Practice Talk - podcast cover

Practice Talk

Welcome to Practice Talk, the podcast that delves deep into the intricacies of healthcare practices. We amplify the voices of actual team members, revealing strategies for creating thriving healthcare practices. Each episode, we engage with diverse staff, from receptionists to lab technicians and administrative professionals who will share candid stories and provide practical solutions for juggling patient care and business demands. Our mission is to empower the dedicated teams that make healthcare happen. So whichever role you play, tune into Practice Talk for a genuine peek behind the scenes. About the Host: Lacie Ellis: Meet Lacie, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. With a comprehensive understanding of practice operations, she has become a trusted authority in the field. Lacie's journey led her to the world of consulting, where she works her magic to help practices reach new heights. As a strategic marketing expert, she knows how to captivate audiences and drive sustainable growth. With a focus on boosting team morale, implementing effective training programs, and fostering open communication, Lacie stands out as a true industry insider.
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Episodes

Elevating the New Patient Experience

Are you making the most of every new patient consultation in your orthodontic practice? Welcome to Practice Talk, the podcast where we dive into the people and processes that power successful orthodontic practices. Today, Lacie Ellis is joined by Linda Lindsay, a seasoned professional who redefines the role of the Treatment Coordinator as a Consultation Concierge. Linda shares how her personalized approach transforms the new patient experience—from the moment they walk in to how payment options ...

Jun 24, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 17

From First Call to Final Smile - The True Impact of Orthodontics

Are you ready to take your orthodontic practice to the next level? In this episode of Practice Talk , guest Alida Brydson joins Lacie Ellis as they dive into essential strategies for improving patient care and streamlining office management operations. They explore the importance of building strong connections with new patients from the initial phone call, fostering team collaboration between the front and back offices, and the value of clear communication in all aspects of the practice, from sc...

Apr 10, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Behind the Braces: Balancing Clinical, Marketing, and Patient Care

In this inspiring episode of Practice Talk, host Lacie Ellis sits down with Christi Hubert, a purpose-driven leadership professional with over 11 years of experience in the orthodontics industry. Christi shares her journey of growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming, home-like environment for patients and team members. From navigating unexpected challenges to embracing discomfort as a path to growth, Christi offers invaluable...

Dec 30, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Building More Than Smiles: The Journey of Starting an Orthodontic Practice

Welcome back to Practice Talk with your host, Lacie Ellis. Today, we’re excited to welcome Janine Chinitz of Chinitz Orthodontics, a startup that’s been making waves in the industry for the past two years. Janine will share the five key factors that have contributed to the success of the practice, from choosing the right name to building a standout team. We’ll explore how strategic planning, effective marketing, and strong community connections have helped them lay a solid foundation for growth....

Dec 10, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Keeping the Office Smiling: Strategies from a Seasoned Orthodontic Manager

Welcome back to Practice Talk with your host, Lacie Ellis. This episode features Trisha LaRue, a seasoned orthodontic office manager, to discuss the unique challenges and rewards of managing a busy orthodontic practice. From keeping the team motivated and managing staff attendance to finding solutions for improving efficiency, Trisha shares practical advice that every office manager can apply. She also dives into strategies for building a positive practice culture, aligning the team with the doc...

Nov 26, 202441 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Getting Clinical

Welcome back to Practice Talk! with your host, Lacie Ellis. Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by Pheebe Lafreniere, a seasoned professional in the orthodontic field. In this episode, Pheebe shares how her journey began in orthodontics and discusses the rewarding aspects of her job, like building lasting relationships with patients. Together, we tackle vital concerns, from motivating clinical staff to help with marketing efforts to managing the dynamics between front and back office teams. Plus,...

Oct 15, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Cultivating a Positive Environment For Your Patients & Your Team

Welcome back to Practice Talk! Today, we're turning the hiring process on its head and exploring how to view it as a positive opportunity to build your dream team. Haley Stumbo, from Greg Orthodontics and Bloom Consulting, is joining me. Haley shares her insights on embracing the positive opportunity of hiring new team members and how cultivating a culture of clear communication, honesty, and kindness can empower orthodontic practices to thrive clinically and operationally. Haley will also share...

Aug 06, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 11

From Consultation to Commitment: Winning Over Patients Without Pressure

In this episode of Practice Talk, Lacie Ellis welcomes Cathy, a Lead Treatment Coordinator. Cathy will share her experiences guiding patients from consultation to commitment, advocating for the practice and her patients. Lacie and Cathy discuss strategies for winning over patients without pressure, making treatments more affordable through lower down payments or flexible payment schedules, and starting treatment plans on the initial contact to save patients an extra trip. Cathy offers valuable i...

Jul 01, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Behind the Smiles: Insights from a Clinical Supervisor

In this episode of Practice Talk, Laci Ellis, the host, warmly introduces Janella Perez, a seasoned orthodontic professional with 17 years of experience who brings a wealth of knowledge from her varied roles within the office. Janella shares her office’s successful strategies for welcoming new patients and fostering a positive environment for current patients, emphasizing the importance of feeling valued. From handling emergencies to ensuring stocked supplies and cross-training staff, Janella co...

Jun 05, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Strategies for Community Growth and Engagement

In this episode of Practice Talk, the Marketing Director of Lupi Orthodontics, Heather Hamm, divulges her office’s strategies for orchestrating prosperous community events. She highlights the diverse range of events they've organized, noting that those centered around health and wellness consistently draw the largest crowds. Heather emphasizes the effectiveness of distributing branded swag, particularly citing ChapStick as a highly appreciated giveaway item — after all, who doesn't need ChapStic...

May 09, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Ep 7 - Are Virtual Exams Worth It?

On this episode of Practice Talk, orthodontic assistant Jamie Kent unveils her office's secrets to successful virtual exams. She'll guide you through the entire process, from that first email to scheduling the first in-office visit. Jamie knows a friendly and qualified team member is vital to answering questions with a smile (even virtually). This ensures a warm welcome before patients ever set foot in the office. Jamie tackles common concerns like time commitment and the effectiveness of virtua...

Mar 28, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 7

What’s Happening In The Lab?

In this episode of Practice Talk, orthodontists and dental professionals discover the key to a smoother, more productive lab: clear and consistent procedures. Join Brandi Lafreniere as she reveals how to empower your staff with well-defined processes, leading to improved lab efficiency and, ultimately, happier patients. Brandi will share practical tips and insights using uLab. Tune in today as she sheds light on the latest developments in orthodontic lab management. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:26] Laci...

Feb 20, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Running an Efficient Clinic

Are you curious about what key factors contribute to a clinic's efficiency? Mia Vincent has successfully honed the skills that will make your office efficient. With valuable scheduling insights, she is enthusiastic about sharing the positive impact of dental monitoring on their practice. Mia will address listener’s questions, including strategies for handling conflicts between the front office and clinical staff and how to create a positive office morale. Don’t miss this episode of Practice Talk...

Jan 18, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Managing Team Members (and Sometimes Your Doctors)

Is office culture a real thing? Can team morale be built? What if your practice has an employee who is difficult to work with? Today, Lacie is joined by Laura Henry, who is at the helm of a successful orthodontic business, managing three offices, two practices, and three doctors; Laura has answers to these questions. Lacie and Laura will also discuss time off, office apparel and the importance of leadership. Don’t miss this powerful episode of Practice Talk. You will surely learn how to achieve ...

Dec 26, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Is Marketing in Your Community Worth It?

Today, Lacey is joined by Mary Katherine Vonpotts, the Marketing Director for Scenic City Orthodontics in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mary Katherine shares innovative ways to serve your community while marketing your practice. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement with schools, which has paid dividends in her office. Mary Katherine also reminds listeners to remember the Dentists who refer patients, and she has a proactive way of making those Dentists feel appreciated. After listenin...

Oct 19, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Exam Room Insights: Excuses vs Valid Treatment Delays

Today, Lacey is joined by Sarah Gibson, the Treatment Coordinator for her office. Sarah delves into various facets of her role, including discussing the established procedures for welcoming new and existing patients. She emphasizes the importance of active listening and provides real-life examples of how it can significantly work to a patient's advantage. The episode also covers scheduling techniques and strategies to ensure a smooth workflow for the doctor and the patient. Make sure you catch t...

Sep 26, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Tips For Dealing With Difficult Patients

Welcome to our first episode of Practice Talk, featuring Lacie Ellis as the host. Today Lacie sits down with Kaitlynn Kopa, the scheduling coordinator at King Orthodontics in Dayton, Ohio. She offers valuable insights on managing appointments for school-age children during and after school hours. She also dives into her strategies for handling disgruntled patients. Additionally, Kaitlynn will address questions from our listeners. Get ready for an engaging episode of Practice Talk! IN THIS EPISOD...

Aug 22, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Practice Talk Trailer

Welcome to Practice Talk, the podcast that delves deep into the intricacies of healthcare practices. We amplify the voices of actual team members, revealing strategies for creating thriving healthcare practices. Each episode, we engage with diverse staff, from receptionists to lab technicians and administrative professionals who will share candid stories and provide practical solutions for juggling patient care and business demands. Our mission is to empower the dedicated teams that make healthc...

Aug 17, 20233 min
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