Episode 869

869: The Future of Private Practice: Debra’s Top Tips from the APDP Meeting – Debra Engelhardt-Nash

Published on: 2nd April, 2025

We've all heard that private practice dentistry is dying. But now is the best time to own and grow your practice! In this episode of Practical Solutions Day, Kirk Behrendt brings back Debra Engelhardt-Nash, co-founder of The Nash Institute, to share highlights from the latest APDP meeting that will empower you and your team to create a better practice and a better life. To hear Debra’s top tips from the top dentists, listen to Episode 869 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Debra:

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

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Focus on your team culture.
  • See your team as an asset, not a liability.
  • Identify and remove the “arsonists” on your team.
  • Gratitude is intentional. Reflect on how you choose to express it.
  • Allow your team to “coach up”. Be open to receiving their feedback.
  • Overcommunicate with your team. Don't serve them just an “empty bowl”.
  • Don't be a chair. Exceed expectations rather than doing only what's expected.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

0:59 Why this is an important topic.

7:48 About APDP and their partnership with the Nash Institute.

15:03 Highlights from the APDP: Walk the talk.

17:21 Highlights from the APDP: Overcommunicate.

18:53 Highlights from the APDP: Don't be a chair.

21:46 Highlights from the APDP: Fireproofing versus firefighting.

24:39 Highlights from the APDP: Do you have arsonists on your team?

26:52 Highlights from the APDP: Coaching up.

29:32 Highlights from the APDP: The strength of the wolf and the pack.

30:30 Highlights from the APDP: Gratitude is intentional.

33:31 Highlights from the APDP: Solutions to the hygienist shortage.

36:51 Highlights from the APDP: See your team as an asset.

38:36 Highlights from the APDP: Explaining the why is important.

40:37 Highlights from the APDP: Engagement versus retention.

41:38 Future APDP events.

44:36 Final thoughts.

46:00 More about Debra’s courses.

Debra Engelhardt-Nash Bio:

Debra is a trainer, author, presenter, and consultant. Having been in dentistry for over 30 years, she engages organizations and study groups nationally and internationally. She is a continual presenter for the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. 

Debra is a founding member of The Nash Institute and past president of the National Academy of Dental Management Consultants. She is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and the Speakers Consulting Network. She has been repeatedly recognized by Dentistry Today as a leader in continuing dental education and as a leader in dental consulting. She is also a member of the American Dental Association’s Dental Practice Management Advisory Board, and recently became the president of the Academy for Private Dental Practice.

Debra is married to cosmetic dentist and dental educator, Dr. Ross Nash, of The Nash Institute for Dental Learning. She continues to work in his busy practice, doing exactly what she preaches. 

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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