In this episode of The Authentic Dentist podcast, Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas discuss the challenging topic of embezzlement in dental practices. Dr. House shares her personal experience with a trusted employee who stole approximately $100,000 over an 18-month period. The conversation begins with Dr. House recounting a call from a young dentist who recently purchased a practice and noticed discrepancies in the financial records, with an office manager behaving secretively.

Dr. House explains how she discovered her own embezzlement situation during COVID when money was taken from a stimulus check, and how she ultimately hired professional help from Susan Gunn to conduct a thorough investigation. She emphasizes that many dental professionals face similar situations, and that it's important to have proper systems in place to detect financial irregularities.

The hosts also discuss the challenges of trusting employees, especially in the era of remote work, and the difficulty of balancing trust with appropriate oversight. Dr. House mentions the frequency of calls she receives from other dentists facing similar issues, and her ability to provide resources and guidance based on her 25 years of experience.

Toward the end of the episode, Shawn mentions Dr. House's recent honor of hosting a live podcast at the UOP alumni meeting, where she interviewed influential graduates, including Brian Harris.

Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas, discuss the uncomfortable relationship many healthcare providers have with "sales" and why it's actually a moral obligation to effectively communicate treatment options to patients. She explores how dentists must overcome their aversion to being perceived as "salespeople" while recognizing their responsibility to help patients understand possibilities they may not know exist. The conversation delves into pricing psychology, the importance of genuine belief in what you're offering, and how proper value communication leads to better patient outcomes. Dr. House emphasizes that effective "selling" in healthcare isn't about manipulation but about helping patients envision and achieve better health outcomes they might not realize are possible.

Dr. Allison House and Shawn Zajas explore the evolution of branding in dentistry, moving beyond traditional visual elements like logos to focus on authentic storytelling and human connection. They discuss how modern branding requires dentists to align their practice with their true identity rather than performing to market expectations. Using examples from consumer brands like Power Bar versus Cliff Bar, they illustrate how authentic storytelling builds trust and attracts the right patients. The conversation emphasizes that successful dental branding isn't about following trends or implementing systems, but rather about clearly communicating who you are and building genuine connections with patients who resonate with your approach.