The Dental HR Podcast
The Dental HR Podcast focuses on human resources topics specifically for dental practices. It covers hiring, employee management, compliance, and workplace culture in a dental office setting. Each episode aims to provide practical advice to help dental practice owners and managers handle HR challenges.
Episodes
Help! I have a pregnant applicant! What do I do?
Today we have a listener question: "What do I do if an applicant tells me she's pregnant?"
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan Twigg to discuss this one. We break down what to say, what not to say, how to document it, what the rules are, and perspectives to consider.
Enjoy!
To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
Got an
New Practice Managers - how to navigate the transition to leadership
Another listener question: "How do I navigate being a brand-new office manager?"
Are you a new manager? Are you now overseeing your peers? How do you lead a team you were recently a part of?
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan Twigg to discuss this common topic.
We discuss:
The dynamics of middle management: stuck between owners and employees
Job description nuances for managers
Proper trainin
Accidents, Injuries, Worker's Comp - How to handle needlesticks?
Today we have another listener question: an employee had an accidental needlestick, yikes! Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins us to discuss worker's comp, general accidents or workplace injuries, paperwork, etc.
Learn how to properly handle all sorts of injuries in the workplace!
To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
Got an
Listener Question: How Do I Talk to My Employee About Her Attendance Problem?
Today we have a listener-submitted question: How Do I Talk to My Employee About Their Attendance Problem?
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP and Alan T. Twigg discuss how to talk to employees who have chronic attendance issues. They discuss what to say, how to differentiate between protected and non-protected Sick Leave, the impact on patients, and addressing common employee responses.
In many cases, lead
Another epic Documentation topic! Tracking Wage and Job Changes over time
You've done all the wonderful delightful new-hire paperwork, and now it's months or years later. Raises, classification changes, full vs part time, benefits, schedule changes....how should you document these things?
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan to discuss this (super exciting) topic. Documentation is EVERYONE's favorite topic! (Maybe just Trisha's.)
Learn the downsides of failing to docum
HR + AI with Kara Kelley! How should you use AI in your practice?
Joining us today is Kara Kelley SPHR, SHRM-SCP, a Fractional HR Business Partner and CEO of Clinical HR LLC. Kara is a friend and colleague who helps make sense of the crazy world of HR.
This discussion focuses on Artificial Intelligence in HR: hallucinations, hiring risks, what AI does really well right now, and where we might be going.
Also be sure to check out her podcast with Amy Wood: Com
Your Brand is Your Best Recruiter - a discussion with Abe Kasbo!
We are honored to chat with Abe Kasbo, Founder and CEO of Verasoni Worldwide. If you haven't seen Abe's incredible piece on Recruiting & Branding, check it out:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-brand-best-recruiter-verasoni-2tv5e/
Today we discuss Abe's views on how to stand out in this tight labor market, and how your team plays the key role in that. This is a wonderful concept merging HR an
Scary Letters Part 2 - State Labor Board Investigations
This episode continues our series on "Scary Letters" which are HR-related serious situations that often start with receiving a letter in the mail.
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins us to discuss scary letters from the state, or federal, labor boards. We discuss common reasons for these situations, how to respond, what the typical process looks like, and how these situations can easily spiral out to
Can you classify workers as 1099 Independent Contractors?
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan to break down 1099 contractor vs employee classification.
We discuss the Dept of Labor and IRS criteria, why the word "independent" is so important in "independent contractor," and which dental positions might qualify as a contractor.
What are the risks of misclassification? Could an associate dentist be a contractor? What about hygienists?
For some light r
Temporary Employees - Hiring and Managing Temp Workers
Alan and Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP discuss all the nuances of Temporary Employees. What paperwork to use, can you classify them as 1099 contractors, employees vs temp agencies, Uber-like temp systems, payroll stuff, what if you like the temp better than your employee on maternity leave?
Navigate temp workers safely with today's episode!
To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR
Student Internships - What are the compliance considerations?
Join Alan and Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP for a discussion of Job Shadowing vs Student Internships. Learn the considerations and compliance risks of internships, paperwork required, and your role in the school program.
To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://benter
DIY Employee Handbooks - the pros and cons of writing, editing, or updating handbooks in-house
In today's episode Alan and Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP share their past experiences with writing, editing, and updating employee handbooks in previous jobs.
Trisha was stuck in middle management with too many executives involved. Alan received a free policy manual and made his own updates. In both cases, they struggled with compliance updates, old outdated cringy language, and the time it took.
T
Generational Differences - Navigating Challenges with Ryan Vet!
Have you struggled with multiple generations in your practice? Are the young workers a different breed, super weird, and talk funny?
We are honored to have Ryan Vet on the show to help navigate this world. Ryan is a globally recognized keynote speaker, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and podcaster. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, launched startups, and spoken at over 1,000+ events.
Jo
Drug Testing Part 2 - Fun Stories & Reframing Performance Issues
Did you hear the one about the fake penis at the drug testing facility? Or the pouch of pee under the employee's skirt?
Join Trisha and Alan for Part 2 on Drug Testing in the workplace! Today we discuss fun stories of employees trying to fake their results. We also dive into the recommended process when you suspect something with an employee and you're not sure. We discuss the important reframing
Scary Letters - handling a threatening legal action
Today we're discussing Scary Letters (no not unemployment, that's not scary). Real scary letters are from attorneys representing former employees, threatening lawsuits and legal action, demanding settlements, etc.
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins Alan Twigg to break down where these scary letters come from, and the two common paths forward. Spoiler alert: if you have your HR stuff together, it's a
Our 2026 Predictions - The 4 HR Trends We See Coming
Join us today for our 4 predictions for HR trends in 2026! Alan covers what he sees coming this year, including:
1. The impact of AI on employee awareness
2. The pace of HR legal changes
3. Hiring and onboarding people from outside dental
4. Mental Health in the workplace
What trends do you see coming in 2026? We'd love to hear your thoughts: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
To lear
Employees Not Following Policies
Happy new year! To kick off 2026 we're discussing the common scenario of employees not following policies. We're joined again by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP. Learn the steps and key management materials. Enjoy!
Got an idea for a future episode? Please tell us here: https://bentericksen.com/podcast-suggestions/
To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director system and HR consulting, check us out: h
Holiday Parties! Paying wages, serving alcohol, should you serve marijuana?
Join us to discuss holiday parties and paid holidays!
We are joined by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP to discuss whether holiday parties are paid/unpaid, reducing liability, how to serve alcohol, what if marijuana is legal, religious accommodations, and when holidays are paid.
To learn more about Bent Ericksen's HR Director Management System and HR consulting, check us out: https://bentericksen.com/
Situation Leadership Skills with Olivia Smith!
Today we're joined by Olivia Smith with OS Dental Consulting to discuss Situational Leadership! We discuss what it entails, how it helps you lead your team throughout the employment lifecycle, and how it relates to your big practice goals. This is great stuff for all practice leaders!
Olivia Smith is a trusted consultant, coach, and national speaker with a passion for helping dental practices thr
Working Interviews & Skills Assessments - Pros and Cons
Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP joins us again to discuss the common topic of Working Interviews and Skills Assessments. As more practices hire from within and from outside the dental world, assessing a candidate's abilities becomes super important.
The resume and interview only tell us so much. While it's logical to want to see a candidate in action, we will explain the nuances of both methods, the pro
Stop Putting Out Fires - Go Upstream!
Do you ever feel like you're just running from one crisis to the next?
Today we explore the HR craziness of turnover using two analogies. Many practices struggle with turnover (both resignation and termination). With the costs of turnover painfully clear, how can we break the cycle and walk upstream to find the root cause?
You can learn more about Bent Ericksen & Associates and our HR support
Pregnancy in the Dental Office - Part 3: Returning to Work
Today we're concluding our 3-part series on Pregnancy! This episode focuses on the return-to-work phase, when our employee comes back to the practice after the birth and the leave of absence. We have our fantastic senior HR Specialist Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP back with us. Join us to learn about nursing, pumping, what if the employee doesn't want to return, or doesn't want to return full-time, and
Pregnancy in the Dental Office - Part 2: The Leave of Absence
Today we're back with Part 2 in our series on pregnancy in the dental practice. We have Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP back with us to discuss the necessary steps right before, during, and after the leave of absence from your practice. Learn about terminology, including Baby Bonding vs Maternity Leave. Also learn general recommendations and some of the requirements in dentistry.
You can learn more abou
Pregnancy in the Dental Office - Part 1: Before The Birth
Today we kick off a 3 part series on Pregnancy with our fabulous HR Specialist Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP. We will cover all 3 phases of pregnancy: the first phase when the employee is pregnant and still working, the second while they are out on leave, and the third when they return to work.
In Part 1 today we discuss radiographs, nitrous, accommodations, morning sickness, discrimination claims, pa
Business Partnerships - Topics to Discuss For Success
Are you in a business partnership with one or more dentists? Are you considering this someday? We have seen several dental partnerships dissolve recently, including some for preventable reasons.
Don't wait until there's a conflict, get ahead of things and proactively discuss your goals, beliefs, values, expectations, and more. Taking action now will make for a successful and rewarding partnershi
Discussion - The HR Survey Results from Incisal Edge
Today we are joined by Chuck Cohen, Managing Director at Benco Dental, Abe Kasbo, CEO of Verasoni Worldwide, and Tim Twigg, Bent Ericksen guru extraordinaire.
The recent issue of Incisal Edge included an HR Survey of dental practices. This episode is a debrief with Chuck, Abe, and Tim about the results. Join us for a fast-paced discussion about the dental labor market!
Gossip and Drama! What can you do?
Today is all about drama, gossip, backstabbing, talking negatively about the practice, and more. We are joined again by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP to help us navigate this topic. Enjoy!
Workplace Violence Prevention w/ Joyce Weeks BS MSc
It's a topic no one wants to think about: workplace violence. And yet we have to talk about it, and we should talk about it. Join us to learn more about what workplace violence is, how to prevent it, and the new CA requirements.
Here is a free Violence Prevention Checklist from Joyce: https://www.dentaledinc.com/wvp-opt-in
Joyce Weeks is the owner and lead educator at Dental Ed, Inc., where she
Questions Not to Ask in an Interview
We talk about what to do, and today is all about what NOT to do. When you're interviewing, what are the questions to avoid? Are there questions you can't ask? Can you check an applicant's social media prior to hiring?
Tune in to find out!
Lunches, Meal Periods, Rest Breaks - How do they work and what is paid or unpaid?
Join us today for a deep dive on rest breaks, meal periods, lunches, etc. What are you required to provide? What is the difference between federal and state rules? What is paid or unpaid? Enjoy!
Job Posting Tips
Today we have some quick tips on Job Postings. How can you stand out from the crowd? What are some compliance considerations? How can you craft your Unique Employment Proposition? Enjoy!
Attendance - How To Handle Chronic Issues
Today we are joined again by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP for a discussion about attendance issues. Let's say an employee is showing up late or chronically calling out, what can you do? What if some or all of the absences are protected?
Join us today as we break down the variables and provide guidance on each area!
Cell Phone Usage in the Office
Today is all about smartphone and smartwatch use in the practice. What can you do if an employee is always on their phone? What if your manager uses a phone for work?
We're joined today by Trisha Lincoln SHRM-SCP to help us navigate this common topic. Enjoy!
HR Training Courses - "People Power" 1 Year Later
Today we're revisiting "People Power", the HR Training course for dentists, spouses, and managers.
There is a serious lack of comprehensive proper HR training in the dental field. On the podcast today are Michelle Allen and Adrienne Twigg, discussing this critical need.
Join us today and learn how they are helping HR leaders gain confidence to handle the day-to-day HR challenges facing practic
Payroll Deductions - How they work and should you do them?
Payroll Deductions in HR: this is a very common topic, especially at the end of employment. What if someone doesn't return their key or uniforms? Do you have to get something in writing to make a payroll deduction? Can you deduct as much as you want?
Today we explore this important topic and dig into the state-specific nuances. At the end we discuss other perspectives on deductions and turnover.
Obligations vs Opportunities
We were off last week for spring break, welcome back everyone! Today we have an episode on Obligations vs Opportunities. In HR we face both. Which is which and what do we do?
The Basics of Harassment Claims
Today's episode covers the basics of handling a harassment claim. Harassment can come in many forms. How can you prevent it? What are your state requirements for training? How does everything unfold and in what order?
Here is the Alerts page referenced: https://bentericksen.com/employment-compliance-alerts/
As always, don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or need help. Our tea
Quick Overview of Final Paycheck Rules
Today we have a short overview of state rules for final paychecks. When an employee leaves, how quickly do you have to pay them their final paycheck? What about direct deposit? Does it matter if they're fired or resigning? Listen to today's episode for all the answers!
Culture, Onboarding, and Leading Gen Z with Dr. Brad Chvatal
Get ready for an epic discussion with Dr. Brad Chvatal, an amazing orthodontist in Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Brad has practiced and led a successful multi-location team for over 20 years.
This is a fun and wide-ranging chat on many important HR topics:
—Does anyone want to work anymore?
—The dentist's role as a leader and their responsibility to their team
—Hiring people from outside dentistry
—Creati
Courageous Conversations with Katherine Eitel Belt!
Today is all about employee onboarding and courageous conversations with the legendary coach Katherine Eitel Belt of LionSpeak Coaching!
We cover employee conflict, Katherine's recommendations for onboarding new team members, and the basics of "Courageous Conversations."
Katherine is offering our listeners a free gift: a packet of downloadable resources on these important topics. Check it out! h
Dental Bonus Systems Part 3 - Our Recommendations
We are wrapping up our Bonus series today with our recommendations for how to set up a bonus system that actually works; one that motivates the team while increasing profit and paying for other expenses. Check it out!
Here is a link to the tool mentioned in the show: https://bentericksen.com/bonus-pro/
If you'd like to schedule a free consultation call to discuss bonuses in your office, or to le
Dental Bonus Systems Part 2
Today we are continuing our series on Bonus Systems. This episode focuses on common reasons why bonus plans fail, or fail to motivate the team. Check out this quick episode to avoid making these mistakes!
If you'd like to schedule a free consultation call to discuss bonuses in your office, or to learn more about our BonusPro system, give us a call at (800) 679-2760 or email us at: info@bentericks
Dental Bonus Systems Part 1
Today we begin a multi-part series on bonus & incentive systems in a dental practice. The focus today is why you should have a bonus system, what are the benefits, and how does a proper bonus system impact the team.
If you'd like to schedule a free consultation call to discuss bonuses in your office, or to learn more about our BonusPro system, give us a call at (800) 679-2760 or email us at: in
Performance Reviews & Goal Setting
The dreaded annual performance review! Today we're talking with Jennifer Dallas SHRM-CP about Performance Reviews. What are they, do we have to do them, what if we hate them, and what are the alternatives?
If you're not a Bent Ericksen client and you'd like to receive a free copy of our Goal Setting & Progress Form, just click this link and let us know you're interested: https://bentericksen.com
Growth, Transitions, Acquisitions, and Buying Practices!
Today we're joined by the powerhouse father/daughter duo of Paul & Pam Sletten with The Sletten Group. One of their mottos is "Transitions not Transactions."
With the ongoing changes, consolidations, and retiring dentists, many practices are changing hands. This has the potential for both success and failure. Today we dive into the weeds about all things related to transitions and acquisitions,
Continuing Education (CE) 101
Today we're doing a deep dive into the basics of CE for dental practices. We all have to deal with CE, regardless of our practice type or speciality. How does the money work? Are employees paid for their time? What about expenses?
Join Alan on this episode breaking down the requirements and recommendations!
Interview Questions - The Basic Categories and Examples
When it comes time to interview, what questions should you ask? What are the different categories and types of questions? In this episode we focus on interview questions, specifically Behavioral-Based questions and the value they bring to your process. Enjoy!
Hourly vs Salary - How Should You Pay Your Team?
It's a common question, should I pay my team hourly or salary? What are the pros and cons? If I pay a salary can I avoid paying overtime? What does Exempt or Non-Exempt mean?
Today we are joined by one of our senior HR Specialists, Rebecca Boartfield, to learn all about what you can and can't do, and which method is right for your office.
Origins - Exploring the Why
Today is a short episode for Alan's Why. We're hearing how Alan got into HR and why he continues to do this work.
We hope you're all having a great summer and enjoying time off with your loved ones!
Job Descriptions
Today's episode is all about Job Descriptions. What are they, what you need to have in them, and how are they used.
Lots of attention goes to policy manuals/employee handbooks. And yet Job Descriptions are the unsung hero of the HR world. They have tremendous value in the hiring, onboarding, and performance management phases.
Enjoy!
HR Compliance 101
Today's episode is all about the basics of HR compliance. Where do the laws come from? Do they apply to your practice? This conversation is straightforward without being too technical. Enjoy!
Paid Holidays - Who When How
Today's episode is all about Paid Holidays. How do they work, which ones do you have to provide, what if an employee isn't working that day? Let's get into it!
People Power HR Trainings
This episode features Michelle Allen SPHR SHRM-SCP discussing the lack of proper HR training in dentistry. Dental schools aren't preparing graduates for the real world HR challenges, nor do Office Managers receive formal HR training. Adrienne and Michelle have some new resources to share with everyone!
Where to Find Good People
The staffing shortage is here to stay, for a while at least. So how can you find good people? On this episode Adrienne and Alan discuss various ways to make your practice stand out, and how to attract your ideal team members.
Drug Testing
This episode is all about drug testing in your practice. Can you do pre-employment drug screening? Can you randomly drug test your employees? Join Trisha Lincoln SHRM-CP for an educational chat about the dos and don'ts of drug testing!
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