1 00:00:00,195 --> 00:00:03,085 - This is Riz Hat with the Becker's Dental Podcast. 2 00:00:03,785 --> 00:00:05,565 I'm thrilled to be joined today by Dr. 3 00:00:05,715 --> 00:00:10,445 Kyle Hollis, chief Clinical Officer of SGA Dental Partners. 4 00:00:11,025 --> 00:00:13,045 Dr. Hollis, thank you so much for being here today. 5 00:00:14,085 --> 00:00:16,225 - Uh, thank you for inviting me. Really excited to be here. 6 00:00:17,255 --> 00:00:20,445 - Great. Just to start us off, could you introduce yourself 7 00:00:20,465 --> 00:00:21,725 and tell us a bit about your background? 8 00:00:23,185 --> 00:00:25,185 - Absolutely. Yeah. So I'm Dr. Kyle Hollis. 9 00:00:25,225 --> 00:00:27,305 I, I, like you said, I'm the Chief Clinical Officer 10 00:00:27,365 --> 00:00:28,785 for SGA Dental Partners. 11 00:00:29,405 --> 00:00:33,425 Um, I'm a practicing dentist in, uh, uh, Savannah, Georgia. 12 00:00:34,105 --> 00:00:37,225 I actually, uh, was a, I practiced for about six years 13 00:00:37,285 --> 00:00:40,785 before I got into the, um, more of the management, uh, role 14 00:00:40,885 --> 00:00:45,265 and became the Chief Clinical Officer, um, for SGA back in, 15 00:00:45,265 --> 00:00:46,705 uh, March of 2022. 16 00:00:47,945 --> 00:00:50,785 I, uh, I went to the Dental College of Georgia for my, uh, 17 00:00:51,685 --> 00:00:52,785 my dental education. 18 00:00:53,485 --> 00:00:58,025 Um, and, uh, yeah, I really enjoyed, um, being a part 19 00:00:58,025 --> 00:01:01,025 of the, of SGA and, um, of the group and, 20 00:01:01,025 --> 00:01:02,785 and seeing where we've, we've grown. 21 00:01:03,565 --> 00:01:07,705 Um, and, uh, you know, I look forward to, to 22 00:01:09,065 --> 00:01:10,265 speaking, uh, on the podcast 23 00:01:10,485 --> 00:01:12,945 and continue to talk through, uh, some of the issues and, 24 00:01:13,005 --> 00:01:14,665 and great things that are going on in the industry. 25 00:01:16,445 --> 00:01:18,275 - Great. Thanks so much for that introduction. 26 00:01:18,815 --> 00:01:21,115 I'm curious what led you to switch from, um, 27 00:01:21,135 --> 00:01:23,715 the more clinical side of the dentistry to management? 28 00:01:26,605 --> 00:01:29,935 - Well, I, I enjoyed, uh, clinical dentistry, 29 00:01:30,155 --> 00:01:31,215 uh, and I still do. 30 00:01:31,555 --> 00:01:34,415 Uh, and it was, um, just one of those things 31 00:01:34,415 --> 00:01:35,415 that happened organically. 32 00:01:35,875 --> 00:01:38,575 Um, we began growing as a group. 33 00:01:38,875 --> 00:01:43,415 Uh, we started out, um, with a, with an 34 00:01:43,675 --> 00:01:46,055 as Southwestern Zone Management, um, with a group 35 00:01:46,165 --> 00:01:47,535 outside of Savannah, Georgia. 36 00:01:47,835 --> 00:01:50,375 Um, we had two locations at Reedsville and Coxton. 37 00:01:50,915 --> 00:01:54,615 Um, and, uh, as the group continued to grow, 38 00:01:54,615 --> 00:01:55,615 there became more 39 00:01:55,615 --> 00:01:59,855 and more of a need, um, to, uh, uh, 40 00:02:00,195 --> 00:02:02,495 to expand our, um, clinical strategy 41 00:02:02,555 --> 00:02:03,615 and clinical management. 42 00:02:04,235 --> 00:02:07,855 Um, and, uh, just kind of, uh, like I said, 43 00:02:07,855 --> 00:02:08,935 just kind of happened organically. 44 00:02:09,015 --> 00:02:11,095 I fell into the role, um, as I became more 45 00:02:11,095 --> 00:02:12,335 and more involved with, uh, 46 00:02:12,335 --> 00:02:13,735 just the growth of the, the group. 47 00:02:14,515 --> 00:02:15,535 Um, and with our, uh, 48 00:02:15,535 --> 00:02:17,175 private equity partners, the Durston group. 49 00:02:18,725 --> 00:02:19,795 - Great. Thanks for sharing. 50 00:02:20,625 --> 00:02:22,155 What are the biggest issues you're 51 00:02:22,155 --> 00:02:23,315 following in dental today? 52 00:02:24,135 --> 00:02:26,195 - One of the biggest issues that I'm following in our, 53 00:02:26,255 --> 00:02:29,315 our group is, is kind of, uh, keeping, keeping track of 54 00:02:29,315 --> 00:02:32,115 and is really important to us is, um, access to care. 55 00:02:33,255 --> 00:02:35,235 Uh, we are a regional, 56 00:02:35,595 --> 00:02:38,155 regional DSO primarily in the southeast United States. 57 00:02:38,575 --> 00:02:41,195 Um, and, uh, one of the things that we see in a lot 58 00:02:41,195 --> 00:02:44,355 of the states that we're in, um, are just numerous markets 59 00:02:44,465 --> 00:02:45,515 with unmet demand. 60 00:02:45,975 --> 00:02:49,875 So, um, we, uh, we have offices in, in tertiary 61 00:02:49,875 --> 00:02:53,435 and secondary markets, um, more rural areas where, um, 62 00:02:53,495 --> 00:02:56,995 we may be the only, um, dental office and the only provider, 63 00:02:57,055 --> 00:03:00,005 and there are also several counties still in, in many 64 00:03:00,005 --> 00:03:01,605 of the states that we're in, uh, 65 00:03:01,715 --> 00:03:03,165 that don't, don't have dentists. 66 00:03:03,305 --> 00:03:07,885 Um, so access to care is, is a, is a big issue 67 00:03:07,885 --> 00:03:09,965 that we are actively, uh, trying to solve. 68 00:03:10,025 --> 00:03:13,885 And one of our, our big, um, goals is to 69 00:03:14,655 --> 00:03:18,285 bring high quality providers, um, into those, uh, 70 00:03:18,355 --> 00:03:22,205 more rural markets, um, so that we can better provide access 71 00:03:22,205 --> 00:03:24,485 to care for any of those that, that don't have it. 72 00:03:25,025 --> 00:03:29,245 Um, and then also with that, you know, I'm, uh, 73 00:03:29,735 --> 00:03:32,765 we're looking at the what's licensing, uh, 74 00:03:32,865 --> 00:03:36,325 what's the licensing, um, issues with different states 75 00:03:36,425 --> 00:03:39,165 and the licensing compacts that are, uh, out there. 76 00:03:39,745 --> 00:03:40,845 You know, there's, there's two big 77 00:03:40,845 --> 00:03:41,885 ones that are floating around. 78 00:03:42,625 --> 00:03:45,085 Um, and so we're just, uh, you know, 79 00:03:45,115 --> 00:03:46,325 keep staying aware of that. 80 00:03:46,585 --> 00:03:49,925 And then just seeing how to did the licensing compacts, um, 81 00:03:49,985 --> 00:03:52,925 you know, the ability for Dennis to have reciprocity 82 00:03:52,925 --> 00:03:55,085 of licensing across, uh, state borders. 83 00:03:55,085 --> 00:03:58,765 How does that affect access of care, um, uh, for patients? 84 00:03:58,765 --> 00:04:00,245 Are they gonna, you know, increase that? 85 00:04:00,245 --> 00:04:02,925 Are we gonna be able to, to further provide more care in 86 00:04:02,925 --> 00:04:05,605 these rural areas, um, bring providers to those areas. 87 00:04:07,105 --> 00:04:09,525 Um, and then I think probably also just, uh, 88 00:04:09,905 --> 00:04:13,645 the insurance medical loss ratios that the dental, 89 00:04:13,665 --> 00:04:17,285 dental insurance companies, um, legislation for that in, 90 00:04:17,305 --> 00:04:18,845 in many states that's happening right now. 91 00:04:18,845 --> 00:04:20,485 Keeping, keeping track of that. 92 00:04:21,145 --> 00:04:24,045 Um, you know, what's this gonna look like, uh, for coverage 93 00:04:24,045 --> 00:04:25,045 for our patients, um, 94 00:04:25,365 --> 00:04:27,445 reimbursements tracking, you know, tracking that. 95 00:04:27,655 --> 00:04:30,725 How's the, how reimbursements gonna track, you know, you 96 00:04:30,995 --> 00:04:32,685 with the increased supply costs, 97 00:04:32,685 --> 00:04:34,085 staffing costs and everything like that. 98 00:04:34,265 --> 00:04:37,445 Um, you know, is this something that's going to be great 99 00:04:37,445 --> 00:04:39,445 for patients and, uh, you know, good 100 00:04:39,445 --> 00:04:40,765 for good for the industry? 101 00:04:41,065 --> 00:04:44,085 Uh, or is it, is it one of those things where, um, you know, 102 00:04:44,085 --> 00:04:45,325 we're not gonna see a whole lot 103 00:04:45,325 --> 00:04:47,365 of reflection in the actual coverage for patients. 104 00:04:49,315 --> 00:04:52,795 - Interesting. Thank you. I'm curious, um, does 105 00:04:53,955 --> 00:04:56,635 SGA dental partners have, um, a specific strategy 106 00:04:56,735 --> 00:04:58,435 or any initiatives that they're working on 107 00:04:58,435 --> 00:04:59,635 regarding access to care? 108 00:05:01,525 --> 00:05:04,665 - Yes. One of our, uh, the key components of the group is, 109 00:05:05,165 --> 00:05:08,385 is to provide, uh, that high quality care in those, uh, 110 00:05:09,285 --> 00:05:13,145 you know, I, I don't wanna say, uh, forgotten markets, 111 00:05:13,405 --> 00:05:16,265 but, uh, maybe a lot of those areas where like, there is 112 00:05:16,265 --> 00:05:19,505 that unmet demand, um, where there, there's, you know, 113 00:05:19,785 --> 00:05:21,545 patients that are driving an hour 114 00:05:22,045 --> 00:05:25,705 or more to, to see providers, you know, we have the ability 115 00:05:25,965 --> 00:05:30,905 to, to be able to go in, uh, set up practices, uh, 116 00:05:30,965 --> 00:05:34,345 create succession plans for, uh, older, you know, 117 00:05:34,745 --> 00:05:37,585 existing doctors in, in locations where, um, you know, 118 00:05:37,585 --> 00:05:40,025 they may be retiring and there's not an immediate, uh, 119 00:05:40,505 --> 00:05:41,825 solution for replacement. 120 00:05:42,245 --> 00:05:44,465 Um, we've, uh, been very successful in, 121 00:05:44,465 --> 00:05:46,185 in going into those areas, um, 122 00:05:46,565 --> 00:05:50,065 and bringing, uh, providers that maybe initially 123 00:05:50,625 --> 00:05:52,425 wouldn't have considered that, um, 124 00:05:52,485 --> 00:05:53,625 as a potential opportunity. 125 00:05:53,965 --> 00:05:56,665 And then, uh, making that a good opportunity for them and 126 00:05:56,665 --> 00:05:59,725 therefore, you know, bringing that, uh, that quality 127 00:05:59,785 --> 00:06:01,605 of care, uh, to these patients. 128 00:06:02,465 --> 00:06:07,245 Um, and so, uh, that's, that's something we continue 129 00:06:07,265 --> 00:06:08,365 to, to invest in. 130 00:06:08,905 --> 00:06:11,005 Um, and, uh, we're gonna continue to grow 131 00:06:11,005 --> 00:06:13,685 and build density in, in more of these tertiary markets 132 00:06:14,145 --> 00:06:15,645 and, uh, and secondary markets 133 00:06:15,825 --> 00:06:17,365 as we grow in southeast United States. 134 00:06:18,925 --> 00:06:19,935 - Awesome. Thank you. 135 00:06:21,035 --> 00:06:22,775 So, whatcha most excited about 136 00:06:22,915 --> 00:06:25,415 and what makes you nervous when it comes to dentistry? 137 00:06:28,125 --> 00:06:32,045 - A good question. Uh, I think I'm probably, I, 138 00:06:32,245 --> 00:06:33,245 I get really excited 139 00:06:33,505 --> 00:06:36,725 and passionate, um, about, um, just the tech, you know, 140 00:06:36,725 --> 00:06:38,325 the technological advances we're seeing 141 00:06:38,325 --> 00:06:39,365 in dentistry right now. 142 00:06:39,725 --> 00:06:44,245 I mean, 3D printing, um, AI integration, uh, 143 00:06:44,465 --> 00:06:48,045 you know, I think, uh, 3D printing is, is is changing, uh, 144 00:06:48,065 --> 00:06:50,205 the way that, um, we do dentistry 145 00:06:50,225 --> 00:06:51,685 and it's gonna continue to develop. 146 00:06:51,925 --> 00:06:54,965 I mean, I think, you know, just here recently Align came out 147 00:06:54,965 --> 00:06:58,205 with, uh, 3D printed powder expanders for kids. 148 00:06:58,665 --> 00:07:03,405 Um, it, it's less invasive, less painful, um, uh, a way 149 00:07:03,405 --> 00:07:04,525 of doing expansion. 150 00:07:04,585 --> 00:07:08,605 And then, you know, just the, the ability to, uh, you know, 151 00:07:08,605 --> 00:07:10,605 as we have more and more materials that, materials 152 00:07:10,605 --> 00:07:14,525 that come out that we can 3D print, um, you know, uh, 153 00:07:14,555 --> 00:07:18,765 long-term fixed, uh, you know, solutions for patients 154 00:07:19,105 --> 00:07:22,685 and implant solutions, um, things, things of that nature, 155 00:07:22,925 --> 00:07:25,765 I think it's gonna continue to, to shorten appointments 156 00:07:25,785 --> 00:07:29,605 for patients and to lessen the number of appointments, um, 157 00:07:29,605 --> 00:07:31,445 the patient's gonna, uh, be in the chair. 158 00:07:31,465 --> 00:07:32,765 So, really excited about that. 159 00:07:32,905 --> 00:07:35,685 And then, you know, AI integration into the office, 160 00:07:35,835 --> 00:07:38,045 both on the, the clinical side and the vision side. 161 00:07:38,125 --> 00:07:42,325 I mean, uh, we're seeing, you know, we're able 162 00:07:42,325 --> 00:07:44,685 to be more precise with our, with our decision making 163 00:07:44,865 --> 00:07:48,445 and, um, you know, be able to, to more confidently diagnose 164 00:07:48,545 --> 00:07:51,765 for patients, and then also gives the patients the ability 165 00:07:51,905 --> 00:07:55,685 to seek care that it's, um, you know, that is better, 166 00:07:55,685 --> 00:07:57,525 better data-driven, um, 167 00:07:58,425 --> 00:08:01,645 and so they can, they can physically see, hey, this is 168 00:08:01,645 --> 00:08:02,805 what the AI's picking up. 169 00:08:02,805 --> 00:08:05,165 And then that, along with the diagnosis from the doctor, um, 170 00:08:05,165 --> 00:08:06,445 it's gonna continue to build patient 171 00:08:06,535 --> 00:08:08,125 confidence and what we're doing. 172 00:08:08,345 --> 00:08:10,725 So, uh, that's, that's really exciting. 173 00:08:11,185 --> 00:08:14,285 You know, genetic testing, you know, saliva testing, 174 00:08:14,615 --> 00:08:16,885 being able to be more precise and, 175 00:08:16,905 --> 00:08:19,485 and just create personalized care for patients. 176 00:08:20,105 --> 00:08:22,845 Um, that's another thing that we're, we're looking at, uh, 177 00:08:22,845 --> 00:08:25,965 with SGA and so excited about that. 178 00:08:26,745 --> 00:08:28,965 Uh, minimally invasive dentistry. 179 00:08:29,125 --> 00:08:32,085 I mean, the, the integration of lasers with and, 180 00:08:32,145 --> 00:08:33,405 and periodontal treatment 181 00:08:34,065 --> 00:08:35,725 and also just, uh, there's, 182 00:08:35,725 --> 00:08:38,405 there's products on the market right now where we're, uh, 183 00:08:38,605 --> 00:08:41,845 treating, uh, incipient caries, uh, without drilling. 184 00:08:42,425 --> 00:08:44,605 Um, and IV we remineralize 185 00:08:44,625 --> 00:08:48,085 and with biomimetic, uh, ways. 186 00:08:48,145 --> 00:08:49,445 And, and so that's pretty exciting. 187 00:08:50,425 --> 00:08:52,525 Um, as far as, uh, 188 00:08:52,985 --> 00:08:54,285 and I think the rest of your question is 189 00:08:54,285 --> 00:08:55,685 what potentially makes me nervous? 190 00:08:56,285 --> 00:08:57,765 I don't know if there's anything that, that 191 00:08:57,765 --> 00:08:58,845 necessarily makes me nervous. 192 00:08:59,225 --> 00:09:02,925 Uh, you know, maybe one of the things that, that we're, 193 00:09:03,265 --> 00:09:06,805 I'm cautious with, um, is, uh, 194 00:09:06,875 --> 00:09:08,565 teledentistry, right? 195 00:09:08,585 --> 00:09:11,125 So I think that tele dentistry definitely fits into the 196 00:09:11,125 --> 00:09:12,205 continuum of care 197 00:09:12,905 --> 00:09:16,445 and, uh, is is potentially another way that we're going to, 198 00:09:16,445 --> 00:09:18,005 you know, better that access to care, 199 00:09:18,785 --> 00:09:20,685 but just wanted to make, you know, we wanna make sure 200 00:09:20,715 --> 00:09:24,205 that hey, it's implemented appropriately, we're providing it 201 00:09:24,205 --> 00:09:27,925 where it's necessary, you know, that, you know, just kind 202 00:09:27,925 --> 00:09:31,045 of watching what, you know, how is it gonna be regulated, 203 00:09:31,305 --> 00:09:33,365 uh, you continue to be regulated. 204 00:09:33,785 --> 00:09:35,445 Um, everything along those lines. 205 00:09:35,545 --> 00:09:39,205 So cautiously optimistic, but, um, cautious for sure. 206 00:09:40,755 --> 00:09:43,315 - Interesting. Thank you. What will the most effective 207 00:09:43,315 --> 00:09:44,435 healthcare leaders need 208 00:09:44,435 --> 00:09:46,395 to be successful in the next two to three years? 209 00:09:48,145 --> 00:09:51,175 - Great question. Uh, is this a changing, uh, 210 00:09:51,575 --> 00:09:53,095 interesting changing time that we're in? 211 00:09:53,275 --> 00:09:56,455 Um, I think it just, the ability to adapt, right? 212 00:09:56,555 --> 00:09:58,095 So healthcare's changing rapidly 213 00:09:59,085 --> 00:10:01,575 with AI integration and into everything. 214 00:10:01,585 --> 00:10:04,375 We're seeing processes and, uh, change. 215 00:10:05,195 --> 00:10:06,975 Um, we're seeing new technology come out 216 00:10:06,975 --> 00:10:08,095 in the market every day. 217 00:10:08,315 --> 00:10:12,935 Um, and I, and a lot of it is, uh, does make, uh, 218 00:10:12,935 --> 00:10:14,615 things more efficient and more effective. 219 00:10:15,235 --> 00:10:19,375 Um, so I think being able to adapt not being, uh, resistant 220 00:10:19,375 --> 00:10:22,575 to change is, uh, is one way to, to continue 221 00:10:22,575 --> 00:10:24,095 to be effective over the next couple years. 222 00:10:24,795 --> 00:10:28,615 You know, the ability to make data-driven decisions, um, 223 00:10:28,845 --> 00:10:32,175 stay away from, from just emotional decisions, you know, 224 00:10:32,245 --> 00:10:34,735 take, uh, the anecdotal information 225 00:10:34,735 --> 00:10:36,815 that you give from your providers, uh, 226 00:10:37,275 --> 00:10:39,575 and you, you know, your constituents listen 227 00:10:39,575 --> 00:10:41,975 to all your constituents, um, at the ground level, 228 00:10:42,275 --> 00:10:43,935 and then take that and combine it with the data 229 00:10:43,935 --> 00:10:48,775 that we're able to, you know, um, we're able to build, uh, 230 00:10:49,045 --> 00:10:51,655 more on the, the company side, um, 231 00:10:51,715 --> 00:10:53,295 and use that to make your decisions. 232 00:10:53,435 --> 00:10:55,415 And, and I think that that's, um, 233 00:10:55,475 --> 00:10:57,415 how you stay effective and, and you grow. 234 00:10:57,925 --> 00:10:59,375 Biggest thing really is, 235 00:10:59,435 --> 00:11:01,975 is focusing on your providers and patients, right? 236 00:11:02,115 --> 00:11:07,015 So providing patient-centered care, focusing on, on outcomes 237 00:11:07,035 --> 00:11:09,335 of those patients, making sure that all the decisions 238 00:11:09,335 --> 00:11:11,775 that you're making are, are leading to better outcomes 239 00:11:11,835 --> 00:11:14,935 for your patient, and, uh, let that drive your business. 240 00:11:15,755 --> 00:11:18,695 Uh, and in order to do that, uh, you really have 241 00:11:18,695 --> 00:11:20,175 to also focus on the wellbeing 242 00:11:20,235 --> 00:11:22,895 and just the mental health of your, of your clinicians 243 00:11:22,915 --> 00:11:23,935 and, and your staff. 244 00:11:24,755 --> 00:11:28,775 So I think, uh, you know, making sure, especially right now, 245 00:11:28,835 --> 00:11:30,775 you, you know, and I know healthcare, you know, 246 00:11:30,775 --> 00:11:33,775 the hos hospitals on the medical side are seeing it worse 247 00:11:33,775 --> 00:11:36,015 than, than we are on the dentistry side with the 248 00:11:36,035 --> 00:11:37,215 nor nurse shortage. 249 00:11:37,395 --> 00:11:40,855 But, you know, with, with, uh, availability for a lot 250 00:11:40,855 --> 00:11:45,375 of offices to, to, uh, to staff, uh, you know, in, 251 00:11:45,475 --> 00:11:48,935 in places, I think it, that can add added stressors. 252 00:11:49,115 --> 00:11:50,655 Uh, so we've been really fortunate. 253 00:11:50,675 --> 00:11:53,805 Our retention rate, uh, of staff has really high. 254 00:11:53,905 --> 00:11:56,125 But, you know, it's just one of those things that you have 255 00:11:56,125 --> 00:11:59,125 to see, like, hey, if staffing, you know, 256 00:11:59,125 --> 00:12:02,205 across the industry becomes more difficult, like how do we, 257 00:12:02,425 --> 00:12:04,405 how do we re remove some of that strain 258 00:12:04,425 --> 00:12:06,845 and stressors off of our providers, um, 259 00:12:06,945 --> 00:12:08,565 and just keep 'em, uh, keep 'em happy. 260 00:12:08,585 --> 00:12:10,525 So being there and making sure that we're, you know, 261 00:12:10,525 --> 00:12:12,685 you're supporting your clinicians, your providers, 262 00:12:12,685 --> 00:12:14,725 and the rest of your staff, um, 263 00:12:15,265 --> 00:12:16,805 and, uh, you know, being able 264 00:12:16,805 --> 00:12:20,245 to continuously provide the high quality, a high level 265 00:12:20,265 --> 00:12:22,005 of patient care, um, I think 266 00:12:22,005 --> 00:12:23,205 that's how you remain effective. 267 00:12:24,495 --> 00:12:27,235 - That's great. Yeah, it sounds like that that support piece 268 00:12:27,375 --> 00:12:28,755 as well as that flexibility, 269 00:12:28,755 --> 00:12:31,395 that adaptability sounds really important. 270 00:12:32,005 --> 00:12:33,195 Thank you so much, Dr. 271 00:12:33,375 --> 00:12:36,315 Hollis, for your fascinating insights and your time today. 272 00:12:36,675 --> 00:12:38,595 I look forward to connecting with you again in the future. 273 00:12:39,945 --> 00:12:41,045 - Sounds great. Thank you so.