Running a stress-free, efficient dental practice starts with the right systems. In this episode, Dr. Eric Block talks with Sandy Pardue about the power of SOPs, clear team communication, and structured policies to reduce stress and improve productivity. They discuss handling common staff issues, finding and hiring top-tier employees, and creating predictable success through proven systems. Tune in for actionable strategies to build a thriving practice!

This week, episode 217 of The Stress-Free Dentist Podcast features Dr. Eric Block talking with Dr. Chris Griffin. Dr. Griffin shares his unconventional journey into dentistry, beginning in engineering before shifting to biological sciences and dental school. He discusses the challenges of starting his practice, navigating financial struggles, and adapting to unexpected setbacks, including a devastating fire that destroyed his office.
Dr. Griffin’s story highlights resilience and adaptability. His interest in 3D printing was rekindled during the COVID-19 shutdown, leading him to integrate digital workflows for clear aligners, dentures, and surgical guides.
Listen in; they also discuss AI’s growing role in dentistry, particularly in diagnostics and documentation.

In this special episode, Dr. Eric Block is joined by recurring guest Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing, to discuss what truly worked for Dr. Block in building his practice after transitioning to a fully fee-for-service model.

This episode is unique because it goes beyond generic growth strategies and highlights real-life experiences, challenges, and the key transformations that allowed Dr. Block to achieve sustainable success. Whether you're a new dentist or an experienced practitioner looking to optimize your business, this episode delivers actionable insights on patient acquisition, practice growth, and long-term profitability.

In this heartfelt episode of The Stress-Free Dentist, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar shares her journey as a dentist and advocates for oral cancer awareness. Inspired by the loss of her younger brother Manu to oral cancer at just 34, she highlights the critical role dental professionals play in early detection and patient education. Dr. Makkar discusses her initiative, the Do a Good Job Symposium, which brings together healthcare professionals to improve oral cancer care and empower teams with tools to act decisively. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and purpose that can emerge from personal tragedy and a call to action for dental professionals to make a difference.

In this episode of the Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block speaks with Dr. Amanda Wilson, founder of Straight Smile Solutions, about empowering general and pediatric dentists to incorporate orthodontics effectively. She discusses the importance of mastering case selection, proper records, and slowing down aligner treatment plans for optimal outcomes. Dr. Wilson emphasizes reducing refinements by using techniques like articulation checks and individualized plans. She also highlights the benefits of phase one orthodontics for children and practical, low-overhead solutions like white-label aligners for adult patients.
For dentists looking to enhance their offerings, Dr. Wilson provides free educational resources on YouTube and offers personalized advice to podcast listeners. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate ortho practice profitability and care quality.

In this episode of the Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block is joined by serial entrepreneur Elijah Desmond to discuss strategies for dental practice owners considering selling their practices.
Elijah shares insights from his new venture, Dental Pitch Brokerage, focusing on the importance of preparation, understanding your EBITDA, and leveraging expert advice to maximize the value of your practice. They also explore innovative ways Dental Pitch Brokerage incorporates fun and creativity into the typically rigid world of brokerage.
This episode emphasizes taking proactive steps before you plan to sell your practice, ensuring dentists make informed, stress-free decisions.

In this episode of the Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block interviews Naren Arulrajah, CEO of Ekwa Marketing; they discuss how Dr. Block transformed his dental practice's online presence, achieving 60+ new patient calls per month via Google. They emphasize the significance of Google reviews for building trust and attracting patients, recommending practices to aim for at least 10 new reviews monthly. Naren outlines six critical components of effective SEO and highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adapting to Google's frequent algorithm changes. Listen in as they explore creating engaging landing pages and using patient case studies to drive conversions.

In this episode of the Stress-Free Dentist Podcast, Dr. Eric Block interviews Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist and founder of First Grin, who shares her journey into pediatric dentistry and her innovative approach to preventive care. Dr. Lerman discusses the challenges of managing high patient volumes and emphasizes the importance of early dental care education for parents. Her company, First Grin, offers intraoral care kits and a companion app designed to promote oral health from infancy. She also highlights the psychological aspects of working with children and the value of empathy and adaptability. Additionally, Dr. Lerman provides insights into her entrepreneurial journey, overcoming challenges as a solo founder, and the importance of resilience in both dentistry and business.