Episode 995

995: Crisis Coverage Planning – Paul Sletten

Published on: 14th January, 2026

Things happen that you don't plan for — and you want to be prepared! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Paul Sletten, founder of The Sletten Group, to share how to plan for the unplanned by creating a crisis coverage group to protect you and your practice. To learn how to plan smarter and have peace of mind, listen to Episode 995 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Paul:

  1. Give Paul a call: (303) 699-0990
  2. Send Paul an email: paul@lifetransitions.com
  3. Learn more about The Sletten Group: https://theslettengroup.com

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

  1. Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listen
  2. Join The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
  3. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360
  4. Download ACT’s BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_US
  5. Join ACT’s To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/ttt
  6. Get The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazine
  7. Please leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218

Episode Resources:

  1. Watch the video version of Episode 995: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videos

Main Takeaways:

  1. Between 5% and 10% of dentists will have some type of career-interrupting event.
  2. Every dentist needs to have two plans: an ideal transition plan and a crisis plan.
  3. Choose 9 colleagues to be part of a crisis coverage group for up to 90 days.
  4. Meet with your coverage group practices frequently to keep things fresh.
  5. Each practice should appoint a crisis coordinator as a point person.
  6. Be sure to select the right people for your crisis coverage group.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:55 Paul’s background and The Sletten Group.

2:42 Why this is an important topic.

3:26 Two plans every dentist should have.

5:43 The crisis coverage group, explained.

10:08 Rules of the pledge agreement.

11:25 Have practice valuations done at the beginning.

12:51 What to know about overhead and disability insurance.

14:38 General dentists versus specialists.

15:59 Appoint a crisis coordinator.

16:58 Have periodic meetings.

17:57 What dentists get wrong about crisis coverage groups.

19:12 More about The Sletten Group.

21:19 Last thoughts.

Paul Sletten Bio:

Paul D. Sletten founded The Sletten Group, Inc. in 1975 in Denver, Colorado. They are in their 51st year of business and have developed an international clientele, having assisted and completed transitions in all 50 states, six provinces in Canada, and two states in Australia. They continue to exclusively work with fee-for-service dentists and their teams around the country.

Paul has spoken at more than 285 dental meetings around the country. This includes almost all of the major dental meetings and numerous study clubs. The topics focus on all aspects of practice transitions, including buying a dental practice, selling a dental practice, and much more, as well as personal growth and development for dentists and team members.

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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

Our commitment to authenticity and practical advice sets The Best Practices Show apart. We don't just talk about theories; we dive into real-life applications you can implement immediately in your practice. Our community-centric approach means we're always listening to our audience and constantly evolving our content to meet your needs.

In addition to the invaluable insights from our guests, we also provide access to exclusive resources available through ACT Dental. These resources complement the podcast topics and give you a more comprehensive understanding and practical tools to apply in your practice.

By subscribing to The Best Practices Show, you're not just gaining access to a podcast; you're joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in dentistry.

So, are you ready to transform your practice and be the best version of yourself? Join us on this journey, and let's grow together. Hit subscribe and never miss an episode of The Best Practices Show – where we uncover the secrets to the success of the world's best dental practices, one episode at a time.

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About your host

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Kirk Behrendt