face – the pursuit of depreciating assets to trim those tax bills. But as a dentist, have you truly considered the long-term impact? 

 Dr. Bell shares her journey, expressing the need for more guidance in understanding how these assets impact profitability, stressing the importance of dissecting expense line items for informed decisions. 🦷

Don't miss her invaluable advice for cultivating a thriving practice! 🎙️ 

About The Guest:

Dr. Jennifer Bell is a full-time practicing dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 14 years of experience, she owns two diverse dental practices that offer comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Dr. Bell is also the host of the podcast "Dentists in the Know" (DINKs), where she and her colleagues provide up-to-date information and insights on various topics in dentistry.

Key Takeaways:

• Dentists often chase depreciating assets to reduce tax liability, but they may not consider the long-term financial implications.
• Mortgage payments on acquired assets come out of the practice's profitability, reducing the owner's take-home income.
• Dentists should carefully consider the ROI and financial responsibility of acquiring new technology and equipment.
• It is important to give enough time for onboarding and training when introducing new technology to the practice.

Connect with Jennifer Bell: @jbreezy.78

Connect with Dentists in the Know: @dentistsintheknow

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/

Welcome 2024!

Let's IGNITE the New Year with some Dental Fuel!  Listen in and join the fabulous Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas as she sits down for an electrifying interview with the powerhouse Dr. Jennifer Bell, one-third of the dynamic trio from Dentists In The Know.

 In this episode, Dr. Bell not only brings infectious energy but spills the TEA on one of her most disastrous clinical mistakes – buckle up, it's a doozy! From rising above challenges to navigating the unpredictable twists of clinical days, this episode is full of inspiration and information. 

About The Guest:

Dr. Jennifer Bell is a full-time practicing dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 14 years of experience, she owns two diverse dental practices that offer comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Dr. Bell is also the host of the podcast "Dentists in the Know" (DINKs), where she and her colleagues provide up-to-date information and insights on various topics in dentistry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stay involved in organized dentistry to have a voice in decisions that impact the profession.
2. Pull the hard reline material up and down during the early set period to mold it properly.
3. If a partial denture becomes locked in, use a handpiece to cut it free rather than risking damage to the patient's teeth.
4. Mistakes happen in dentistry, but it's important to learn from them and strive to improve each day.

Connect with Jennifer Bell: @jbreezy.78

Connect with Dentists in the Know: @dentistsintheknow

Connect with Ignitedds: @ignitedds

Connect with Tanya Sue Maestas: @tsmaestas.dds

Ignitedds.com

https://ignitedds.com/masterminds/