{"id":16436,"date":"2026-01-23T11:44:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T19:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=16436"},"modified":"2026-01-23T11:44:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T19:44:47","slug":"dr-sameer-puri-scaling-dental-practices","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/dr-sameer-puri-scaling-dental-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Sameer Puri on Scaling Dental Practices Without Losing Clinical Autonomy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Have you ever wondered why some dental practices thrive after joining a dental support organization (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/dsos-dental-groups\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"11739\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DSO<\/a>) while others struggle to grow? In the latest episode of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WMv0vqWu0PU&amp;list=PL8sPE8UqEy5i-ReuTOqL_BFzw0VAOucuT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Dental Economist Show<\/a>, host CRO Mike Huffaker of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Planet DDS<\/a> sits down with Dr. Sameer Puri, chief clinical officer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imagendentalpartners.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Imagen Dental Partners<\/a>, to explore how education, leadership, and clinical autonomy shape dental business performance at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll learn:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How education can directly impact dental business performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/leadership-framework-for-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"15620\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leadership<\/a> remains critical to dental practice growth after partnership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How clinical autonomy and business systems can coexist inside a DSO<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/emily-letran-on-dental-practice-success\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"resources\" data-id=\"15099\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">metrics<\/a> matter when evaluating dental education and new services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red flags that signal poor dental partnership alignment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to reduce chairside hours without harming dental production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why core dentistry fundamentals still drive the strongest dental business results<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What keeps Dr. Puri optimistic about the future of dental businesses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tune in for a conversation that traces all that\u2019s happened and all that\u2019s coming our way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dr Sameer Puri on Scaling Dental Practices Without Losing Clinical Autonomy\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WMv0vqWu0PU?list=PL8sPE8UqEy5i-ReuTOqL_BFzw0VAOucuT\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Episode Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this episode, host Mike Huffaker sits down with Dr. Sameer Puri for a practical conversation on what actually drives <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/dso-dental-group-growth-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dental practice growth<\/a> inside a DSO environment. Here are some highlights from the show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education without implementation becomes entertainment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Puri explains why most dental education fails to produce lasting change inside practices. Drawing from his experience building <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bing.com\/ck\/a?!&amp;&amp;p=36f2f777b1ef3612ac62093d01539672e6a7b0b5c013f48d991c639ef9136858JmltdHM9MTc2OTEyNjQwMA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=4&amp;fclid=242540e5-35bf-6b95-2f23-556a342d6a3e&amp;psq=CDOCS&amp;u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RvY3MuY29tLw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CDOCS<\/a> and now leading education at Imagen Dental Partners, he argues that education only creates value when it changes behavior in the operatory. He breaks down how Imagen designs its internal workshops with one goal in mind, implementation that leads to better <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/emily-vanney-on-blending-patient-care-and-organizational-leadership\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"resources\" data-id=\"11486\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">patient care<\/a> and measurable growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Courses are tied to specific procedures, tracked through data, and evaluated over time. If a workshop does not result in increased adoption, improved outcomes, or real patient benefit, it is removed. This approach shifts education from a feel-good activity into a disciplined operating lever that directly impacts how a dental business performs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why leadership still determines dental practice performance after partnership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When practices underperform inside group models, Dr. Puri does not blame systems, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/dr-manrina-rhode-luxury-dental-brand\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"resources\" data-id=\"16205\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">branding<\/a>, or structure. He points to leadership. He explains that some partners mistakenly assume growth becomes the organization\u2019s responsibility once they affiliate, then reduce chairside hours or disengage from daily leadership. That mindset creates stagnation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High performing practices continue to have an active leader who sets standards, shows up consistently, and owns outcomes. Tools and support help, but they do not replace leadership. Dr. Puri emphasizes that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/craig-abramowitz-on-building-lasting-dental-partnerships\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"resources\" data-id=\"13892\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">partnership<\/a> works best when doctors maintain an owner mindset and treat the organization as an amplifier, not a substitute for accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical autonomy vs. business autonomy and why the line matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Puri draws a clear and practical distinction between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/8-clinical-tips-to-increase-same-store-revenue-dental-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11457\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clinical<\/a> autonomy and business autonomy. Clinical autonomy covers how care is delivered, procedures chosen, and treatment philosophy. That remains with the doctor. Business autonomy covers systems that allow the organization to function at scale, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/dso-technology-dykema-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11434\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">technology<\/a> platforms, reporting, and operational processes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confusing the two creates friction. Dr. Puri explains why some decisions, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/resources\/standardization-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"resources\" data-id=\"16181\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">standardizing<\/a> practice management systems, must be nonnegotiable, while others, like lab choice or clinical approach, remain flexible. By keeping this boundary clear, Imagen avoids micromanagement while still building an efficient, scalable dental business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Growth traps and why fundamentals still win in dentistry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr Puri challenges the idea that growth comes from chasing niche services or trendy add ons. He shares examples of practices that harmed performance by focusing too heavily on narrow offerings while neglecting core dentistry. His perspective is simple. Sustainable growth comes from strong exams, clear patient conversations, comprehensive treatment planning, and efficiency in everyday procedures like crowns, endo, and implants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For associates, this means building a solid foundation before expanding scope. For partners, it means resisting distractions that pull attention away from what consistently drives patient care and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/landing\/dental-revenue-cycle-management-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"landing\" data-id=\"15225\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">revenue<\/a>. Mastery of fundamentals, not constant reinvention, remains the most reliable growth strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About The Dental Economist Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t miss insightful conversations with industry experts on the latest trends and top strategies to grow your DSO or dental group. Tune in to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/2GG6pL2h3sSuoWYmPWDCKw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Dental Economist Show<\/a>\u00a0each week as we meet at the intersection of profit and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to the full podcast:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/39c8hb68\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple<\/a>  <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/mvxs5xw3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Spotify<\/strong><\/a>  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/2s35nwfr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>YouTube<\/strong><\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/book-a-demo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Request a Demo<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever wondered why some dental practices thrive after joining a dental support organization (DSO) while others struggle to grow? In the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":16437,"template":"","categories":[80,1427,128,1416,88],"tags":[27,13,43,169,454,1279,57,491,152],"resource_type":[1336],"class_list":["post-16436","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dental-industry","category-dental-service-organization","category-dso","category-growth","category-planet-dds","tag-dental-practice","tag-dentistry","tag-dso","tag-growth","tag-leadership","tag-partnership","tag-planet-dds","tag-scaling","tag-technology","resource_type-podcast"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/16436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resources"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16436"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=16436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}