Off The Record w/ Ali Ep. 13 – Optometry Acquisitions, Private Equity & Cold Starts ft. Erich Mattei

Off The Record w/ Ali Ep. 17 – How to Build a Practice That Doesn't Depend on You with Perrin DesPortes

In this episode of Off The Record w/ Ali, Ali sits down with Perrin DesPortes, Founder of Next Level Executive and one of dentistry's most experienced advisors on practice growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on decades of experience in dental distribution, consulting, M&A advisory, and executive coaching, Perrin shares what it takes to build a practice that can grow beyond the owner. Together, they discuss the realities of scaling a practice, the difference between coaching and consulting, when it makes sense to open a second location, and the common mistakes dentists make when pursuing growth. Whether you're a solo practice owner looking for what's next or an entrepreneur building a multi-location organization, this episode provides practical insights on leadership, growth strategy, and creating a business that supports your lifestyle rather than controlling it. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ The difference between a coach, consultant, and fractional executive ✅ Why many dentists expand too soon ✅ How to know when you're ready for a second location ✅ The key metrics every owner should track before growing ✅ How to build a practice that isn't dependent on you ✅ Common leadership mistakes that hold practices back ✅ Ways independent practices can compete in today's market ✅ How to create long-term growth without unnecessary risk Have questions about practice growth, ownership, or leadership? Contact our team through the contact form at Dental & Medical Counsel [https://www.dmcounsel.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Follow Off The Record w/ Ali for more conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts helping doctors build stronger practices and avoid common business and legal pitfalls. #DentalPracticeOwner #DentalLeadership #PracticeGrowth #DentalEntrepreneur #PracticeOwnership #DentalPracticeManagement #Dentistry #DentalBusiness #AliOffTheRecord #PerrinDesPortes #NextLevelExecutive #HealthcareLeadership

Off The Record w/ Ali Ep. 16 – Dental Insurance, PPOs & the CDA Perspective ft. Lisa Byers

In this episode of Off The Record w/ Ali, Ali sits down with Lisa Byers, Dental Benefits Analyst with the California Dental Association (CDA), to discuss one of the most challenging and important areas of running a dental practice today — navigating dental insurance, PPO plans, and reimbursement pressures. With more than 20 years of experience in dental billing, collections, practice management, and insurance-related issues, Lisa works closely with dentists throughout California to help them better understand third-party payers, fee schedules, claims management, and the operational realities that impact practice profitability. Together, Ali and Lisa break down how practice owners should evaluate PPO participation, what dentists often misunderstand about fee schedules and negotiations, and how offices can better manage claims, denials, and insurance-related administrative burdens. The conversation also explores practice transition considerations, common mistakes owners make when evaluating insurance participation, and the growing role technology and AI may play in the future of dental insurance. The episode also highlights the important role the California Dental Association plays in supporting dentists and advocating for the profession across California. Whether you are evaluating PPO participation, struggling with reimbursement issues, or looking to improve the operational side of your practice, this episode provides practical insight every practice owner should hear. What You’ll Learn: • How to evaluate whether a PPO plan is truly profitable • What dentists should understand about fee schedules and reimbursements • Common insurance and claims management mistakes practices make • Strategies for handling denials and administrative challenges • What practice owners should know before changing insurance participation • How insurance issues impact practice profitability and operations • Considerations surrounding practice transitions and insurance relationships • The evolving role of AI and technology in dental insurance🎧 This episode is now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.I f you are a dentist navigating insurance challenges, evaluating your practice strategy, or planning for long-term growth and want guidance on legal, HR, or strategic considerations, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with Ali:👉 https://www.dmcounsel.com/contact

What Sellers Get Wrong About Practice Transitions ft. Phill Hoover

In this episode of Off The Record w/ Ali, Ali sits down with practice transition advisor Phill Hoover to discuss one of the most common and costly mistakes practice owners make when preparing to sell — waiting too long to start planning. Phill brings years of experience working with sellers through the transition process, helping them navigate the financial, operational, and timing decisions that directly impact the outcome of a sale. Together, he and Ali break down why many doctors approach transitions too late, how that limits their options, and what should be happening years before a practice ever goes to market. The conversation also explores the importance of working closely with financial representatives, understanding the full timeline of a transition, and positioning a practice in the best possible light to maximize value. Phill shares practical insight into how early planning can prevent unnecessary stress, improve deal outcomes, and create a smoother path into retirement or the next phase of ownership. Whether you are several years away from selling or just starting to think about your exit strategy, this episode provides a clear look at what it takes to prepare properly and avoid common pitfalls. What You’ll Learn: • Why waiting too long is the biggest mistake sellers make • Why a 2 to 5 year plan is critical for a successful transition • How early planning impacts valuation and deal structure • The role financial advisors play in preparing for a sale • How to position your practice to attract strong buyers • Why communication with your advisory team is essential • Common pitfalls that can delay or derail a transaction • What sellers should be doing today to prepare for the future 🎧 This episode is now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.If you are a practice owner thinking about selling, planning your transition, or want guidance on legal, HR, or strategic considerations, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with Ali:👉 https://www.dmcounsel.com/contact

Off The Record w/ Ali Ep. 14 – The Numbers Behind a Successful Dental Practice ft. Art Wiederman

In this episode of Off The Record w/ Ali, Ali sits down with dental CPA and advisor Art Wiederman to discuss one of the biggest financial challenges facing dentists today — declining insurance reimbursements and the growing pressure they place on practice profitability.Art brings decades of experience advising dentists on the financial side of practice ownership. Together, he and Ali explore how the traditional dental practice business model is being strained by rising overhead, increasing labor costs, and reimbursement structures that have not kept pace with the realities of running a modern practice.The conversation also examines how these pressures are reshaping the way dentists think about pricing, insurance participation, and long-term financial sustainability. Art shares practical insight on the financial metrics practice owners should be watching, how insurance reimbursement trends impact strategic decisions, and why understanding the business side of dentistry is more important than ever.Whether you are an established practice owner or a dentist planning your long-term strategy, this episode provides a candid discussion about the financial realities shaping the future of dental practices.What You’ll Learn:• How declining insurance reimbursements are impacting dental practice profitability• Why the traditional dental practice business model is under increasing pressure• The financial challenges created by rising labor, rent, and operational costs• Why many dentists feel “stuck” when it comes to pricing and insurance participation• Key financial considerations every dentist should understand about running a sustainable practice• How collaboration with legal and financial advisors can help dentists navigate these challenges🎧 This episode is now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.If you are a dentist evaluating practice ownership, navigating insurance challenges, or planning your long-term financial strategy and want guidance on legal, HR, or strategic considerations, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with Ali:👉 https://www.dmcounsel.com/contact

Off The Record w/ Ali Ep. 13 – Optometry Acquisitions, Private Equity & Cold Starts ft. Erich Mattei

In this episode of Off The Record, Ali sits down with optometry consultant Erich H. Mattei to break down what doctors need to understand before acquiring, starting, or growing an optometry practice. Erich shares insight from years of advising optometrists on practice acquisitions, cold starts, and operational strategy. Together, they discuss how private equity has impacted valuations, what buyers should focus on during due diligence, and why understanding financial benchmarks and patient flow is critical before making a major investment. The conversation also explores the strategic differences between buying an existing practice and starting from scratch, how location decisions should align with long-term vision, and why mission, vision, and purpose are foundational to building a successful and sustainable practice. Whether you are evaluating your first acquisition, considering a cold start, or looking to grow your practice strategically, this episode provides practical insight into the financial, operational, and advisory decisions that shape long-term success. What You’ll Learn: • How private equity is influencing optometry practice valuations • The key financial and operational metrics every buyer must evaluate • Cold start vs. acquisition and how to decide which path is right • Why mission, vision, and purpose are essential for practice success • How to build a strong business plan before investing in growth • The operational changes required after acquiring a practice • Why choosing the right advisor can impact your long-term success • Strategic considerations when selecting practice location 🎧 This episode is now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. If you are an optometrist exploring practice ownership, evaluating an acquisition, or planning your next step and want guidance on legal, HR, or strategic considerations, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with Ali: 👉 https://www.dmcounsel.com/contact [https://www.dmcounsel.com/contact]