The Driven Dental Podcast

We flipped the script for this episode. Operations Manager, Frankie, steps in to interview Matt Robinson—COO and co-founder of Operation Dental—for a real conversation on how Operation Dental got started, what the journey has actually looked like, and where it’s headed next. No script. No overthinking. Just an honest look at the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way—plus a fe...

In this episode of the Driven Dental Podcast, our guest host, Dave Womble, Chief Marketing Officer at Operation Dental, sits down with Dr. Nirh, partner dentist at Sandmine Dentistry, to explore his journey from associate to solo dentist of a thriving de novo practice. Reflecting on the first two years, Dr. Nirh unpacks how adopting an ownership mindset, prioritizing patient-centered care, and com...

In this episode of the Driven Dental Podcast, our guest host, Dave Womble, Chief Marketing Officer at Operation Dental, sits down with Dr. Nirh, partner dentist at Sandmine Dentistry, to unpack his path from Orlando to UCF, Tufts University, and a GPR at NYU Lutheran in Brooklyn during COVID leading up to becoming the force behind one of Operation Dental’s most successful start-ups. Together, they...

In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned dental assistant who’s transitioned to the front desk — bringing clinical experience directly to patient conversations. With years of hands-on chairside insight, she now plays a pivotal role in treatment plan presentations, patient education, and case acceptance. We explore: - The unique advantages clinical experience brings to front office communicatio...

Content Warning: This is extremely intense subject matter. If you are around children or not in a good mental state, this may not be the episode for you. If you are able to listen, however, you will hear the story of one of the bravest people you will ever meet, Leigh Ann. 

Estrella is an amazing dental hygienist who brings two decades of clinical experience, insight, and heart to the conversation. From mastering the art of patient care to confidently presenting treatment recommendations, she shares the lessons learned from thousands of hours in the operatory. We dive into strategies for handling every type of personality that walks through the door, tips for buildin...

In this episode, we sit down with the President of Leaders Real Estate (leadersre.com), Nate Palmer, who has developed over 600 urgent care centers nationwide. We explore the strategic frameworks behind site selection, lease structuring, buildouts, and market analysis—and how these principles apply directly to dental practice growth. This conversation bridges the gap between urgent care scalabilit...

In this episode, we discuss all things dental assisting with an in-depth conversation with lead dental assistant and trainer, Nesh Agosto. From patient care to chairside efficiency, Nesh shares firsthand insights into the vital role dental assistants play in a thriving practice. We’ll discuss: ✅ A day in the life of a dental assistant ✅ Essential skills for success in the role ✅ Challenges and...

In this deeply inspiring episode, we’re joined by Dr. Tim Davidson, a cancer survivor whose journey has profoundly shaped his outlook on life, work, and relationships. From facing life’s biggest challenges to finding strength in the unexpected, Dr. Davidson shares how surviving cancer transformed his perspective and priorities.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The emotional and physical challe...

In this episode, we’re diving into our 2025 game plan and sharing the lessons learned from a $10 million revenue increase in 2024. While we celebrated incredible growth, our profitability wasn’t where it should have been. This year, our mission is clear: build a stable, profitable company .   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Revenue vs Profit : Why higher income doesn’t always translate to highe...

In these special episodes, we review John Maxwell's leadership classic, The 360 Degree Leader, through the lens of the dental industry. From dentists to office managers, hygienists, assistants, and front desk staff, leadership plays a critical role at every level of a dental practice. We explore how Maxwell's principles of leading up, across, and down can transform the dynamics within a...

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the lessons, challenges, and growth of 2024 with Operations Manager, Josh Reynolds. While it's been a strong business year with a $10 million increase in revenue, what is more impressive is the balance and growth that took place on the personal development side. Josh and I were dialed in at both work and home, and we’re sharing the insights that...

We learned an important lesson about our company when our bank suddenly decided they were no longer going to lend to dental groups at the end of 2024. We had always structured our company for growth. The issue with finding a new bank, however, is that we have had more growth than a typical bank is comfortable with. To make us more attractive to investors, our new 2025 mission is to build a more st...

In these special episodes, we review John Maxwell's leadership classic, The 360 Degree Leader, through the lens of the dental industry. From dentists to office managers, hygienists, assistants, and front desk staff, leadership plays a critical role at every level of a dental practice. We explore how Maxwell's principles of leading up, across, and down can transform the dynamics within a...

Quin has not worked with us very long, but she has quickly proven how significant an impact a hygienist can make across the entire office. After coming to the United States from a difficult situation in the Philippines, Quin has worked hard to not only give patients the care they deserve, but lead by example in all aspects of the practice. If you are thinking of going to hygiene school or have jus...

As a self-proclaimed late bloomer, Dr. Amador has a unique insight on dentistry. After owning his own practice in south Florida, Dr. Amador decided to move his family and completely start over in Orlando. These experiences have taught him much, and now he shares the most valuable lessons with us! Perhaps the most valuable being his view of time. Learn how he maximizes every day through his habits,...

As a self-proclaimed late bloomer, Dr. Amador has a unique insight on dentistry. After owning his own practice in south Florida, Dr. Amador decided to move his family and completely start over in Orlando. These experiences have taught him much, and now he shares the most valuable lessons with us! Perhaps the most valuable being his view of time. Learn how he maximizes every day through his habits,...

As an office manager in a practice that has gone through significant change, Frankie has learned much on how to maintain a positive culture. Listen in as he goes into detail on his day-to-day as well as the leadership tactics he's used with great success. This podcast is a blueprint for treating your team with respect while getting positive results from them. If you are struggling with your t...

As an office manager in a practice that has gone through significant change, Frankie has learned much on how to maintain a positive culture. Listen in as he goes into detail on his day-to-day as well as the leadership tactics he's used with great success. This podcast is a blueprint for treating your team with respect while getting positive results from them. If you are struggling with your t...

Vanessa Challenger is a dynamic regional manager with a wealth of experience and a drive to reach her potential. Starting as a front desk, before being promoted to office and then regional manager, she has made significant strides after joining Operation Dental. Through mentorship and self-development, she has excelled in managing and leading teams. Her personal journey reflects both career growth...

Teaser episode: Vanessa Challenger, a dynamic regional manager with a wealth of experience, has made significant strides after joining Operation Dental. Join us next week as we further discuss her leadership journey. 

In this episode, we will hear from Dr. Derek Stallard, DMD, FIDIA. Learn more about his experience working with a previous DSO and his journey after joining Operation Dental,  bringing his expertise to a new level of patient care and operational excellence. Throughout his journey, Dr. Stallard has benefited from the mentorship of industry leaders, learning essential lessons in clinical practice an...

In this episode, we will hear about Operation Dental’s inception story, discussing Dr. Peter Kelly’s career before he became co-founder and CEO of Operation Dental. From his experience working for a large dental corporation to owning his own private practice, his experiences quickly changed his view of the industry over the years. Learn how his partnership with host Matt Robinson turned a single p...

Ever wish you had a trusty guide to help you navigate the world of dental practice? Look no further than The Driven Dental Podcast. Dive into practice level leadership lessonsl, unravel the day-to-day experiences of dentists and dental professionals, and gain inspiration from visionaries in the dental field. You’ll learn to think and act like an owner, hearing how to navigate challenges and seize...