182. Managing Demand, Staffing Shortages & Holding the Line

Dr. Sully breaks down a real hygienist loss and reframes it as a supply-and-demand issue. He shares how intentional scheduling, reducing demand, protecting new patient blocks, and disciplined leadership help practices grow under pressure.

Key Takeaways:
• Staffing issues are demand problems in disguise
• Choices drive outcomes
• Not every recall or patient should be automatic
• Priority scheduling protects growth
• Leadership means holding the line

@0:00 Resetting for 2026 & goal pressure
@7:30 Losing a hygienist: the real issue
@10:30 Reducing demand strategically
@15:30 Confirmation & priority scheduling
@20:30 Leadership under pressure

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/