In this episode, we’re tackling a tough but necessary topic: when (and how) to fire a hygienist. Let’s be clear—hygienists are the backbone of our practices, and we’re lucky to work with some truly incredible ones. But every now and then, a bad apple sneaks in, and it becomes clear they’re just not the right fit for the team.

We get into what makes a great hygienist (hint: humility, teamwork, and patient care are at the top of the list), and we share some real-life examples of when things didn’t work out. From hygienists who refuse to clean their own instruments to those who clash with the team culture, we’re breaking down how to identify red flags and when it’s time to let someone move on.

But this isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about building an amazing team that aligns with your practice’s values and vision. We also share tips for hiring hygienists who will thrive in your office and how to create an environment where they can grow and succeed.

👉 Hit play now to hear our full conversation, and don’t forget to check out the free PDF download of our 8 Lessons for Growing a $20M Practice!

Share your thoughts or your own team-building stories in the comments below! Visit www.thedentistsshow.com for more insights and resources.

www.thedentistsshow.com/downloads/the8lessons/

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Welcome to The Dentists Show!
• 01:00 Why this topic matters: Firing vs. letting go.
• 02:30 What makes a great hygienist? Key traits to look for.
• 07:00 Red flags: When a hygienist doesn’t fit your culture.
• 12:00 Building rapport with patients: A must-have skill.
• 15:00 Prepping patients for the dentist—how top hygienists do it.
• 18:00 Real stories: The ones we’ve had to let go.
• 22:00 Why letting someone go can save your team culture.
• 25:00 Tips for hiring hygienists who align with your vision.

Welcome back to the Dentists Show! In this episode, we’re taking a break from the serious stuff to share the funniest, most awkward, and downright bizarre moments we’ve experienced in our years of dentistry. From TikTok hacks gone wrong to patients making unexpected bodily contributions, we’re spilling the stories that made us ask, “Did that really just happen?”

Ryan talks about the time he got up close and personal with a patient’s breakfast burrito (don’t ask), and Chase shares a memorable encounter with a patient who was locked in during a procedure—vomit hose and all. Whether it’s unexpected messes, runaway patients, or assistants caught in the crossfire, there’s never a dull moment when you’re working in dentistry.

These stories are a reminder that while dentistry is rewarding, it’s anything but predictable. They’ll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a little better about your own practice mishaps.

👉 Hit play now to hear the full episode, and share your wildest practice stories with us at www.thedentistsshow.com. We’d love to laugh (and commiserate) with you!

www.thedentistsshow.com/downloads/the8lessons

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 01:00 The joys of awkward moments in dentistry.
• 02:30 Chase’s TikTok hack gone hilariously wrong.
• 05:00 Ryan’s “breakfast burrito” patient—literally.
• 08:00 Blood, vomit, and the messiest procedure ever.
• 12:00 Did that really just happen? Chase’s unforgettable interview story.
• 16:00 Halcyon adventures and slap-worthy moments.
• 20:00 Patients who keep you guessing: From shoes off to fainting in the lobby.
• 24:00 Why these moments make dentistry unforgettable.
• 28:00 Closing thoughts—send us your stories!

In this episode, we’re breaking it all down—the 8 lessons that helped us, grow from a single struggling practice to running seven thriving offices grossing $20 million annually. Spoiler alert: these lessons aren’t just about numbers; they’re about mindset, leadership, and creating a team and culture that drives growth.

We talk about everything from setting big, scary goals and taking care of your patients first, to knowing your numbers and recruiting the right people. We even dive into the importance of replicating yourself to scale your practice effectively. And yes, there are a few laughs and stories sprinkled in (like how Chase turned a failing practice into a gold mine).

Whether you’re aiming to grow a single practice or dream of running multiple offices, this episode is packed with actionable advice that can help you move the needle. We don’t just tell you what we did—we share the how and the why behind these game-changing lessons.

👉 Hit play now to learn how to apply these 8 lessons to your practice. Download our free PDF for more details, and let us know what you think in the comments! www.thedentistsshow.com/downloads/the8lessons/

Visit www.thedentistsshow.com for more resources and insights.

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Welcome to Episode 4 of The Dentists Show!
• 01:00 Why these 8 lessons matter for your practice.
• 02:30 Lesson 1: You can do it—why mindset is everything.
• 07:00 Lesson 2: Take care of the patient first.
• 12:00 Lesson 3: Invest in your skillset and leadership.
• 17:00 Lesson 4: Know your numbers—understanding KPIs.
• 19:00 Lesson 5: New patients solve a lot of problems.
• 22:00 Lesson 6: Recruit and retain A-players.
• 24:30 Lesson 7: Keep your word and build integrity.
• 27:00 Lesson 8: Replicate yourself to scale effectively.
• 30:00 Download the free PDF and connect with us!

In this episode, it’s time to meet THE one and only Dr. Chase Davis! Chase takes us on a journey through the highs, the lows, and the downright painful moments that shaped him into the dentist, leader, and business owner he is today. Spoiler alert: this includes literally breaking his back and coming out stronger on the other side.

Chase opens up about how his early career was marked by grit, perseverance, and a relentless drive to succeed. From starting with one small office in Chandler, Arizona, to growing seven thriving practices grossing $20 million annually, Chase’s story proves that success doesn’t come without setbacks. His Viking mindset—bold, fearless, and determined—carried him through challenges like recovering from a debilitating back injury while keeping his eyes on the bigger picture.

Through humor and real talk, Chase shares what it takes to lead, grow, and build a business while staying true to your values. Whether it’s lessons learned from failures, the importance of team culture, or strategies for making bold moves, this episode is packed with actionable insights for dentists looking to level up.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to overcome obstacles or grow your practice, Chase’s story will inspire you to keep going. Get ready to laugh, learn, and feel empowered to take the next step in your journey.

👉 Hit play now to hear Chase’s incredible story, and don’t forget to leave a comment or connect with us at www.thedentistsshow.com!

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Welcome back to The Dentists Show!
• 00:20 Meet Dr. Chase Davis—the Viking of dentistry.
• 01:00 Starting small: Chase’s first office in Chandler, Arizona.
• 03:00 How resilience and risk-taking set the foundation for growth.
• 05:00 Lessons learned from failures and setbacks.
• 07:00 Building a $20M dental empire: The mindset behind the success.
• 09:30 Why team culture is key to long-term growth.
• 12:00 The Viking mentality: Bold moves and strategic goals.
• 15:00 Advice for dentists looking to grow their practices.
• 18:00 Closing thoughts and what’s next for The Dentists Show.

In this episode, we dive deep into the life of Dr. Ryan Bushman—a dentist, husband, father, our co-host, and all-around inspiration. Ryan opens up about his humble beginnings in Quincy, Washington, where he grew up on a potato farm with a family of 16 siblings. (Yes, 16–not a typo!) His story is filled with challenges that would have knocked most people down, but Ryan’s resilience and determination turned those hardships into building blocks for the life he leads today.

From enduring unimaginable tragedies, including the loss of two siblings and his father at a young age, to becoming a teenager tasked with helping raise his siblings when his mother disappeared, Ryan shares how these defining moments shaped him. With humor and humility, he recounts going from a 16-year-old working farm jobs to providing for his own growing family while learning how to lead, grow, and create a meaningful life.

Today, Ryan is a thriving dentist, a devoted husband of 20 years, and a proud father of five. If he can do it, so can you! His journey is a testament to grit, perseverance, and making the hard choices to build the life you want. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or looking for inspiration to keep going, Ryan’s story is a reminder that you can overcome anything when you’re committed to making it work.

👉 Hit play now to hear Ryan’s incredible story and learn how he turned his trials into triumphs. Don’t forget to leave a comment, ask questions, or connect with us at www.thedentistsshow.com!

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Welcome back to The Dentists Show!
• 00:08 Learning about Ryan Bushman.
• 00:45 Growing up in Quincy, Washington.
• 02:00 Life on a potato farm and a family of 16.
• 07:00 Tragedy strikes: Losing two siblings and a parent.
• 09:30 Raising siblings at 16 and navigating life without parents.
• 12:10 The power of hard choices and perseverance.
• 14:00 Discovering leadership and the path to dentistry.
• 16:45 Overcoming the 2008 recession and choosing dentistry.
• 19:00 Why happiness and resilience are choices.
• 21:23 What’s next on The Dentists Show?

Welcome to the very first episode of The Dentists Show! We’re Chase Davis and Ryan Bushman, two dentists who’ve been through the highs, the lows, and all the laughs in between. After taking one dental practice and scaling it to seven (with over $20 million in revenue), we’re here to show you that dentistry can be more than just a job—it can be a career you actually love.

Let’s be real: there were moments when we wanted to trade in dental drills for jet skis or even another field. But instead of jumping ship, we figured out how to make dentistry work for us. In this episode, we’re diving into the mindset shifts, team culture hacks, and lessons learned that helped us go from burnout to building practices where people actually want to work.

We’re sharing everything—like how to fire that assistant who’s driving you nuts, why culture is key, and how giving back to the dental community has been out secret sauce to finding fulfillment. Dentistry doesn’t have to suck, and we’re living proof that you can create a career you love.

Whether you’re a young dentist just starting out, a mid-life doc wondering if it’s too late to make a change, or a dental practice owner looking for new ideas, this episode is for you. Come laugh with us, learn from our mistakes, and maybe even steal a tip or two to make your Mondays suck a little less.

👉 Hit play now to hear the full conversation. Don’t forget to leave us a comment or suggestion for future topics—we’d love to hear from you! You can also visit us at www.thedentistsshow.com to connect.

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Welcome to The Dentists Show! Meet Chase and Ryan.
• 00:24 Why we started this podcast (Hint: It’s not just for Rusty).
• 01:00 Reflecting on the evolution of dental podcasts.
• 02:04 Turning struggles into wins: Why dentistry can be amazing.
• 03:37 Growing from $500K to $20M—our journey in 10 years.
• 04:42 Building a team culture where people want to work.
• 07:13 Why sharing knowledge makes dentistry better for everyone.
• 09:00 Finding the right “fit” for patients and dentists alike.
• 12:00 The importance of building a supportive dental community.
• 14:07 Creating a lasting career you actually love.

PS!

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