More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Lessons Patients Taught Me The Hard Way

Some of the most powerful lessons in dentistry don’t come from textbooks or training, but from real-life patient encounters that test your patience, humility, and adaptability. In this episode, I reflect on situations where patients pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. You’ll hear how these interactions shaped my approach to communication, accountability, and practice management. More importantly, you’ll discover why it’s okay when patients don’t connect with you and how to manage tough patient personalities. These aren’t just stories to make you laugh; they’re lessons to help you navigate the unpredictable world of patient care with confidence.

Connect with Teresa

Website: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/

Email: teresa@odysseymgmt.com

Instagram: treeduncan

Facebook: Odyssey Management Dental Speaking & Consulting

LinkedIn: Teresa Duncan, MS

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Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees.
Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.odysseymgmt.com/bto

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

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Medical Billing Made Easy! Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

Use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy

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Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

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My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

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Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

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Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Did you know a single ransomware attack can cost a dental office six figures or shut it down entirely?

A small dental practice is an ideal target for a cyberattack easy to overlook, often underprotected, and rich with valuable patient data. Teresa Pichay (returning guest!) and Katie Fox from the California Dental Association joined me for a scary session. They shared how hackers use phishing emails, malware, and AI-powered scams to break into dental systems, steal information, and demand high ransoms. Many in dentistry assume they’re too small to attract hackers, but that very assumption makes them more vulnerable to hacking attempts. Personal devices, outdated software, and unsecured networks create easy entry points.

Even if the breach occurs through a third-party vendor, the dental office is still held responsible. Without strong cybersecurity protocols, HIPAA compliance, and safeguards in place, practices risk data exposure on the dark web or deep web, legal trouble, and costly service disruptions. Cyber liability insurance can help but prevention through secured systems, trained staff, and regular risk assessments is the only reliable defense in an AI-driven threat landscape.

Resources from the CDA:

Resources from the CDA:

CDA_2025_Cyber_Safety_Checkup.pdf

CDA_2025_Questions_Software_Vendor.pdf

Want to see the source behind the discussion? Check out the articles below:

Medical and Dental Groups Settle Class Action Data Breach Lawsuits

Aspen Dental reaches $18.7M settlement in data tracking case

Connect with Teresa and Katie

Email: Teresa.pichay@cda.org & security@cda.org

Resources at California Dental Association https://www.cda.org/

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

-------------

Medical Billing Made Easy! Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

Use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy

-------------

Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt

More management and insurance knowledge in my newsletter: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/newsletter

Did you know 80% of dental claim denials can be overturned with the right strategy?

I love meeting fellow insurance nerds! My time with Dr. Christie Bateman was packed full! She shared how to master PPOs, Medicare Advantage plans, and complex prior authorization rules while protecting your bottom line. Dr. Christie breaks down the exact methods she uses to reverse denials, clear documentation, targeted patient photos, and short, persuasive appeals that insurance carriers can’t ignore.

Get the inside scoop on Liberty Medicare Advantage’s extensive prior auth requirements and how direct advocacy led to changes that benefit dentists. We discussed the concept of “provider gold cards” that could dramatically reduce administrative workload. The conversation wraps up with real talk about how patient education can guide smarter insurance plan choices. It's not just about better coverage - it's about a smarter patient.

Connect with Dr. Christie

Website: Bateman & LaMond Milford Dentistry

Instagram: milforddentist

Facebook: Bateman & Lamond Milford Dental

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I created Dental Revenue Network to foster collaboration and networking amongst RCM professionals. Billing company owners and billing professionals will have access to skill building sessions, current carrier news and insurance discussions beyond “what's the code?" Check it out - I hope you'll join! https://dentalrevenuenetwork.mn.co/

-------------

Medical Billing Made Easy! Dental Classroom Online: https://www.dentalclassroomonline.com/

Use ODYSSEY for a 10% courtesy

-------------

Synergy Dental Partners offers lower prices for your dental supplies and services

https://www.odysseymgmt.com/synergy

NTMT listeners receive a 2 Month Free Trial + a 3rd Month if you buy anything from any vendor during the trial period. Also, new Darby customers receive a $200 Darby statement credit with a purchase.

-------------

My insurance course Dental Insurance Design and Management is geared toward those who want to understand the how and why of insurance. As a loyal podcast listener, please use "NTMT" for a $75 courtesy toward your investment.

-------------

Visit odysseymgmt.com to check out my book, webinars and courses.

-------------

Don’t forget to check out my other podcast Chew on This - A Dental Podcast!

**If you like the show then I’d appreciate a good rating. Tell your friends. Even podcasters ask for referrals!**

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@odysseymgmt