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Dentistry Made Simple with Dr. Tarun 'TBone' Agarwal

Dr. Tarun Agarwal

The podcast for dentists ready to transform chaos into confidence—in business, clinical skills, and life.

You didn't go to dental school to become a stressed-out manager, yet here you are—overwhelmed by team drama, stuck at a revenue plateau, and working harder than ever with less to show for it.
Welcome to Dentistry Made Simple, where practicing dentist Dr. Tarun "TBone" Agarwal shares the exact systems, frameworks, and truth bombs that help dental practice owners:

✅ Add $500K-1M in revenue without working more hours
✅ Master profitable procedures like implants with confidence
✅ Build teams that actually run the practice (so you don't have to)
✅ Create predictable growth using the proven 3D GPS framework
✅ Transform from stressed operator to confident CEO

This isn't another theory-based podcast from consultants who've never owned a practice. TBone runs a successful practice while teaching 10,000+ dentists the unfiltered truth about what actually works—from single implant placement to 7-figure practice systemization.

Every Tuesday, get:

Actionable frameworks you can implement immediately
Real case studies with actual numbers (not vague success stories)
Clinical confidence builders for high-value procedures
Leadership strategies that create aligned, accountable teams
Truth bombs that challenge everything you think you know about practice success

Whether you're an ambitious associate ready to level up, a growth-minded owner hitting the ceiling, or a veteran who's lost the spark—this is your roadmap to practice transformation.

Join thousands of dentists who've discovered that success isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter with proven systems from someone who's actually in the trenches with you.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe now and stop building a job. Start building a business.

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  • 23 episodes
  • Avg 27 min
  • English

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  • S2026 · E424
    Tuesday · 27 min

    How to Handle Discounts and Financing for High-Value Dental Cases

    Complex-care treatment planning is not just about codes and fees. It is about chair time, material costs, financing, patient outcomes, and helping your team make confident decisions. In this episode, T-Bone and Meredith explain how Raleigh Dental Arts approaches discounts and financing for implant and complete-care cases. They share how to evaluate the real cost of treatment, give treatment coordinators appropriate flexibility, and use financing to help more patients move forward without sacrificing the health of the practice. Main Topics Why complex-care financial conversations are different from general dentistry Understanding chair time, cost of goods, opportunity cost, and profitability Training treatment coordinators to make informed financial decisions When discounts may make sense and when they do not Why financing can create more accepted treatment and better patient access How to balance patient advocacy with building a healthy business The difference between presenting procedures and guiding a complete-care conversation Creating a financial framework that protects the doctor’s time and the practice’s margins In This Episode Why chair time—not procedure codes—should guide complex-care pricing How to calculate flexibility using material costs, lab fees, and opportunity cost When multi-implant cases may allow for a discount Why financing and discounts should usually be separate options A simple way to respond when patients ask for a discount How third-party financing can increase case acceptance despite merchant fees Why treatment coordinators need visibility into the business side of treatment Timestamps 00:00 – Implant costs, discounts, and the 90% of $1.5M mindset 05:02 – Meredith’s shift from line-item treatment planning to complete care 07:04 – General dentistry vs. advanced and emotional dentistry 09:40 – Teaching treatment coordinators how to make discount decisions 12:39 – Chair time, extra visits, and opportunity cost 14:46 – Material costs and the economics of multi-implant cases 17:12 – Financing fees and setting boundaries around discounts 18:28 – A practical script for handling discount questions 20:06 – Why financing is still worth offering 23:29 – Applying the framework beyond implants 25:05 – Small steps, big future Resources & Links 3D Dentists: https://www.3d-dentists.com/ Join the free 3D Dentists community: https://pro.3ddentists.com/ Connect with T-Bone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks The Bottom Line Healthy practices do not discount blindly, avoid financing out of fear, or make treatment coordinators guess. They understand chair time, cost of goods, opportunity cost, and patient goals, then use that knowledge to create financial options that help more patients move forward while keeping the practice profitable. Small steps create a big future.

  • S2026 · E423
    September 1 · 32 min

    The Multi-Million Dollar Blueprint for Dental Practices in 2026

    Raleigh Dental Arts is on track for more than $4 million this year, with eight doctor days per week, 14 hygiene days, and a model designed to give T-Bone more freedom to focus on leadership and complex clinical work. In this episode, T-Bone and Meredith share a behind-the-scenes update on the practice: team structure, associates, hygiene, treatment coordination, marketing, the in-house lab, AI systems, and the transition from working full-time clinically to leading as an owner and coach. They also talk openly about what still needs work, including building provider capacity, adding team support, expanding the lab, and growing high-value implant and cosmetic cases. Main Topics A current behind-the-scenes update from Raleigh Dental Arts Building a multi-provider practice without the owner working full-time clinically Team structure, hygiene capacity, and treatment coordination Associate development and implant mentorship In-house lab growth, technology, and AI implementation Implant and cosmetic marketing Creating more owner freedom without leaving clinical dentistry entirely In This Episode How Raleigh Dental Arts is structured around eight doctor days, 14 hygiene days, and a multi-provider model Why T-Bone is shifting toward an owner, CEO, and coach role while remaining focused on complex surgical, implant, cosmetic, and full-mouth cases The staffing gaps the practice is solving next, including treatment coordination, assistant support, and full-time lab capacity How associates are being developed to diagnose and place implants The marketing strategy behind implant and cosmetic growth How CEREC, CBCT, digital scanning, milling, printing, and an in-house lab have expanded clinical capabilities The AI systems currently being used for phones, scheduling, X-rays, documentation, insurance, smile simulations, and lab design How a three-day weekly commitment to the practice creates more freedom for leadership, 3D Dentists, and a more selective clinical schedule Timestamps 00:00 - Opening banter and Hulk Hogan 03:05 - Why T-Bone can be away while the practice stays open 05:00 - Practice update: growth, providers, hours, and production 09:18 - Moving from clinical owner to owner, CEO, and coach 09:33 - Team structure: admin, hygiene, assistants, and treatment coordination 11:40 - Hiring needs and the next stage of team growth 13:18 - Lean assistant staffing and the overflow-assistant role 16:22 - Services offered and T-Bone’s clinical focus 19:18 - Training associates to diagnose and place implants 21:05 - Implant marketing, local branding, and cosmetic growth 22:48 - Technology that shaped the practice 24:32 - Building the Raleigh Dental Arts in-house lab 25:18 - Scanning, Exocad, printing, milling, and digital workflows 28:18 - Candid orthodontics and service expansion 29:03 - AI systems in the practice 30:17 - Why 3D teaches what is used in real practices 30:53 - Building freedom through leadership and systems 31:27 - Joining the 3D Dentists community Resources & Links 3D Dentists: https://www.3d-dentists.com/ Join the free 3D Dentists community: https://pro.3ddentists.com/ Connect with T-Bone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks The Bottom Line A high-performing dental practice does not have to rely on the owner working clinically five days a week. With the right team, technology, systems, clinical development, and leadership structure, dentists can build more freedom while continuing to provide excellent care.

  • S2026 · E422
    August 25 · 32 min

    Consulting vs. Coaching: What Actually Creates Lasting Practice Growth?

    Traditional consulting can help a dental practice improve, but lasting growth requires more than someone coming in and telling you what to fix. In this episode, T-Bone and Meredith break down the difference between traditional dental consulting and the 3D Dentists Mastermind. Drawing from T-Bone’s experience with multiple consulting programs throughout his career, they explain why today’s practice owners need guidance from people who understand the realities of practicing dentistry, owning a business, leading a team, and adapting to a rapidly changing industry. They discuss why 3D focuses on a “done with you” approach rather than simply doing the work for the doctor. From self-leadership and team development to peer accountability, advanced clinical skills, business fundamentals, and community, T-Bone explains why sustainable growth happens when doctors learn how to think through problems, make difficult decisions, and build practices that support both clinical excellence and a better life. Main Topics: Traditional dental consulting vs. the 3D Dentists Mastermind Why advice from practicing dentists and practice owners matters How dentistry and practice ownership have changed in 2026 Choosing a coaching program that matches the practice you actually want to build Why community and peer accountability accelerate growth Developing leaders throughout the entire dental team Why lasting change begins with self-leadership The difference between “do it yourself,” “done for you,” and “done with you” Building a business that supports clinical excellence Balancing profitability with doing the dentistry you actually enjoy Why understanding practice economics matters more than ever Who is the best fit for the 3D Dentists Mastermind In This Episode: Why T-Bone says every consulting program he joined taught him something, but the results were not always long-lasting How the challenges facing dentists in 2026 differ from those of previous decades Why practicing dentists and owners understand pressures that traditional consultants may never experience How to choose coaching based on the type of dental practice you want to create Why 3D is designed for doctors who want advanced procedures, technology, multiple providers, and stronger team leadership How community creates “peer confidence” and helps dentists realize they are not solving problems alone Why team members benefit from connecting with other assistants, hygienists, treatment coordinators, and leaders How helping other practices solve problems can make you a stronger leader in your own office Why accountability becomes more powerful when you see peers accomplishing the same things you are trying to achieve How T-Bone once hired a consultant specifically because he did not have the confidence to fire a team member himself Why outsourcing difficult conversations prevents leaders from developing the skills they actually need The differences between doing everything yourself, paying someone to do it for you, and having someone guide you through it Why the “done with you” model creates more sustainable decision-making and lasting change How business training and clinical training have to work together in a modern dental practice Why many dentists still love dentistry but become burned out by the chaos surrounding it How better leadership and delegation can create more time for doctors to perform the cases they actually enjoy Why practices can no longer afford to ignore costs, reports, deductibles, and basic business fundamentals How understanding cost of goods can completely change the way team members present treatment and discuss fees Why 3D systems can work across rural practices, large markets, fee-for-service offices, and insurance-driven practices The three characteristics T-Bone looks for in a dentist who is ready for the Mastermind Why successful doctors sometimes need disruption, accountability, and support to reach their next level Timestamps: 00:00 - Coffee, preschool emergencies, and introducing the episode 02:28 - A new tradition: responding to a wild one-star dental review 06:04 - Traditional consulting vs. the 3D Dentists Mastermind 07:05 - Why traditional consulting did not build T-Bone’s current practice 08:44 - The value of learning from someone who has been in your shoes 09:17 - Choosing coaching that matches the practice you want to build 11:43 - Why 3D is a community at its core 14:23 - Community, accountability, and learning from your peers 16:24 - Why everything starts with self-leadership 17:11 - The consultant T-Bone hired to help him fire an employee 18:04 - Three approaches to practice growth 19:27 - Why 3D focuses on a “done with you” model 21:02 - What happens when team members learn from other teams 22:30 - Building the business of clinical excellence 23:28 - Why dentists can love dentistry and still experience burnout 24:31 - Balancing business fundamentals with clinical excellence 25:09 - The economics behind a $90 procedure that costs $85 to perform 26:21 - Why these systems work across different practices and markets 27:29 - Who is the ideal fit for the 3D Dentists Mastermind? 31:17 - What makes 3D different and how to learn more 31:45 - Joining the 3D community and supporting the podcast Resources & Links: 3D Dentists: https://www.3d-dentists.com/ Connect with T-Bone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks The Bottom Line: The goal of great coaching is not to make every decision for you. It is to help you become the kind of leader who can make better decisions yourself. When the right guidance is combined with community, accountability, strong team members, clinical excellence, and a willingness to do the work, practice growth becomes more sustainable and dentistry becomes a lot more enjoyable.

  • S2026 · E421
    August 18 · 35 min

    2026 3D Summit Recap: Small Steps, Big Future

    The 2026 3D Summit was more than a continuing education event—it was a reminder that the right community, education, and small decisions can create a much bigger future. In this episode, T-Bone and Meredith look back at the 2026 3D Summit, which took place in Orlando this past March. From standout speakers and clinical insights to team-building moments at Universal and late-night karaoke, they recap the education, connection, and culture that made this year’s event one of 3D’s strongest yet. They share the lessons attendees can apply inside their own practices, including how to lead through difficult change, empower team members, create a modern patient experience, and build a practice that can grow beyond one doctor. From social media and technology to culture, case acceptance, clinical excellence, and leadership, this episode captures what it means to be serious about winning—without taking yourself too seriously. Main Topics: A recap of the 2026 3D Summit, held in Orlando this past March Why the 2026 summit delivered its strongest education yet The “small steps, big future” mindset for practice growth How team support gives leaders confidence to make difficult changes Building a culture where team members feel included and invested Using technology and social media to build trust with patients Avoiding the race to the bottom on pricing Creating a multi-provider, team-driven practice Why great events should balance elite education with real connection What’s ahead for the 2027 3D Summit in Jamaica In This Episode: Why small steps taken to solve today’s problems can lead to a much bigger future How T-Bone’s early decisions to expand his clinical capabilities shaped his career Why leaders need people around them who will support difficult decisions and transitions How team members can build trust by telling their leaders, “I’m on your team” Why practices lose momentum when communication breaks down during transitions How Dr. Diana used authenticity, technology, and staged treatment planning to inspire attendees Why showing patients what is possible can help improve case acceptance How Dr. Craig Bodak built a large, multi-provider practice without remaining the primary clinical provider Why doctors must create the time and space to lead instead of trying to do everything themselves How Dr. Grant Olsen uses YouTube and social media to attract patients from outside his market Why trust, expertise, and reputation matter more than competing on price How Dr. Payman uses facially generated treatment planning and an in-house lab to improve full-arch workflows What Dr. Daval Patel’s step-by-step approach to single central incisors teaches about predictability How Dr. Matt Nad approaches smile design, preparation techniques, and cosmetic dentistry Why attendees said they felt more included at the summit than at other large CE events How the 3D community combines high-level education, fun, connection, and accountability Why the 2027 3D Summit will take place April 15–17 at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica Timestamps: 00:00 - Recapping the 2026 3D Summit, held in Orlando this past March 02:16 - Why this was 3D’s best year of education yet 03:17 - Sully brings the energy—and suffers an early injury 05:37 - T-Bone’s opening message: Small steps, big future 08:44 - The power of team members stepping up 10:03 - Leading through difficult changes and transitions 11:45 - Dr. Diana’s authentic approach to leadership and full-mouth cases 14:01 - Dr. Craig Bodak on building a multi-provider practice 16:16 - Universal Studios, team connection, and work hard/play harder 20:13 - The VIP Mastermind day: culture, vision, marketing, and leadership 22:17 - Day two begins with Dr. Grant Olsen 23:36 - Using YouTube and social media to attract ideal patients 24:18 - How to avoid competing on price in dentistry 26:10 - Dr. Payman on full-arch treatment planning and practice labs 27:32 - Dr. Daval Patel’s formula for predictable esthetic dentistry 28:52 - Dr. Matt Nad on smile design and cosmetic dentistry 31:16 - Why attendees felt included at the 3D Summit 32:30 - Building a family of people serious about winning 33:19 - Announcing the 2027 3D Summit in Jamaica Resources & Links: 3D Dentists: https://www.3d-dentists.com/ Connect with T-Bone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks The Bottom Line: The best practices are not built by one person alone. They are built through small, intentional steps; leaders willing to keep moving forward; team members who are committed to the vision; and a culture that makes people feel supported, included, and motivated to grow.

  • S2026 · E420
    August 11 · 18 min

    Your Dental Practice Is Busy… So Why Aren’t You Making Money?

    A full schedule doesn’t always mean a profitable dental practice. In this episode, T-Bone answers real questions from dentists dealing with some of the most common challenges in practice ownership, from schedules that constantly fall apart to record production months that somehow still leave you wondering where the money went. T-Bone breaks down how to build a schedule your team can actually follow, structure sedation days without creating chaos, identify why a busy practice may be underproducing, clean up aging accounts receivable, and get a clearer picture of your true cash flow. If your practice feels busy but the numbers aren’t reflecting the amount of work you’re putting in, this episode will help you figure out where to look first. Main Topics: How to make block scheduling actually stick Structuring sedation days without disrupting the entire practice Why a full schedule can still produce a disappointing month The procedure mix problem that keeps dentists busy but underproductive What aging accounts receivable reveals about your systems Why high production doesn’t necessarily mean strong cash flow The leadership and accountability required to make operational changes last In This Episode: Why implementing too many scheduling changes at once sets your team up to fail How to start priority scheduling with one day, one block, and one clear objective Why T-Bone recommends protecting three to four hours for a single productive patient The 1-day, 1-week, 1-month approach to reviewing your schedule How T-Bone went from occasional sedation cases to dedicated sedation days Why randomly placing sedation throughout the week creates unnecessary complexity What to investigate when your schedule is packed but collections are down How your procedure mix can quietly limit the profitability of your practice Why expanding your clinical capabilities can create significant additional revenue What $100,000 sitting in 90+ day accounts receivable could be telling you When to stop chasing insurance and address the patient balance Why old A/R needs to be cleaned up instead of ignored How a dentist can produce $189,000 in a record month and still feel broke Why prepayments, lab bills, and timing can create a misleading picture of your finances How separating deposits from operating funds can give you greater control over cash flow Timestamps: 00:00 - Why scheduling changes require strong leadership 00:58 - Why block scheduling keeps falling apart 02:47 - Where to start with priority scheduling 03:01 - Creating protected blocks for bigger cases 04:00 - Holding your team accountable to the schedule 04:39 - The 1-day, 1-week, 1-month scheduling check 05:23 - How to structure sedation days 06:17 - Why dedicated sedation days work 07:38 - Your schedule is full, so why are collections disappointing? 09:12 - The procedure mix problem 09:42 - Why changing production requires discipline 10:22 - Expanding your clinical capabilities 12:24 - What to do with $100K in 90+ day A/R 12:47 - When insurance balances become a problem 13:57 - Why patient balances shouldn’t reach 90 days 15:02 - Cleaning up old debt and messy A/R 15:27 - $189K in production, but still feeling broke 15:45 - Getting control of your practice finances 16:04 - How prepayments distort your perception of cash flow 16:30 - A cleaner system for managing collections and cash 17:04 - Submit your questions to T-Bone 17:30 - The upcoming live call-in coaching show 17:56 - Lessons from building multimillion-dollar dental practices Resources & Links: https://www.3d-dentists.com/ Connect with T-Bone: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbonespeaks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbonespeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbonespeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbonespeaks/reels/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbonespeaks The Bottom Line: Being busy isn’t the goal. Building a practice with an intentional schedule, productive procedure mix, clean financial systems, and predictable cash flow is. When those systems are working together, the practice becomes easier to lead, easier to grow, and far more profitable.

  • S2026 · E419
    March 31 · 36 min

    The Real Cost of Selling Your Dental Practice to A DSO

    n this episode, we peel back the curtain on the real financial and emotional considerations behind selling a dental practice. T-Bone breaks down the numbers, myths, and risks that most dentists overlook when contemplating a sale, especially to DSOs and pr

  • S2026 · E418
    March 14 · 29 min

    Mastering The Single Central Incisor

    In this conversation, Tarun Agarwal and Dhaval Patel delve into the complexities of mastering the single central incisor in dentistry. They discuss the challenges faced by dentists, particularly in PPO and HMO environments, and emphasize the importance of

  • S2026 · E417
    March 13 · 27 min

    Mastering Full Mouth Reconstruction using Digital Dentistry

    In this conversation, Dr. Diana Tadros discusses the challenges and rewards of full mouth restorations in dentistry. She emphasizes the importance of proper training, technology, and patient communication in overcoming barriers to cosmetic cases. The disc

  • S2026 · E416
    March 12 · 37 min

    From Clinician to Leader

    In this conversation, Tarun Agarwal and Dr. Craig Spodak delve into the critical role of leadership in dentistry, discussing the transition from clinical practice to effective business management. They explore the importance of building relationships, the

  • S2026 · E415
    March 11 · 45 min

    Elevate Your Practice: The High-Trust Dental Blueprint

    In this engaging podcast episode, Tarun Agarwal interviews Dr. Grant Olson, a prominent figure in dentistry known for his innovative approach to dental practice and patient care. They discuss the evolution of Grant's practice, focusing on full arch implan

  • S2026 · E414
    March 10 · 24 min

    3D Summit 2026 — What's Coming and Why You Need to Be There

    Here you go — copy/paste ready: 3D Summit 2026 — What's Coming and Why You Need to Be There Most dentists aren't stuck because they lack knowledge. They're stuck because they're in the wrong room with the wrong people. In this episode, TBone breaks down e

  • S2026 · E413
    February 24 · 13 min

    From Twinkies to Dentistry: Lessons in Business

    In this conversation, Tarun Agarwal draws parallels between the downfall of Hostess Brands and challenges faced in dental practices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding profitability over mere revenue, the need for modernization through automati

  • S2026 · E412
    February 17 · 14 min

    What Starbucks Almost Got Wrong (And You Probably Are)

    In this conversation, Tarun Agarwal draws parallels between Starbucks' business strategies and the challenges faced by dental practices. He emphasizes the importance of expanding service offerings to break through revenue ceilings and enhance patient care

  • S2026 · E411
    February 9 · 21 min

    Why Growth Feels Like Chaos

    If you’ve ever thought, “We’re growing… so why does everything feel harder?” — this episode is for you. Most dentists try to scale by adding: ops, assistants, associates, services, and tech. And it works… until it multiplies chaos. In this episode of Dent

  • S2026 · E409
    January 26 · 27 min

    I Turned 50 and Realized "Hustle" is a Lie

    Episode 409: Biological ROI — Why Your Practice is Flat and Your Biology is the Bottleneck Stop me if you’ve heard this before: "Production is flat. You need more marketing. You need a better funnel. You need to buy more technology." In this episode, Dr.

  • S2026 · E408
    January 20 · 9 min

    Profit Isn't A Math Problem

    Transform Your Dental Practice: Key Strategies for Profit and Freedom in 2026 As we step into 2026, many dental practitioners may feel the pressure of a profit squeeze affecting their practice. But what if the issue is not about working harder or attracti

  • #407
    Nov 4, 2025 · 22 min

    Stop Scaling Chaos: The 5 Rules for a Simpler, Stronger Dental Practice

    Still making every decision in your practice and wondering why growth feels like chaos? T-Bone is calling it like it is - you don’t need more hands, you need more thinkers. In this episode of Dentistry Made Simple, he breaks down the five rules that separ

  • #407
    Oct 28, 2025 · 22 min

    Stop Scaling Chaos: The 5 Rules for a Simpler, Stronger Dental Practice

    Still making every decision in your practice and wondering why growth feels like chaos? T-Bone is calling it like it is—you don’t need more hands, you need more thinkers. In this episode of Dentistry Made Simple, he breaks down the five rules that separat

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes