Daily Dental Podcast

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen dives into a game-changing lesson from his new book-The Shift: if you don’t have systems, you’re stuck in survival mode. He shares how simple checklists and clear documentation helped Daniel turn his chaotic practice into a calm, efficient one—and how you can do the same. Whether it’s onboarding new hires or handling cancellations, systems bring consistency, clarity, and sanity to your day. Tune in for practical tips and a challenge to get one system out of your head and onto paper today.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down the sneaky trap of recency bias and how it can quietly influence your leadership decisions. Whether you’re evaluating team performance, considering raises, or handling accountability, it’s important to look at the full picture—not just the last few weeks. Dr. Killeen shares real-world examples and a simple mindset shift to help you lead more effectively.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares some exciting news—his latest book, The Shift: A Leadership Fable, is now available for pre-order! Inspired by real-world practice challenges, this fable follows the journey of a young dentist stepping into leadership, tackling self-doubt, and learning to coach—not just manage—a team. If you’re ready to level up your leadership skills, this book is for you. Get your copy and pre-order today at your local Barnes & Noble or online at their website!

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the biggest missed opportunities in most practices—unscheduled treatment. He shares practical tips for turning “I’ll think about it” into booked appointments, from assigning ownership to personalized patient follow-up. If you want a fuller schedule and more predictable revenue, this one’s for you.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down why every dental practice needs a solid operations manual—and how AI tools can make creating one faster and simpler than ever. From turning conversations into standard operating procedures (SOPs) to building checklists and onboarding tests, Dr. Killeen shares practical tips to get your practice’s playbook out of your head and into action. If you’ve been putting this off, today’s the day to get started.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a powerful insight from tennis legend Roger Federer about what real talent looks like. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about hand skills or speed. It’s the grit, patience, and discipline that truly separate great dentists from good ones. Dr. Killeen dives into why these underrated “talents” matter and how embracing the process can transform your practice and career.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares a simple but powerful lesson he’s learned over the years: the clearer you are about your priorities, the easier it is to say no. In a busy dental practice, that focus can be the difference between real progress and endless busywork. Dr. Killeen walks you through a quick exercise to identify your top three priorities, helping you cut through the noise and stay on track.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen dives into a hidden cost that every practice owner faces—the Ignorance Tax. It’s the price you pay for what you don’t know or choose to ignore, from missed clinical opportunities to overlooked financial habits. Dr. Killeen shares practical examples of where this tax shows up in your practice and challenges you to identify one area where you might be overpaying. Take a few minutes today to reduce this silent expense and unlock your full potential.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen introduces the Profit First method—a simple but powerful approach to managing practice finances. Instead of saving profit for last, this system flips the script, prioritizing profit and clarity over chaotic end-of-month surprises. Dr. Killeen shares his take on setting up dedicated bank accounts to keep your practice on solid financial ground, plus a quick action step to get started.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen dives into what it truly means to be proactive in a dental practice. It’s not just about being a “go-getter”—it’s about owning problems before they become fires, thinking ahead, and being the kind of team member who leads from wherever they stand. If you want to move from good to great as a practice, this mindset shift can make all the difference. Plus, Dr. Killeen shares a simple but powerful challenge for building a more proactive culture in your practice.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen explores the power of our first thoughts—the quick, instinctive reactions that pop into our heads when things get tough. While these snap judgments often come from our brain’s “System 1” thinking, they don’t always reflect the full picture. Dr. Killeen shares a simple but powerful way to reframe these initial thoughts, turning them from roadblocks into stepping stones for growth. Plus, he offers a practical tip for making this mindset shift in your daily practice.

Zach Shelley has been the Office Manager of a Mega-location for the past 5 years, but before that he understood dentistry from a different lens- the dental lab. Throughout his dental journey, he's learned some key takeaways that we can learn from in the dental world. Listen in as he shares his wisdom, and how he manages a location with 26 chairs, 5 doctors (2 Pediatric), and a team of 50 people.

Check out more from him, found in his Facebook group: The Dental Office Manager Leadership Network - for Doctors, OMs, and anyone aspiring for more leadership.

Also connect with us at www.DentalSuccessNetwork.com or www.AddisonKilleen.com.

We’ve made it to Day 25 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office — but don’t worry, this isn’t the end! Dr. Killeen wraps up the series by emphasizing that systemization is a continuous journey, not a one-time project. It’s about building a culture of ongoing improvement and refining your systems as your practice evolves. Tune in for tips on how to keep your systems sharp, update regularly, and keep your team accountable. Staying systemized is the key to long-term success!

Also, if you're a startup or early stage practice, check out mygrapevine.ai/podcast to become a BETA tester for a new product that is truly a game changer!

On Day 24 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen shares how to aim for "black belt" profitability with the Profit First methodology. It’s all about paying yourself first and designing a cash management system that ensures your practice stays profitable by intention — not by accident. Learn the key benchmarks for expenses, when not to cut corners, and how a simple allocation system can transform your practice’s financial health.

On Day 23 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen dives into cash balance retirement plans — a powerful tool for practice owners looking to boost their retirement savings while benefiting their team. If you’re a practice owner with a higher income and a younger team, this could be the perfect strategy for you. Tune in to learn how cash balance plans work, when they’re a great fit, and why talking to a financial advisor is key to making the most of your options.

On Day 22 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen breaks down the basics of your practice financials — your P&L, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. These reports aren’t just for your CPA; they’re critical tools for making smarter business decisions. Tune in to learn how understanding your numbers can help you spot opportunities, avoid surprises, and keep your practice financially healthy.

On Day 21 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen tackles one of the toughest parts of leadership — letting a team member go. It’s never fun, but it’s crucial for protecting your culture and keeping your practice strong. In today’s episode, learn how to approach terminations with professionalism and compassion, plus a quick checklist to make sure you’re prepared when the time comes. Done right, it’s a natural next step — not a surprise.

On Day 20 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen breaks down the realities of patient attrition — and why it’s not always something to fear. Some patients leave for good reasons, and understanding the "why" behind attrition helps you make better decisions for your practice. Learn how to track attrition, spot service gaps, and even recognize when losing a patient might actually be a win. Tune in and find out how to keep your practice growing the right way!

On Day 19 of our 5-week systemization journey, Dr. Killeen dives into the art of referral marketing — whether you’re growing a general practice or focusing on specialty procedures. From simple ways to encourage patient referrals to creative partnerships with local businesses and doctors, today’s episode is packed with practical ideas. Plus, hear a real-world example of how one smart relationship turned into a win-win for both sides. Tune in and get ready to strengthen your referral network!

On Day 18 of our 5-week systemization journey, Dr. Killeen dives into the essentials of internal and external marketing. From building stronger patient relationships to making sure your website actually works for you, today’s episode is all about smart, high-ROI strategies. Spoiler: your best marketing dollar is spent on delivering an amazing patient experience — not just chasing the next ad campaign. Tune in for a simple audit you can do today to make sure your marketing foundation is solid.

On Day 17 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen shares why leadership — especially servant leadership — is the secret ingredient that makes systems actually work. Drawing from his background in organizational psychology, he breaks down how great leaders focus on clearing obstacles, supporting their teams, and setting the tone for long-term success. Learn how a mindset shift can strengthen your culture and drive real results.

On Day 16 of our 5-week journey to systemize your office, Dr. Killeen dives into why monthly accountability and core values meetings are key to keeping your systems strong over time. It’s not just about reviewing KPIs — it’s about creating a culture where feedback is normal, wins are celebrated, and everyone stays aligned with the mission. Learn how a simple monthly rhythm can make accountability part of your team's DNA.

In this special weekend edition, Addison sits down with his leadership coach, Darren Macfee, for a deep and practical conversation on what it really means to lead well. They cover everything from hiring the right people and effective onboarding, to building a strong culture through morning huddles and shared purpose. Darren also shares insights from his recent talk at Addison's workshop in Lincoln, and the two dive into ideas from Addison’s upcoming book, The Shift, including the importance of leadership and core values in today's dental practices.

Whether you're a practice owner, team leader, or just passionate about growth, this episode will leave you motivated and thinking differently about your role in shaping a great team.

If you want to connect with Darren, visit his website at: https://www.nonprofitwizards.com/

On today’s episode, Dr. Killeen talks about the key to keeping your cash flow steady: a rock-solid system for sending statements and managing patient balances. Learn how a consistent billing process (and clear write-off rules) can save your team headaches and keep your accounts receivable in check.

On today's episode, Dr. Killeen unpacks the power of a smooth, intentional patient experience — from first contact to checkout. Learn how dialing in the flow of each visit not only makes your office feel seamless but also builds patient trust and boosts treatment acceptance.

On today’s episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down how to systemize your schedule for both New Patient and Scaling & Root Planing appointments. Learn why setting clear blocks (and sticking to them) keeps your practice growing, your patients on track, and your schedule running smooth.

On today's episode, Dr. Killeen shares how offering online scheduling can help fill your books — even while you sleep. Learn why systemizing this tool is key to making it work for both your team and your new patients, and how it can smooth out gaps in your schedule without the phone ever ringing.

On today’s episode, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the simplest but most powerful systems for a smooth-running practice: verifying patient appointments and checking insurance before they arrive. Learn how this habit keeps your schedule humming, your front office calm, and your patient experience top-notch.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen shines a light on one of the most important (and often overlooked) systems in your office — how the phones are answered. Discover the 3 E’s of great phone calls and why consistency here sets the tone for every patient’s experience. With a simple script and a focus on warmth, understanding, and team-building, you’ll turn every call into a confidence-builder for your practice.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the most vital systems in your practice: sterilization. He shares why this can’t be an afterthought — from one-way flow setups and visual guides to spore tests and daily logs. With real-world stories and practical tips, you’ll learn how to build a sterilization system that’s consistent, compliant, and part of your culture. Because when it comes to patient safety and your reputation, there’s no room for guesswork.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen highlights the power of visuals and checklists in keeping your office clean, consistent, and running like clockwork. From the front desk to the sterilization center, learn how photos and simple task lists can remove the guesswork, boost team accountability, and create an environment your patients and team will appreciate. It’s all about setting the standard — and making it easy to follow.

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen brings systemization into the clinical space with a focus on operatory setups. From photos to diagrams, learn how creating identical setups across all ops can boost efficiency, reduce stress, and improve patient care. It’s one of the simplest ways to create consistency — and your team (especially new hires) will thank you for it!

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen expands on onboarding by introducing the 30-60-90 day system — a structured, supportive way to guide new team members beyond their first week. Learn how milestone checklists can boost confidence, build accountability, and help you spot wins (or warning signs) early on. It’s all about setting clear expectations and helping your new hire grow into a confident, capable part of the team.

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen wraps up the first week of systemization by focusing on one of the most overlooked (but most important) systems in your practice — onboarding. From pre-first-day emails to a universal guide that answers all the “new person” questions, learn how to create a welcoming, low-stress experience that sets the tone for a great team culture. It’s not overkill — it’s smart, simple, and shows your team you’re organized and intentional from day one.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen gets super practical with one of the easiest ways to kickstart systemization: daily and weekly task lists. From morning routines to downtime projects and weekly responsibilities, these checklists create clarity, consistency, and accountability across your team. Start small, think simple, and watch how these little systems make a big difference.

On today’s episode, Dr. Killeen dives into operational systemization—the not-so-flashy but absolutely essential backbone of a smooth-running practice. Learn why creating checklists (yes, even for the little things) can turn chaos into consistency and free your team from relying on memory alone. Start building a culture of systems today—one checklist at a time.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen unpacks the power of Core Values—those behind-the-scenes beliefs that shape your team’s culture and keep the office running like a well-oiled machine. They might not be clinical, but they’re absolutely critical. Learn how to define, share, and live out your values so your whole team rows in the same direction.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen kicks off a 5-week series to help you systemize your dental practice—one simple step at a time. Today’s focus? Vision. Before you build systems, you need to know what you're building toward. Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on what you really want from your practice, then write it down. This small step sets the stage for everything to come.

What makes your practice special? What makes patients rave about your business? And how can we as dentists, pull on the ideas stolen from other industries?

In this episode with Dr. Lior Tamir, he and Dr. Killeen discuss the ideas formed throughout their times in different industries, focusing on fantastic cues experience and how we can create more special moments our dental practices.

For more information about Dr. Addison Killeen, visit: www.addisonkilleen.com or interact with him on a daily basis at www.DentalSuccessNetwork.com

In the Dental Success Network and Dental Success Institute, hitting black belt status means achieving 50% take-home revenue as a practice owner. But how do you get there? Today, Dr. Killeen breaks down the key overhead targets—from staff costs to supplies and labs—that make this level of profitability possible. If you’re not at 50% yet, don’t worry. Tune in for practical steps to optimize expenses, improve efficiency, and move closer to financial mastery in your practice!

Dental injuries can happen in an instant—from a simple chipped tooth to a full-blown jaw fracture. In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares a real-life trauma case and breaks down how dental teams can be prepared for these unpredictable emergencies. Do you and your team know exactly what to do when a patient calls with a knocked-out tooth? Tune in for key strategies, must-have supplies, and best practices to handle dental trauma with confidence.

Building a systemized dental practice can feel like chipping away at solid rock—slow, exhausting, and sometimes discouraging. Today, Dr. Killeen shares the story of Robber’s Cave in Lincoln, NE, and how one man’s relentless effort to dig it out mirrors the journey of practice ownership. Progress may be slow, but with the right tools, you can speed it up. Tune in to hear how persistence pays off and how DSN resources can help you break through faster!

Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through feedback. In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down feedback loops and how they shape everything from your practice’s performance to your team’s success. Are you getting the right data? Are you responding to it effectively? Learn how to harness feedback loops to make better decisions, improve systems, and keep your practice moving forward.

Making big decisions—whether in your dental practice or personal life—can be intimidating. But what if you could turn fear into a tool for better choices? Today, Dr. Killeen dives into fear-setting, a powerful exercise that helps you break down worst-case scenarios, manage risks, and move forward with confidence. Tune in to learn how this simple mindset shift has led to some of her biggest wins.

Can a dentist opt out of being a leader? Not really. Whether you embrace it or not, your team looks to you for guidance, direction, and the example of how things should be done. Today, Dr. Killeen breaks down why leadership isn’t about personality—it’s about responsibility. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room or the most outgoing, but you do have to be present, set clear expectations, and lead by example. Tune in to learn why stepping into your leadership role—on your own terms—makes everything in your practice run smoother.

Leadership isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about meeting the deeper needs of the people who rely on you. Today, Dr. Killeen breaks down Gallup’s four essential traits of great leaders: Trust, Compassion, Stability, and Hope. Whether you’re leading a dental practice, a family, or a community, these qualities make all the difference. Tune in to learn how to build trust, create stability, and inspire hope in those around you.

We spend more time with our coworkers than almost anyone else—so are they lifting you up or draining your energy? Today, Dr. Killeen dives into the impact of workplace relationships and why surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference. From building a team that fuels growth to making small shifts in workplace dynamics, this episode is all about creating a work environment that adds to your life, not just your schedule.

We all love a good to-do list—it keeps us productive and on track. But what about the things we shouldn’t be doing? Today, Dr. Killeen introduces the concept of an Anti-To-Do List—identifying the distractions, bad habits, and energy drains that hold us back. Inspired by Charlie Munger’s wisdom, this strategy helps you avoid pitfalls so you can focus on what truly matters. Tune in to learn how small, intentional changes can lead to big progress in your practice and life.

Success in dentistry often focuses on production numbers, case acceptance, and revenue. But at the end of the day, how will people remember you? Today, Dr. Killeen explores the difference between Resume Virtues—like degrees and achievements—and Eulogy Virtues—like kindness, integrity, and generosity. What if you could build a thriving practice and leave a lasting impact on the people around you? Tune in for a powerful perspective shift on what truly matters in life and business.

We all love the idea of a shortcut—the one marketing trick, system hack, or secret formula that skyrockets success. But in dental practice management, there are no cheat codes. Today, Dr. Killeen breaks down why lasting success isn’t about quick fixes but about the small, consistent actions that build momentum over time. Whether it’s refining systems, training your team, or improving patient communication, the real “hack” is simply doing the work. Tune in for a reminder that steady progress always beats the search for an easy button.