Daily Dental Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Killeen breaks down why efficiency isn’t just about speed—it’s about creating a smoother experience for patients and a less stressful day for your team. From website FAQs to clinical checklists and scheduling templates, he walks through the key elements of an optimized patient journey. Whether you’re just starting out or running a large practice, a little structure goes a long...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares a surprising lesson from a Chicago factory study and how it applies to running a dental practice. When people know they’re being measured, performance improves—and that’s true in dentistry too. He breaks down the core KPIs every startup should track (think: new patients, production, collections, and treatment dollars), and how a simple weekly dashboard and hu...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen walks through what really drives new patient flow in a startup—smart, brand-led marketing. From a humble coffee shop brainstorm with marketing pro Ryan Gross to 200+ new patients a month, you'll hear how it all starts with your story. He shares how to build a compelling brand, drive traffic with SEO and ads, and convert clicks into appointments with online scheduli...

Today, Dr. Killeen talks about one of the most important parts of any dental practice—your people. From crafting clear job descriptions to spotting candidates with the “Humble–Hungry–Smart” trifecta, this episode covers practical strategies to find and hire great team members. Plus, hear how tools like the Startup30 course can help streamline onboarding, write better ads, and get your team up to s...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the trickiest parts of running a dental practice—PPO decisions and revenue cycle management. He shares hard-earned lessons from his own experience, including why negotiating up to the 95th percentile made a big financial difference. You'll also get tips on setting up systems for insurance claims, benefit verification, and improving collections....

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen dives into how the right equipment choices can set your practice up for success—without breaking the bank. From chairs to software, he shares tips on balancing quality with ROI, how to think “cheap but smart,” and why integration matters more than flash. Plus, hear about timelines, vendor setup, and planning your install like a pro. Whether you're gearing up for...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares a cautionary tale about a dentist whose license was suspended due to a paperwork issue—sparked by an old employee of the previous owner. The damage was done before the new doc could even react. If you're in startup mode or even already open, this episode is a must-listen. From legal structure and radiology permits to OSHA and HIPAA compliance, Dr. Killeen...

Today, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting a practice—your location. It’s more than just an address; it’s your front door to the community. He walks through how to analyze demographics, traffic patterns, and nearby businesses, plus the hidden lease pitfalls to watch for. Whether it’s a bustling strip mall or a quiet office park, your site sets the stage fo...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen kicks off a 2-week mini-series focused on startups—starting with the foundation of it all: your budget. Forget the social media unicorns promising million-dollar months. Real success starts with clear, precise financial planning. From construction costs and equipment to working capital and loan options, Dr. Killeen breaks down how to approach your startup numbers with...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares some inspiration from author Ryan Holiday—best known for popularizing stoic philosophy through thoughtful, well-crafted books. But what really stands out is Holiday’s process: slow, focused, intentional writing built on deep reading and reflection. Dr. Killeen contrasts this with today’s fast-scrolling social media culture and makes a compelling case for choosin...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on how summer offers something we rarely make time for: space. Drawing on a favorite quote from Viktor Frankl, he explores why creating margin in our days—especially in dentistry—is key to better decision-making, growth, and avoiding burnout. If you’ve been feeling stuck in reactive mode or craving clarity, this is your gentle reminder to pause. Take 15 min...

Ever talked yourself into a decision that just didn’t feel right? In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares how ignoring your gut can lead to regret—and why your intuition might be the most underrated business tool you have. He breaks down why those uneasy feelings matter, how to spot them early, and what to do when your head and heart don’t match up. Whether you're weighing a big opportunity or...

Ever been absolutely sure of something—only to find out you were way off? In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares a fun moment with his son and how it led to a powerful conversation about confidence, growth, and the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Whether you’re doubting yourself or dealing with someone who seems a little too sure, this episode will help you see why a little humility often means you’re head...

Ever feel like your practice runs on a dozen systems that barely talk to each other? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen digs into the hidden cost of complexity and how good intentions often lead to tech overload. With real talk and practical tips, he’ll show you how to simplify your systems, focus on what actually works, and get your team back to doing what they do best. Less tech d...

Ever feel like you’re working hard but still not “there” yet? In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen shares a powerful perspective shift: you’re likely right in the thick of your best work—it just hasn’t been recognized yet. Drawing inspiration from Nobel Prize trends and real-life practice challenges, this episode reminds you that progress doesn’t always look flashy. Tune in for a grounded, encouraging...

In the final episode of this mini-series, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the biggest transformations in The Shift : building a culture that actually lives beyond the breakroom wall. Daniel learns that defining values is only the first step—living them out loud is what really makes the difference. Tune in to hear how values like "Fantastic Patient Experience" and "Play as a Team"...

Today, Dr. Killeen tackles one of the most common stressors in dentistry: money. Inspired by a key moment in The Shift , he shares how Daniel transformed his practice finances using the Profit First method. If profit has ever felt like an accident instead of a plan, this episode is for you. Learn how setting up simple bank accounts and moving small percentages can bring major clarity—and peace of...

In this episode, Dr. Killeen dives into one of the toughest leadership lessons from The Shift —realizing that not everyone on your team may be the right fit. Drawing on Jim Collins’ idea of getting the right people in the right seats, Dr. Killeen walks through why skill, attitude, and values alignment all matter. He challenges you to take a fresh look at your roster and ask a simple but powerful q...

In today’s episode, Dr. Killeen unpacks a powerful moment from The Shift , where Daniel is working hard but still feeling like his team just doesn’t care. The problem? No clear vision. Leadership isn’t just about doing the work—it’s about painting the picture of where you’re going and why it matters. Dr. Killeen shares why casting vision is essential and gives you a simple challenge: take 60 secon...

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, clari...

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. Ge...

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...

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...