More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

This episode with my friend Michelle Affanato breaks down what truly makes a great dental office manager, especially for those promoted from within or stepping into the role for the first time. We get honest about the realities of new manager energy ranging from being handed a title without training to suddenly managing former coworkers who now see you differently. Is this why so many managers feel overwhelmed early on? Maybe it's not because they are incapable but because expectations were never clearly defined.

Michelle shares real client experiences coaching new managers, including why asking for help is a strength and why being supported by the doctor is essential for long term success.

Connect with Michelle Affanato

Instagram: @michelle_affinitymgmt

Facebook: Affinity Management Consulting

Podcast: Accelerate Your Dental Practice with Malika and Michelle

Website: https://www.affinitymanagement.co/

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Practice Management Power Day is happening in Denver, Colorado, and it is built for leaders who want real results. Learn directly from top practice management experts and industry speakers who know what it takes to run a profitable, organized, high performing practice. The event will take place on Friday, September 25 at the Vivos Institute, located next to the Denver Airport. Register now at: https://practicemanagementpowerday.com/

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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees. Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

#DentalOfficeManager #DentalLeadership #PracticeManagement #DentalTeamSuccess #DentalManagement #DentalGrowth

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Dental practices are being stretched thinner than ever, but the solution isn't just hiring more people. It's learning how to better use, train, and trust the team you already have.

In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Singleton - assistant extraordinaire - to discuss how dental practices can adapt to staffing shortages by rethinking team roles and expanding responsibilities within proper scope of practice. We talked about expanded function dental assistants, smarter scheduling, access to care challenges, and the impact of investing in education and training. Stacey has built an accredited program all while working with dentists across states. Graduates seek out practices who elevate assistants, hygienists, and teams as a whole. Every dental office should be full of such colleagues!

Connect with Stacey

Website: https://www.talkteeth2me.com/

IG: @talkteeth2me

Link we referenced:

DANB State Dental Assisting Requirements

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Join us for Practice Management Power Day on Sept. 25 in Denver! This event is designed for experienced managers and dentists. Visit https://practicemanagementpowerday.com to register!

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Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees. Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/

-------------

I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

-------------

Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

#DentalPractice #DentalTeam #DentalStaffing #DentalAssistants #PracticeManagement #AccessToCare

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Does dental billing feel harder than it used to? You're doing the same work, but claims stall, rules change, and nothing seems consistent anymore. My friend and Dental Revenue Network member Brooke Bird joins me to break down why that's happening.

The rules keep changing, knowledge is scattered, and practice management systems haven't kept up all that well. Why does working on claims now feel like detective work? Different payer quirks and clearinghouse changes have quietly slowed cash flow. What are your options? Brooke and I consider what's really happening behind aging accounts, leased networks, and unpaid claims. Hopefully our discussion can help you firm up your systems!

As promised, grab your Insurance Compass here:

https://birdseyebilling.com/insurance-compass

Connect with Brooke Bird

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550209355734

IG: https://www.instagram.com/birdseyebillingdental/

LinkedIn (Brooke Bird): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-bird-298ba3127/

LinkedIn (Birdseye Billing Dental): https://www.linkedin.com/company/birdseye-billing

Website: https://birdseyebilling.com/

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Join us for Practice Management Power Day on Sept. 25 in Denver! This event is designed for experienced managers and dentists. Visit https://practicemanagementpowerday.com to register!

-------------

Beyond the Operatory Career Workshop: Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you're a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th, 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees. Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.beyondtheoperatory.com/

-------------

I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond "what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

-------------

Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don't forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I'd appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

#DentalBilling #DentalInsurance #DentalOfficeLife #DentalManagement #DentalAR #DentalPractice #DentalAdmin #DentalRevenue