189. The Tech Problems Costing Dental Practices Money - Millennial Dentist Podcast

June 01, 2026 00:46:39
189. The Tech Problems Costing Dental Practices Money - Millennial Dentist Podcast
The Millennial Dentist
189. The Tech Problems Costing Dental Practices Money - Millennial Dentist Podcast

Jun 01 2026 | 00:46:39

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Show Notes

Most dentists only think about IT when something breaks. But as practices scale, weak tech systems quietly create bigger problems: slow workflows, disconnected software, cybersecurity exposure, wasted monthly expenses, and missed opportunities with AI.

In this episode, Dr. Sully sits down with IT Tim to break down what modern dental practices should actually expect from their IT partner. They cover fragmentation, mobility, security, ransomware, servers, backups, internet contracts, managed print costs, and why “my computers work” is no longer the standard.

They also dig into where AI is headed in dentistry, from self-hosted practice assistants to Open Dental data access, patient segmentation, daily schedule summaries, chart review automation, and the future of diagnosis, radiology, and clinical execution.



@02:56 How IT Tim Got Into Dental Technology

@05:44 The Three IT Problems Dentists Ignore

@14:31 Where Practices Quietly Leak Money

@19:57 Ransomware: The Threat That Can Shut You Down

@24:01 Server Backups That Actually Protect You

@27:18 Why Dentists Feel Behind on AI

@32:05 AI-Driven Patient Segmentation and Marketing


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/ 

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