1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:02,720 Hi, everyone. This is Erica Spicer Mason with 2 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:05,120 Becker's HealthCare. Thank you so much for tuning 3 00:00:05,120 --> 00:00:07,459 in to the Becker's HealthCare podcast series. 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:09,519 So today, we're going to talk about the 5 00:00:09,519 --> 00:00:12,179 role of clinical engagement in dental strategy. 6 00:00:12,634 --> 00:00:14,714 And joining me for this conversation are two 7 00:00:14,714 --> 00:00:16,574 leaders from the Dental Care Alliance. 8 00:00:16,954 --> 00:00:19,515 We have with us doctor Eric Tobler, chief 9 00:00:19,515 --> 00:00:23,035 clinical officer, and Kristen Lisenby, the vice president 10 00:00:23,035 --> 00:00:23,695 of hygiene. 11 00:00:24,314 --> 00:00:26,554 Doctor Tobler and Kristen, welcome to the podcast. 12 00:00:26,554 --> 00:00:28,074 Thank you so much for making time for 13 00:00:28,074 --> 00:00:28,530 this today. 14 00:00:29,410 --> 00:00:30,630 Thank you for having us. 15 00:00:31,170 --> 00:00:33,350 Wow. So so glad to have you here. 16 00:00:33,409 --> 00:00:35,649 And before we get into our conversation on 17 00:00:35,649 --> 00:00:37,810 clinical engagement, I wanted to give you both 18 00:00:37,810 --> 00:00:39,570 the opportunity to say a little bit more 19 00:00:39,570 --> 00:00:41,109 about yourselves, your organization, 20 00:00:41,490 --> 00:00:43,170 whatever you think might be helpful for our 21 00:00:43,170 --> 00:00:45,565 listeners to know. So doctor Tobler, would you 22 00:00:45,565 --> 00:00:46,625 mind getting us started? 23 00:00:47,164 --> 00:00:49,164 I'd love to kick it off. Yeah. So 24 00:00:49,164 --> 00:00:51,565 my name is doctor Eric Tobler. I'm a 25 00:00:51,565 --> 00:00:55,085 dentist that started practicing in, Utah where I 26 00:00:55,085 --> 00:00:56,925 practice with my dad and my brother. My 27 00:00:56,925 --> 00:00:59,505 entire family is is involved in the practice, 28 00:01:00,350 --> 00:01:02,509 from my daughter to my wife to brothers 29 00:01:02,509 --> 00:01:05,150 and sisters. And it it really was a 30 00:01:05,150 --> 00:01:07,170 a family affair as we grew our practice, 31 00:01:07,790 --> 00:01:09,650 as I came right out of dental school. 32 00:01:10,030 --> 00:01:12,750 And over time, we grew that single practice 33 00:01:12,750 --> 00:01:14,129 to a group of practices, 34 00:01:15,295 --> 00:01:17,474 adding friends from dental school and others, 35 00:01:17,855 --> 00:01:19,954 over time. And that was a great opportunity 36 00:01:20,094 --> 00:01:21,234 to really 37 00:01:21,775 --> 00:01:22,674 focus on 38 00:01:23,055 --> 00:01:25,454 growth was one thing, but also I was 39 00:01:25,454 --> 00:01:27,875 so so, blessed to be mentored, 40 00:01:28,700 --> 00:01:30,700 by my dad, like, side by side with 41 00:01:30,700 --> 00:01:32,620 him and and lots of other great dentists. 42 00:01:33,260 --> 00:01:34,859 You know, working in a in a large 43 00:01:34,859 --> 00:01:36,540 group practice was such a gift for me 44 00:01:36,540 --> 00:01:38,299 to be able to be exposed to lots 45 00:01:38,299 --> 00:01:39,760 of different clinical philosophies 46 00:01:40,379 --> 00:01:41,119 and also, 47 00:01:41,659 --> 00:01:42,879 try to build collaboration 48 00:01:43,260 --> 00:01:43,760 among 49 00:01:44,395 --> 00:01:46,475 doctors with different backgrounds. That was really one 50 00:01:46,475 --> 00:01:48,895 of the the most enjoying and challenging parts 51 00:01:49,115 --> 00:01:51,515 of my career early on. And then, 52 00:01:51,995 --> 00:01:53,755 the group that we built in Utah called 53 00:01:53,755 --> 00:01:54,895 Stonehaven Dental, 54 00:01:55,355 --> 00:01:57,615 we partnered with Mortenson Dental Partners, 55 00:01:58,319 --> 00:02:00,159 about ten years ago, and and that was 56 00:02:00,159 --> 00:02:02,479 a great partnership. Really think the world of 57 00:02:02,479 --> 00:02:04,399 that group, and I was really blessed to 58 00:02:04,399 --> 00:02:06,479 be able to be with them for a 59 00:02:06,479 --> 00:02:08,400 number of years. And then about five years 60 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:10,319 ago, I was the I became the national 61 00:02:10,319 --> 00:02:12,319 clinical director for that group as well. So, 62 00:02:13,104 --> 00:02:15,025 supported a 140 63 00:02:15,025 --> 00:02:15,525 practices, 64 00:02:16,705 --> 00:02:19,905 across nine states with with that fantastic group 65 00:02:19,905 --> 00:02:21,585 and had the chance to work with some 66 00:02:21,585 --> 00:02:25,044 really fantastic leaders and doctors as well. And, 67 00:02:25,425 --> 00:02:26,944 as I said, get to learn a lot 68 00:02:26,944 --> 00:02:27,444 about, 69 00:02:27,905 --> 00:02:28,405 building 70 00:02:28,840 --> 00:02:29,340 clinical 71 00:02:30,519 --> 00:02:31,019 collaboration 72 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:34,299 and and, how to support our individual clinicians. 73 00:02:34,919 --> 00:02:37,000 And, and then a a little under a 74 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:38,039 year ago, I joined, 75 00:02:38,599 --> 00:02:41,099 Dental Care Alliance as their chief clinical officer. 76 00:02:41,504 --> 00:02:44,465 And that opportunity to to collaborate and and 77 00:02:44,465 --> 00:02:47,685 get an even broader scope of experience 78 00:02:47,985 --> 00:02:48,384 and, 79 00:02:49,344 --> 00:02:51,344 exposure to what dentistry can be, it's it's 80 00:02:51,344 --> 00:02:52,564 been a really incredible, 81 00:02:52,944 --> 00:02:53,664 journey and, 82 00:02:54,064 --> 00:02:55,770 happy to be here, Erica. Thank you. 83 00:02:56,169 --> 00:02:58,810 No. Thanks, doctor Tobler. It is so great 84 00:02:58,810 --> 00:03:00,650 to to learn more about your background and 85 00:03:00,650 --> 00:03:02,169 kind of where you started in the dental 86 00:03:02,169 --> 00:03:04,430 space. That sounds like such a family affair, 87 00:03:04,650 --> 00:03:07,290 your beginnings in industry. So can't wait to 88 00:03:07,290 --> 00:03:09,525 hear, you know, what that what your career 89 00:03:09,525 --> 00:03:11,365 trajectory has taught you over that time. So 90 00:03:11,365 --> 00:03:13,685 thank you again for being here. And, Kristen, 91 00:03:13,685 --> 00:03:15,044 would love to learn more about you as 92 00:03:15,044 --> 00:03:15,544 well. 93 00:03:16,085 --> 00:03:18,564 Sure. I'm Kristen Lisenby, as you said, and 94 00:03:18,564 --> 00:03:20,485 I've been in dentistry for over twenty five 95 00:03:20,485 --> 00:03:20,985 years. 96 00:03:21,379 --> 00:03:23,219 I spent the two decades of my career 97 00:03:23,219 --> 00:03:25,219 with Northcutt Dental, where I started as a 98 00:03:25,219 --> 00:03:25,960 dental assistant, 99 00:03:26,260 --> 00:03:28,340 went on to become a hygienist and practice 100 00:03:28,340 --> 00:03:30,740 hygiene for about a decade, and eventually moved 101 00:03:30,740 --> 00:03:32,280 into a leadership role there. 102 00:03:32,580 --> 00:03:34,715 As president and COO, I had the privilege 103 00:03:34,715 --> 00:03:36,555 of growing and leading this small but mighty 104 00:03:36,555 --> 00:03:38,735 DSO in Alabama. It was 105 00:03:39,194 --> 00:03:41,194 quite the ride, and I learned so much 106 00:03:41,194 --> 00:03:43,514 about, dentistry and really just fell in love 107 00:03:43,514 --> 00:03:45,915 with all aspects of dentistry in that role 108 00:03:45,915 --> 00:03:46,889 that I held there. 109 00:03:47,370 --> 00:03:49,449 Most recently, I served as VP of field 110 00:03:49,449 --> 00:03:51,689 operations for Lightwave Dental on the East Coast, 111 00:03:51,689 --> 00:03:55,150 wonderful organization supporting multisite growth and team development 112 00:03:55,209 --> 00:03:55,709 there. 113 00:03:56,090 --> 00:03:58,490 And then, like doctor Eric said last year, 114 00:03:58,490 --> 00:03:59,449 joining him, 115 00:03:59,930 --> 00:04:01,150 as VP of hygiene, 116 00:04:01,849 --> 00:04:02,090 I'm 117 00:04:02,724 --> 00:04:04,245 I have the honor of supporting over a 118 00:04:04,245 --> 00:04:06,405 thousand hygienist and counting right now, and it's, 119 00:04:06,405 --> 00:04:08,724 again, been an incredible journey. And I'm passionate 120 00:04:08,724 --> 00:04:11,544 about helping hygiene teams feel supported, empowered, and 121 00:04:11,604 --> 00:04:13,384 setting them up for long term success. 122 00:04:14,710 --> 00:04:16,629 Kristen, thank you so much. Great to learn 123 00:04:16,629 --> 00:04:17,610 about your experience, 124 00:04:18,310 --> 00:04:20,330 at that small but mighty DSO in Alabama 125 00:04:20,470 --> 00:04:22,629 and how you've taken those learnings into your 126 00:04:22,629 --> 00:04:25,830 your current role. So, again, excited to hear 127 00:04:25,830 --> 00:04:27,209 more of your perspective 128 00:04:27,509 --> 00:04:28,730 on this topic today. 129 00:04:29,745 --> 00:04:31,425 Doctor Toebler, I'd like to start with you 130 00:04:31,425 --> 00:04:33,584 just for the question, just to do a 131 00:04:33,584 --> 00:04:35,985 little bit of level setting with where we're 132 00:04:35,985 --> 00:04:38,544 at in the DSO space right now. I 133 00:04:38,544 --> 00:04:40,884 know many DSOs are really focused on sustainable 134 00:04:41,024 --> 00:04:43,889 growth this year, and that could mean expanding 135 00:04:43,889 --> 00:04:47,110 footprints, improving efficiency, enhancing patient outcomes. 136 00:04:47,569 --> 00:04:49,729 So can you just touch on how clinical 137 00:04:49,729 --> 00:04:52,129 engagement can support those goals and why it's 138 00:04:52,129 --> 00:04:55,110 becoming such a critical part of DSO strategy? 139 00:04:55,904 --> 00:04:57,284 Yeah. I think, you know, obviously, 140 00:04:57,745 --> 00:04:59,365 everybody's trying to, 141 00:05:00,625 --> 00:05:03,125 enhance what they what they have currently versus, 142 00:05:03,664 --> 00:05:06,224 growing through acquisition right now, you know, in 143 00:05:06,224 --> 00:05:08,544 the space. But I I don't think that 144 00:05:08,544 --> 00:05:11,129 really changes the foundation that needs to be 145 00:05:11,129 --> 00:05:14,590 there for any successful DSO, which is really 146 00:05:15,050 --> 00:05:17,710 sustainable growth has to come through clinician 147 00:05:18,410 --> 00:05:19,389 buy in and engagement. 148 00:05:20,090 --> 00:05:22,509 The the difference between a doctor who's engaged 149 00:05:22,569 --> 00:05:24,810 and one who isn't is dramatic in pretty 150 00:05:24,810 --> 00:05:27,875 much every way across across the board. So 151 00:05:27,875 --> 00:05:29,335 when we look at the the 152 00:05:29,795 --> 00:05:32,134 quality of care they're able to provide, 153 00:05:32,595 --> 00:05:34,514 the the amount and the scope of care 154 00:05:34,514 --> 00:05:37,154 they're able to provide, our most engaged doctors 155 00:05:37,154 --> 00:05:39,654 are the ones who are, you know, really 156 00:05:39,875 --> 00:05:41,014 driving the organization. 157 00:05:41,629 --> 00:05:42,930 And also engagement, 158 00:05:44,029 --> 00:05:46,669 equals retention. And so the more we can, 159 00:05:46,669 --> 00:05:49,389 as a DSO, engage with our clinicians, keep 160 00:05:49,389 --> 00:05:50,209 them actively 161 00:05:50,829 --> 00:05:53,709 a part of the organization, provide good structure 162 00:05:53,709 --> 00:05:56,175 that helps them, you know, really feel engaged 163 00:05:56,175 --> 00:05:58,415 with the organization as a whole. I think, 164 00:05:58,415 --> 00:06:00,035 you know, there's there's a 165 00:06:00,495 --> 00:06:00,995 cascade 166 00:06:01,694 --> 00:06:03,535 of benefits that come from that, but it 167 00:06:03,535 --> 00:06:05,714 really all has to come from that foundation 168 00:06:05,935 --> 00:06:06,595 of engagement, 169 00:06:07,455 --> 00:06:09,375 at the core of the organization in order 170 00:06:09,375 --> 00:06:10,035 to succeed. 171 00:06:10,540 --> 00:06:11,040 Mhmm. 172 00:06:11,340 --> 00:06:13,740 Yeah. I really appreciate appreciate you touching on 173 00:06:13,740 --> 00:06:15,500 that, doctor Tobler. And I know you mentioned 174 00:06:15,500 --> 00:06:17,819 in your opening remarks how much experience you 175 00:06:17,819 --> 00:06:20,780 have and, you know, really ensuring collaboration among 176 00:06:20,780 --> 00:06:23,384 dentists and physicians. So it sounds like that 177 00:06:23,384 --> 00:06:24,985 this is something that has really kind of 178 00:06:24,985 --> 00:06:27,404 guided your mindset or your approach here. 179 00:06:27,784 --> 00:06:29,704 Yeah. And it it's so nuanced because, you 180 00:06:29,704 --> 00:06:31,865 know, within dentistry, there's a lot of different 181 00:06:31,865 --> 00:06:33,865 ways to do things. There's so many, you 182 00:06:33,865 --> 00:06:35,004 know, great 183 00:06:35,384 --> 00:06:38,610 techniques and and technologies out there. And as 184 00:06:38,610 --> 00:06:39,430 an organization, 185 00:06:39,810 --> 00:06:42,069 I think it's, one of the bigger challenges 186 00:06:42,129 --> 00:06:44,209 in the DSO world to find that balance 187 00:06:44,209 --> 00:06:44,709 between 188 00:06:45,170 --> 00:06:47,810 finding collaborative partnerships that we can lean into 189 00:06:47,810 --> 00:06:48,709 as an organization, 190 00:06:49,009 --> 00:06:51,889 get great pricing and great technologies into the 191 00:06:51,889 --> 00:06:52,870 hands of our clinicians. 192 00:06:53,214 --> 00:06:55,055 But it also has to be the technologies 193 00:06:55,055 --> 00:06:57,535 and the techniques that they're asking for. Because 194 00:06:57,535 --> 00:06:59,134 if if it's not what the dentists are 195 00:06:59,134 --> 00:07:00,975 looking for, then that's gonna fall flat. And 196 00:07:00,975 --> 00:07:03,134 so it's a it's a really a fine 197 00:07:03,134 --> 00:07:05,069 dance almost that we have to do between, 198 00:07:05,310 --> 00:07:08,270 you know, constantly asking our clinicians, what do 199 00:07:08,270 --> 00:07:10,110 you want? What do you what would make 200 00:07:10,110 --> 00:07:12,350 you a better dentist? What would make you 201 00:07:12,350 --> 00:07:13,949 a better hygienist? And then when we hear 202 00:07:13,949 --> 00:07:16,509 those things, finding ways to help deliver that 203 00:07:16,509 --> 00:07:18,875 to them in a cost effective way is 204 00:07:18,875 --> 00:07:20,894 really, I think, the challenge and the opportunity, 205 00:07:21,435 --> 00:07:22,254 as a DSO. 206 00:07:22,794 --> 00:07:25,774 Yeah. Yeah. So well said. Thanks, doctor Tobler. 207 00:07:26,394 --> 00:07:28,235 And I wanna go a little bit deeper 208 00:07:28,235 --> 00:07:30,235 here and learn more about how Dental Care 209 00:07:30,235 --> 00:07:31,740 Alliance approaches this. 210 00:07:32,300 --> 00:07:34,699 And, Kristen, where you sit as a leader 211 00:07:34,699 --> 00:07:36,939 in the hygiene space, we're hoping to get 212 00:07:36,939 --> 00:07:38,860 your take here. You know, how has Dental 213 00:07:38,860 --> 00:07:41,339 Care Alliance evolved its approach to engage and 214 00:07:41,339 --> 00:07:42,319 empower clinicians, 215 00:07:42,779 --> 00:07:45,919 especially across diverse and multisite practices? 216 00:07:46,925 --> 00:07:48,845 Would love to know a little bit more 217 00:07:48,845 --> 00:07:50,525 from you there and and how clinical input 218 00:07:50,525 --> 00:07:52,225 has shaped those efforts too. 219 00:07:52,764 --> 00:07:53,585 Yes. Absolutely. 220 00:07:54,365 --> 00:07:56,925 We've definitely engaged and empowered our hygiene teams 221 00:07:56,925 --> 00:07:59,964 by increasing and empowering our overall clinical support 222 00:07:59,964 --> 00:08:01,985 and communication structure this year. 223 00:08:02,370 --> 00:08:05,270 The early results are already fantastic with retention 224 00:08:05,649 --> 00:08:06,149 really, 225 00:08:07,170 --> 00:08:09,410 seeing a lot more retention through the efforts 226 00:08:09,410 --> 00:08:11,189 we've we've been focused on. 227 00:08:11,569 --> 00:08:14,610 And that started really with the, vision of 228 00:08:14,610 --> 00:08:16,310 hygiene coaches per region. 229 00:08:16,634 --> 00:08:17,754 I wanted to build, 230 00:08:18,235 --> 00:08:21,035 a support system that aligned with operational structures 231 00:08:21,035 --> 00:08:23,595 in dentistry because I I know that it 232 00:08:23,595 --> 00:08:26,714 takes both. It takes operations and clinical support 233 00:08:26,714 --> 00:08:28,814 to really drive growth and retention. 234 00:08:29,889 --> 00:08:31,649 And we've been able to hire a coach 235 00:08:31,649 --> 00:08:34,470 for every every region, and they're focusing on 236 00:08:34,690 --> 00:08:35,669 hiring and onboarding, 237 00:08:36,210 --> 00:08:36,710 communication 238 00:08:37,090 --> 00:08:40,129 for the for the hygienist from the practice 239 00:08:40,129 --> 00:08:42,285 level all the way up to me. There 240 00:08:42,285 --> 00:08:44,304 is a really clear way to get to, 241 00:08:44,764 --> 00:08:47,565 anyone in the hygiene department and and to 242 00:08:47,565 --> 00:08:49,565 make sure that our hygienist feel like it's 243 00:08:49,565 --> 00:08:50,945 not such a big company. 244 00:08:51,725 --> 00:08:54,285 Confidence with treatment presentation. There are so many 245 00:08:54,285 --> 00:08:56,649 times where our hygienist just don't know how 246 00:08:56,649 --> 00:08:58,090 to get patients to say yes to that 247 00:08:58,090 --> 00:09:00,250 treatment they so desperately need, and that's really 248 00:09:00,250 --> 00:09:02,809 helped having the coaches support there. Of course, 249 00:09:02,809 --> 00:09:05,610 clinical skills and hiring hygienists that are just 250 00:09:05,610 --> 00:09:08,490 coming into the profession, having that confidence in 251 00:09:08,490 --> 00:09:08,990 the 252 00:09:09,404 --> 00:09:11,084 in in the having the support of the 253 00:09:11,084 --> 00:09:13,004 coach that's going to be there for their 254 00:09:13,004 --> 00:09:13,504 onboarding, 255 00:09:14,365 --> 00:09:16,924 but then also onto, you know, high fiving 256 00:09:16,924 --> 00:09:19,105 them as they continue to grow and and 257 00:09:19,324 --> 00:09:20,464 increase that care. 258 00:09:20,924 --> 00:09:23,610 Training with new technology and equipment, you know, 259 00:09:23,610 --> 00:09:25,850 our company is very big on staying up 260 00:09:25,850 --> 00:09:27,690 to speed with the latest and greatest in 261 00:09:27,690 --> 00:09:28,190 dentistry, 262 00:09:28,570 --> 00:09:31,230 such as Overjet and guided biofilm therapy, 263 00:09:31,690 --> 00:09:34,170 introducing Curadont. So, again, all of those things 264 00:09:34,170 --> 00:09:36,889 were really, really important for our hygienist to 265 00:09:36,889 --> 00:09:37,629 feel supported 266 00:09:38,264 --> 00:09:40,504 and, you know, no no hygienist left behind. 267 00:09:40,504 --> 00:09:41,245 Every hygienist, 268 00:09:42,024 --> 00:09:43,945 knows where to go to get support. And 269 00:09:43,945 --> 00:09:45,965 then a few more things, we've also created 270 00:09:46,585 --> 00:09:50,039 or improved our onboarding tools. We've added, 271 00:09:50,440 --> 00:09:52,919 monthly c c e opportunities, and not just 272 00:09:52,919 --> 00:09:56,059 free CE opportunities, paid quality CE opportunities, 273 00:09:56,919 --> 00:09:59,799 quarterly virtual town halls where I lead those 274 00:09:59,799 --> 00:10:01,980 and we bring all of our hygienists from 275 00:10:02,634 --> 00:10:04,975 all of the 400 locations, have an opportunity 276 00:10:05,034 --> 00:10:07,034 to join and be involved, and it's a 277 00:10:07,034 --> 00:10:08,995 fun and it's an engaging time. They get 278 00:10:08,995 --> 00:10:10,554 to hear from me what's going on in 279 00:10:10,554 --> 00:10:12,475 the company, but also we, you know, have 280 00:10:12,475 --> 00:10:14,074 shout outs and we have pictures from the 281 00:10:14,074 --> 00:10:15,674 field just to bring us all back to 282 00:10:15,674 --> 00:10:18,789 what our purpose is. I'm really excited about 283 00:10:18,789 --> 00:10:21,669 the performance based bonus we're rolling out, by 284 00:10:21,669 --> 00:10:22,490 region currently. 285 00:10:23,029 --> 00:10:25,750 It's irrelevant it's really in this, I guess, 286 00:10:25,750 --> 00:10:26,409 in this 287 00:10:26,870 --> 00:10:29,110 space where we're at. We're really having to 288 00:10:29,110 --> 00:10:30,924 find a way for, you know, the highly 289 00:10:30,924 --> 00:10:33,485 competitive space to reward our teams for their 290 00:10:33,485 --> 00:10:36,044 commitment to great care. And so I think 291 00:10:36,044 --> 00:10:37,804 that the bonus that we're rolling out really 292 00:10:37,804 --> 00:10:40,924 has helped them to understand how great care 293 00:10:40,924 --> 00:10:42,384 can lead to even more, 294 00:10:42,924 --> 00:10:44,944 financial reward, and that's been excellent. 295 00:10:45,370 --> 00:10:47,629 And then just to wrap up your, 296 00:10:48,649 --> 00:10:51,050 part of your question about how has clinical 297 00:10:51,050 --> 00:10:52,590 input shaped those efforts, 298 00:10:52,970 --> 00:10:55,690 I would say the feedback loop is front 299 00:10:55,690 --> 00:10:58,009 of mind for me when we're talking about 300 00:10:58,009 --> 00:11:00,590 from targeted surveys to our hygiene teams, 301 00:11:01,095 --> 00:11:03,495 exit interviews for every hygienist that does leave 302 00:11:03,495 --> 00:11:05,014 to see why or what we can do 303 00:11:05,014 --> 00:11:06,475 better or different in the future. 304 00:11:06,855 --> 00:11:08,855 We also don't roll out anything without doing 305 00:11:08,855 --> 00:11:09,414 a pilot 306 00:11:10,134 --> 00:11:12,615 to get clinicians input input, make sure they 307 00:11:12,615 --> 00:11:14,855 understand, and they're they're coming along with us 308 00:11:14,855 --> 00:11:15,674 in that process. 309 00:11:16,309 --> 00:11:18,309 And that kind of collaboration really has built 310 00:11:18,309 --> 00:11:20,870 trust and support as we're focusing on optima 311 00:11:21,029 --> 00:11:23,909 optimizing our communication. So I'd say it's not 312 00:11:23,909 --> 00:11:25,909 about one size fits all for us at 313 00:11:25,909 --> 00:11:29,049 Dental Care Alliance. It's about consistency with flexibility. 314 00:11:29,269 --> 00:11:31,504 So I think that is really setting us 315 00:11:31,504 --> 00:11:32,485 apart right now. 316 00:11:32,865 --> 00:11:33,365 Yeah. 317 00:11:34,065 --> 00:11:36,384 Yeah. That really comes through, Kristen. Thank you 318 00:11:36,384 --> 00:11:38,464 so much. And what struck me in your 319 00:11:38,464 --> 00:11:40,325 answer too was how you're 320 00:11:40,784 --> 00:11:42,325 hitting clinician engagement 321 00:11:42,784 --> 00:11:44,789 really from every angle here. You know, you're 322 00:11:44,949 --> 00:11:47,750 you've implemented hygiene coaches. I I know that 323 00:11:47,750 --> 00:11:49,129 you are focused on training, 324 00:11:49,589 --> 00:11:50,809 rolling out new technology. 325 00:11:51,269 --> 00:11:53,769 Also, the performance based bonus, that's another 326 00:11:54,149 --> 00:11:55,429 aspect in terms of, 327 00:11:55,829 --> 00:11:58,524 some nice incentives for your team. So thank 328 00:11:58,524 --> 00:11:59,884 you so much for outlining all that. I 329 00:11:59,884 --> 00:12:01,485 think it's really helpful for our listeners to 330 00:12:01,485 --> 00:12:02,705 hear kind of the variety 331 00:12:03,085 --> 00:12:05,725 of approaches that can be adapted there. Yeah. 332 00:12:05,725 --> 00:12:07,164 I commonly say it has to be a 333 00:12:07,164 --> 00:12:08,605 win win win. It has to be a 334 00:12:08,605 --> 00:12:10,524 win for the patient because they're the ones 335 00:12:10,524 --> 00:12:13,259 that ultimately pay everyone's paycheck. Right? Then it 336 00:12:13,259 --> 00:12:14,700 needs to be a win for the clinicians 337 00:12:14,700 --> 00:12:17,259 that are providing that great care, and then 338 00:12:17,259 --> 00:12:19,259 the company wins. So if we're all winning, 339 00:12:19,259 --> 00:12:21,259 then we are moving together as one, and 340 00:12:21,259 --> 00:12:23,019 I find that to be the most effective 341 00:12:23,019 --> 00:12:23,759 for growth. 342 00:12:24,300 --> 00:12:26,480 Yeah. Fantastic. Thanks, Kristen. 343 00:12:27,115 --> 00:12:29,035 And doctor Tobler, I wanted to kick the 344 00:12:29,035 --> 00:12:31,115 the next question over to you. While we're 345 00:12:31,115 --> 00:12:31,934 talking about, 346 00:12:32,394 --> 00:12:34,715 effective strategies here, I'd love to know what 347 00:12:34,715 --> 00:12:37,835 you've seen as effective ways to align clinical 348 00:12:37,835 --> 00:12:41,455 teams around shared standards of care, culture, innovation. 349 00:12:42,090 --> 00:12:44,090 Are there any examples or best practices that 350 00:12:44,090 --> 00:12:45,309 really stand out to you? 351 00:12:46,410 --> 00:12:47,550 Yeah. You know, 352 00:12:48,250 --> 00:12:51,210 different stages of an individual's career, they need 353 00:12:51,210 --> 00:12:53,790 something different from the organization. So I think 354 00:12:53,930 --> 00:12:56,715 Kristen pointed out really wisely that early on 355 00:12:56,715 --> 00:12:59,134 when somebody's just joining the profession, 356 00:12:59,595 --> 00:13:01,274 what they really need is a is a 357 00:13:01,274 --> 00:13:02,654 lot of, mentorship. 358 00:13:03,355 --> 00:13:05,035 And, you know, we need to invest in 359 00:13:05,035 --> 00:13:07,294 our clinicians early on in in training 360 00:13:07,754 --> 00:13:09,054 and, you know, 361 00:13:09,639 --> 00:13:12,360 matching them up with great clinicians. So, we 362 00:13:12,360 --> 00:13:15,000 recently rolled out our our new doctor training 363 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:16,139 program called Ascend 364 00:13:16,519 --> 00:13:19,639 in collaboration with Spear. I'm really, really excited 365 00:13:19,639 --> 00:13:22,934 about that. High quality hands on clinical education 366 00:13:22,934 --> 00:13:24,934 is, I think, a foundation for success for 367 00:13:24,934 --> 00:13:25,434 anybody. 368 00:13:25,815 --> 00:13:27,254 But then on top of that, the program 369 00:13:27,254 --> 00:13:28,695 that we have is a year long, and 370 00:13:28,695 --> 00:13:29,355 it includes 371 00:13:29,735 --> 00:13:31,355 virtual touch points 372 00:13:31,894 --> 00:13:35,035 and, chances to collaborate with other great clinicians 373 00:13:35,174 --> 00:13:36,394 among our organization. 374 00:13:37,110 --> 00:13:39,429 You know, within DCA, it's it's such a 375 00:13:39,429 --> 00:13:42,149 gift to have such a diverse group of 376 00:13:42,149 --> 00:13:42,649 doctors 377 00:13:43,190 --> 00:13:45,029 in the way that they deliver care and 378 00:13:45,029 --> 00:13:47,610 the way they their clinical philosophy. And so 379 00:13:47,750 --> 00:13:49,750 early on, we really try to expose our 380 00:13:49,750 --> 00:13:51,990 clinicians to as much of that as possible 381 00:13:51,990 --> 00:13:52,490 because 382 00:13:52,875 --> 00:13:54,955 the the more broad our experience can be, 383 00:13:54,955 --> 00:13:55,615 I think 384 00:13:55,995 --> 00:13:58,394 the the better our treatment plans can be 385 00:13:58,394 --> 00:14:00,875 as we as we take into, consideration that 386 00:14:00,875 --> 00:14:02,174 broad learning. 387 00:14:02,955 --> 00:14:04,875 And then, you know, as as folks go 388 00:14:04,875 --> 00:14:06,815 on beyond just that initial mentorship, 389 00:14:07,195 --> 00:14:08,254 a strong onboarding, 390 00:14:09,089 --> 00:14:09,589 program, 391 00:14:09,970 --> 00:14:11,809 for our dentists and hygienists. Once you get 392 00:14:11,809 --> 00:14:13,589 beyond that, then it's a matter of 393 00:14:14,129 --> 00:14:17,269 continuing to find education that engages our clinicians. 394 00:14:17,329 --> 00:14:19,889 You know, throughout our careers, there are so 395 00:14:19,889 --> 00:14:20,789 many things 396 00:14:21,164 --> 00:14:23,644 that we can do to, add to our 397 00:14:23,644 --> 00:14:26,125 tool belts to make us more effective, to 398 00:14:26,125 --> 00:14:27,964 make the treatment that we provide for our 399 00:14:27,964 --> 00:14:29,184 patients more predictable, 400 00:14:29,565 --> 00:14:32,764 and then ultimately also provide more services for 401 00:14:32,764 --> 00:14:33,745 our our patients. 402 00:14:34,450 --> 00:14:37,250 And so as our clinicians become more advanced 403 00:14:37,250 --> 00:14:39,169 in their career, then we look for those 404 00:14:39,169 --> 00:14:42,309 those more advanced CE opportunities. And, also, 405 00:14:42,850 --> 00:14:45,889 we turn the the, engagement back towards them. 406 00:14:45,889 --> 00:14:48,875 So engaging with them in things like clinical 407 00:14:48,875 --> 00:14:51,355 committees, or we have a dental advisory board 408 00:14:51,355 --> 00:14:53,754 that has direct access to our CEO and 409 00:14:53,754 --> 00:14:55,995 myself where we just, you know, share what's 410 00:14:55,995 --> 00:14:57,754 going on in the company from our perspective, 411 00:14:57,754 --> 00:15:00,495 and we get some really raw, unfiltered feedback. 412 00:15:00,955 --> 00:15:03,199 So I you know, those those are different 413 00:15:03,199 --> 00:15:05,039 ways that we can engage folks throughout their 414 00:15:05,039 --> 00:15:07,360 career. We have to make sure that, as 415 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:09,620 as Kristen said, we're engaging our best folks 416 00:15:09,679 --> 00:15:11,379 in things like pilot programs 417 00:15:11,679 --> 00:15:14,159 to ensure that, you know, if if, if 418 00:15:14,159 --> 00:15:15,919 we're gonna roll something out, it's going to 419 00:15:15,919 --> 00:15:17,379 have a high level of success. 420 00:15:17,714 --> 00:15:18,914 The only way we can really do that 421 00:15:18,914 --> 00:15:20,995 is by collaborating with the clinicians that we 422 00:15:20,995 --> 00:15:22,694 have, within the organization. 423 00:15:23,875 --> 00:15:27,154 Yeah. Doctor Topler, similar to Kristen's response earlier, 424 00:15:27,154 --> 00:15:28,855 you know, I'm seeing a a variety 425 00:15:29,235 --> 00:15:31,250 of strategies that have worked for you here. 426 00:15:31,250 --> 00:15:33,429 So just to summarize that for our listeners, 427 00:15:33,809 --> 00:15:35,669 sounds like, CE opportunities, 428 00:15:36,129 --> 00:15:37,029 strong onboarding, 429 00:15:37,330 --> 00:15:39,649 exposing clinicians to a diverse group of doctors 430 00:15:39,649 --> 00:15:42,789 delivering care, virtual touch points and collaboration, mentorship, 431 00:15:44,004 --> 00:15:46,004 a lot that you're seeing working well. So 432 00:15:46,004 --> 00:15:47,384 so thank you for all of that. 433 00:15:47,924 --> 00:15:50,245 And before we wrap, doctor Tobler, I'll I'll 434 00:15:50,245 --> 00:15:51,764 start with you since we have you with 435 00:15:51,764 --> 00:15:53,524 us already. But are is there anything we 436 00:15:53,524 --> 00:15:55,365 didn't touch on or any final thoughts that 437 00:15:55,365 --> 00:15:56,804 you'd like to leave our listeners with? And 438 00:15:56,804 --> 00:15:58,164 then, Kristen, would love for you to weigh 439 00:15:58,164 --> 00:15:59,065 in on that too. 440 00:16:00,120 --> 00:16:02,519 You know, as we think about the industry 441 00:16:02,519 --> 00:16:04,519 and our our profession that we care about 442 00:16:04,519 --> 00:16:05,819 so much, I think that 443 00:16:06,199 --> 00:16:08,120 one of the the indicators that we look 444 00:16:08,120 --> 00:16:09,720 to to see what the future of of 445 00:16:09,720 --> 00:16:12,699 dentistry is, we look at medicine and pharmacy. 446 00:16:13,245 --> 00:16:15,085 And most of the time when I think 447 00:16:15,085 --> 00:16:16,845 about that, I think about what it means 448 00:16:16,845 --> 00:16:19,325 for consolidation in the industry. You know, private 449 00:16:19,325 --> 00:16:21,024 equity consolidation is leading 450 00:16:21,485 --> 00:16:23,745 kind of a a strong trend in dentistry 451 00:16:23,804 --> 00:16:26,125 right now. And, there's a lot we can 452 00:16:26,125 --> 00:16:28,470 learn from that, But there's also a lot 453 00:16:28,470 --> 00:16:29,830 that we can learn and I think some 454 00:16:29,830 --> 00:16:31,990 cautionary tales when we look at the way 455 00:16:31,990 --> 00:16:35,050 that providers have become disengaged in medicine, specifically, 456 00:16:35,110 --> 00:16:37,910 you know, nurses and the evolution of traveling 457 00:16:37,910 --> 00:16:38,410 nurses. 458 00:16:38,950 --> 00:16:39,769 We see that 459 00:16:40,274 --> 00:16:42,995 temporary employment becoming more and more prevalent in 460 00:16:42,995 --> 00:16:44,054 hygiene specifically, 461 00:16:44,595 --> 00:16:46,695 and it's a huge concern for me, 462 00:16:47,315 --> 00:16:49,575 in the quality of care and the experience 463 00:16:49,634 --> 00:16:50,534 that we have, 464 00:16:51,235 --> 00:16:52,855 for our patients in the end. 465 00:16:53,399 --> 00:16:55,740 Dentistry has always been built on a foundation 466 00:16:55,799 --> 00:16:58,699 of relationships with patients. We are a relationship 467 00:16:58,839 --> 00:17:00,779 industry, and all dental is local. 468 00:17:01,240 --> 00:17:03,879 And so for me, you know, the shift 469 00:17:03,879 --> 00:17:06,919 away from that is a really concerning trend, 470 00:17:06,919 --> 00:17:08,460 and I think the best DSOs 471 00:17:09,015 --> 00:17:10,775 are going to be the ones who find 472 00:17:10,775 --> 00:17:12,474 a way to bring the relationship, 473 00:17:12,775 --> 00:17:13,994 emphasize the relationship 474 00:17:14,615 --> 00:17:17,815 in that that patient clinician react really, 475 00:17:18,375 --> 00:17:18,875 interaction. 476 00:17:19,654 --> 00:17:19,974 And, 477 00:17:20,535 --> 00:17:22,615 that's really what Kristen and I are working 478 00:17:22,615 --> 00:17:25,490 to do within DCA is to emphasize those 479 00:17:25,490 --> 00:17:27,649 relationships and make sure that we're engaging with 480 00:17:27,649 --> 00:17:29,809 our clinicians to then engage with their patients. 481 00:17:29,809 --> 00:17:31,490 And as we can do that, I think 482 00:17:31,490 --> 00:17:33,730 that's that's where the the most clear path 483 00:17:33,730 --> 00:17:34,710 to success lies. 484 00:17:35,490 --> 00:17:38,149 Yeah. Thanks, doctor Tobler. And Kristen, 485 00:17:38,450 --> 00:17:40,069 any final thoughts that you'd add? 486 00:17:40,985 --> 00:17:41,884 I would say, 487 00:17:42,184 --> 00:17:43,485 you know, as a DSO, 488 00:17:43,865 --> 00:17:46,045 really the best way for long term success 489 00:17:46,505 --> 00:17:48,985 is to put clinicians' voice at the table 490 00:17:48,985 --> 00:17:51,485 early and often. That's how you retain talent, 491 00:17:52,025 --> 00:17:55,140 innovate responsibly, and meet patients' needs consistently across 492 00:17:55,140 --> 00:17:55,640 multilocations. 493 00:17:56,740 --> 00:17:58,599 So I think, we have definitely 494 00:17:58,900 --> 00:18:01,700 taken this very seriously, and we are already 495 00:18:01,700 --> 00:18:03,960 seeing early results of that engagement, 496 00:18:04,420 --> 00:18:04,920 really 497 00:18:05,619 --> 00:18:07,460 coming to life within our company. And I 498 00:18:07,460 --> 00:18:09,880 just feel like the networking and the opportunity 499 00:18:09,940 --> 00:18:10,759 that we have 500 00:18:11,134 --> 00:18:13,454 to keep our clinicians with us so that 501 00:18:13,454 --> 00:18:15,294 we're growing together so that we can take 502 00:18:15,294 --> 00:18:16,754 care of our patients consistently 503 00:18:17,134 --> 00:18:17,954 every time 504 00:18:18,335 --> 00:18:20,674 is definitely our road map to success. 505 00:18:21,454 --> 00:18:21,954 Fantastic. 506 00:18:22,894 --> 00:18:25,309 Doctor Tobler, Kristen, it's been a pleasure spending 507 00:18:25,309 --> 00:18:27,549 some time with you today and learning learning 508 00:18:27,549 --> 00:18:29,470 about the approach at Dental Care Alliance and 509 00:18:29,470 --> 00:18:32,029 how you're supporting your clinicians. So thank you 510 00:18:32,029 --> 00:18:34,190 again for making the time for this Becker's 511 00:18:34,190 --> 00:18:35,089 podcast episode. 512 00:18:35,470 --> 00:18:37,150 Yeah. Thank you again for having us. It 513 00:18:37,150 --> 00:18:40,265 was fun. Thanks, Erica. Appreciate it. Thank you. 514 00:18:40,565 --> 00:18:42,484 And listeners, please be sure to tune in 515 00:18:42,484 --> 00:18:45,044 to more podcasts from Becker's by visiting our 516 00:18:45,044 --> 00:18:48,505 podcast page at beckershospitalreview.com.