Episode 912

912: How to Break Free From PPOs – Dr. Barrett Straub

Published on: 4th July, 2025

You became a dentist for the freedom it provides. But PPOs are putting a chokehold on that freedom! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Barrett Straub, ACT’s CEO, to do a deep dive into how you can break free from PPOs for a better practice and better life. They share the tools you can use, what steps to take, and how to choose which PPOs to strategically drop first. If you're ready to reclaim your freedom, listen to Episode 912 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. Straub:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • You give patients treatment plans before doing dentistry. Do the same for your practice.
  • It doesn't have to be all or none with PPOs. Determine what's the right mix for you.
  • Understand and shrink the different gaps you have to increase your profitability.
  • Figure out which plans you're losing money on so you can drop them first.
  • Eliminate your limiting beliefs. Not everyone will leave your practice.

Snippets:

0:00 ACT’s TTT, BPA, and Pro Coaching.

2:58 Why this is an important topic.

7:10 Know your gaps.

11:36 Know the basic metrics first.

18:22 Tools and resources in the BPA app.

20:04 The Patient Segment Scorecard.

22:47 Shrink the gap with less energy.

26:30 Know which plan to drop first.

33:21 Practice example: The treatment plan.

38:22 Q&A: Thoughts on a PPO that has a lot of patients and a high write-off.

42:11 Verbal skills matter.

43:29 A great tip from Dr. Christopher Mazzola.

45:27 Practice example: The treatment plan, continued.

48:23 Final takeaways.

49:53 Q&A: How to get ACT’s PPO Roadmap.

51:15 Q&A: Does APV include hygienists?

Dr. Barrett Straub Bio:

Dr. Barrett Straub practices general and sedation dentistry in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He has worked hard to develop his practice into a top-performing, fee-for-service practice that focuses on improving the lives of patients through dentistry.

A graduate of Marquette Dental School, Dr. Straub’s advanced training and CE includes work at the Spear Institute, LVI, DOCS, and as a member of the Milwaukee Study Club. He is a past member of the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees and was awarded the Marquette Dental School 2017 Young Alumnus of the Year. As a former ACT coaching client that experienced first-hand the transformation that coaching can provide, he is passionate about helping other dentists create the practice they’ve always wanted.

Dr. Straub loves to hunt, golf, and spend winter on the ice, curling. He is married to Katie, with two daughters, Abby and Elizabeth.


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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