Episode 837

837: Are You Playing Checkers or Chess With Patients? – Dr. Jim McKee

Published on: 17th January, 2025

If dentistry were a game, it’s checkers and chess. But how do you know when a case is one or the other? To help you win no matter which game you're playing, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Jim McKee, founder of Chicago Study Club, to share how to distinguish simple from complex cases so you can increase treatment success. Stop playing chess with the rules of checkers! To learn how to master the game you're playing, listen to Episode 837 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. McKee:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Know whether your cases are like checkers or chess. Is it simple or more complex?
  • Learn how to give patients realistic expectations when discussing treatment.
  • Become a physician of the masticatory system, not just a tooth carpenter.
  • Develop your occlusion and TMD skill sets to boost practice growth.
  • No one wants to do TMD and occlusion. So, be the one to do it!
  • Occlusion and TMD are in more demand than you realize.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:55 Playing chess versus playing checkers.

5:51 Frame your patients’ expectations.

10:00 Learn about occlusion and TMD.

16:44 Don't play chess with the rules of checkers.

23:26 Change how you talk to patients.

29:03 The fastest way to boost your practice.

32:04 Occlusion and TMD isn't as difficult as you think.

36:43 Final thoughts.

39:30 Dr. McKee’s future courses and Chicago Study Club.

Dr. Jim McKee Bio:

Dr. Jim McKee is a member of the Spear Resident Faculty. He has maintained a private practice since 1984 in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he treats a wide variety of cases with a focus on predictable restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and former president of the American Equilibration Society. He has lectured both nationally and internationally for over 25 years and directs several study clubs. Dr. McKee graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1984. 



(Audio) (Need to update timestamps)

836: 3 Reasons to Stop Adding Chairs – Christina Byrne

Growth can be exciting. But bigger isn't always better! To explain why you should think twice before adding more chairs, Kirk Behrendt brings back Christina Byrne, ACT’s director of operations, with advice for maximizing the chairs, patients, and time that you already have. Get better, not bigger! To learn the right questions to ask yourself before trying to expand, listen to Episode 836 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Christina:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Bigger isn't necessarily better for your practice.
  • Understand and correct your practice’s inefficiencies.
  • Start by maximizing the use of chairs you already have.
  • Stick to your blocked schedule to keep your hours profitable.
  • Reactivating existing patients is easier than attracting new ones.
  • Put a system in place to increase your date-of-service collections.
  • Be clear about why you want to expand. What are your motivations?
  • Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses. What is the cost of expansion?

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:41 Why this is an important topic.

7:38 Maximize the utilization of chairs you have.

10:07 Honor your blocked scheduling.

10:43 Figure out how to reactivate patients.

11:35 Have everyone be accountable to their schedules.

13:35 Track hygiene reappointment percentage.

14:58 Know exactly what you're writing off.

17:13 Collect at least 99% of net production.

19:32 Give people grace when changing your systems.

20:24 Avoid unnecessary overhead expenses.

22:32 Expand for the right reasons.

22:56 Think about the tangible and intangible costs of expansion.

26:34 Final takeaways.

Christina Byrne Bio:

Christina Byrne has been involved in dentistry since 1985. Over the years, she has held many positions on the dental team, including dental assistant, business office, and dental hygienist. Christina’s extensive knowledge of the front office and clinical procedures is a great asset, and she loves to impart her knowledge to guide dental teams do the best they can to achieve a Better Practice, Better Life! 



Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt

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.

Subscribe to The Best Practices Show on Apple Podcasts

Join our community and start your journey towards a more innovative, more successful dental practice today!

About your host

Profile picture for Kirk Behrendt

Kirk Behrendt