Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook. Today, host Jay Geier sits down with Dr. Clay Sims of Sims Orthodontics in Pensacola and Dr. Drew Ferris of Ferris Orthodontic Group in Santa Barbara — two top orthodontists from the PGI coaching community. In this candid conversation, they dive into the realities of building and running modern orthodontic practices: balancing personal growth with business success, navigating the shift from traditional braces to aligners, and managing the evolving relationship between general dentists and specialists. The discussion also explores broader themes such as the emotional impact of patient care, the importance of community and mission work, and the ongoing challenges of growing not just wealth, but happiness and fulfillment both in and out of the office. Whether you’re a seasoned dental professional or just starting your journey, this episode offers practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and a reminder that pursuing excellence in practice and in life requires continual learning and connection.

Visit mypgi.com to schedule a discovery call. We'll learn more about your practice, where you want to go, and help you determine the program that best fits your goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 Discussing perceptions and giving advice

05:05 Orthodontics in the dental industry

08:02 Getting referrals from dentists

11:26 AI impact on healthcare professions

13:33 Strategies for dental practice expansion

18:57 Why long-term coaching is valuable

21:11 Focusing on personal growth and relationships

25:01 Volunteering abroad for perspective

28:26 Helping a young boy with braces

30:32 Impact of emotional dentistry

35:46 Discussing orthodontists and business scaling

37:54 Challenges for specialists in professions

Welcome to the Private Practice Playbook with Jay Geier, where we dive deep into the real challenges and triumphs of life in private dental practice. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mark and Shayne Fixari, co-founders of Fixari Family Dental in Columbus, Ohio — a thriving family business built over four decades. From humble beginnings with little more than vision and determination, Mark and Shayne scaled their practice into a multi-location, community-anchored organization, all while raising seven children and building enduring family traditions.

Today, they share candid insights on leadership, the importance of embracing mistakes, and the challenges (and joys) of growing a business well beyond the work only the founders can do. Listeners will hear stories about navigating partnership, bouncing back from hiring stumbles, cultivating leadership in young doctors, and building a family culture that’s as intentional as their practice. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking inspiration for long-term growth, this episode delivers wisdom for every stage of the professional and personal journey.

Ready to build a stronger team? Schedule a complimentary discovery call at mypgi.com to learn how Practice Growth Institute helps private practice owners build, scale, and exit more profitable practices. And don't miss future episodes — subscribe for podcast alerts at podcastfordoctors.com.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Private Practice Playbook

06:37 Shayne's role and female empowerment

09:32 Reflecting on key life milestones

11:32 Discussing Personal Strengths

14:37 Treating All People Equally

20:02 Discussing friction in relationships

23:14 Family commitment and gender roles

24:37 Balancing family and business

28:47 Discussing leadership and marriage tips

31:40 Transitioning to Private Practice Authority

34:51 Continuous learning in leadership

40:10 Perfectionism in everyday life

41:44 Focusing on future solutions

45:31 Reflecting on hiring choices

50:13 Ending on personal connections

51:24 Dealing with demand in dentistry

Welcome to another episode of the Private Practice Playbook. Today´s conversation with Jaclyn Dunn focuses on a hard truth facing private dental practice owners: the perfect hygiene team isn't coming. Instead of waiting for the "right" team before making improvements, practices should prioritize building intentional systems that ensure consistency, accountability, and quality patient care — regardless of staffing challenges. One concept discussed was the tendency to delay growth initiatives in hopes of future stability, when in reality, progress is made by taking action with the resources at hand. The discussion explored how even average team members can excel within strong systems, while talented individuals will struggle if processes are lacking. Several points were raised, including the dangers of waiting for ideal conditions, the critical role of systems over individual talent, and why accountability should be a celebrated component of every high-performing hygiene department.

If today's conversation got you thinking differently about your hygiene department, imagine what could happen if you applied that same systems-based approach across your entire practice. That's exactly what we help private practice owners do every day at Practice Growth Institute. Visit mypgi.com to schedule a discovery call. We'll learn more about your practice, where you want to go, and help you determine the program that best fits your goals.

Timestamps:

00:00 Challenges in dental practice staffing

06:02 Addressing Hygiene Staffing Challenges

09:28 Never a perfect time for kids

13:50 New clinicians gaining confidence

15:58 Importance of patient retention

19:29 Challenges in hiring staff

22:27 Importance of communication in dentistry

25:04 Building a resilient hygiene department

30:51 Cost of inconsistency in practices

33:08 Importance of Effective Training

37:35 Importance of consistent patient communication

40:20 Improving patient care and retention

43:25 Improving team consistency and patient care

45:08 Building adaptable, resilient teams