In this episode of The Savvy Dentist Podcast, Dr Jesse Green welcomes a special guest, Max Ganhewa, for a fascinating and future-focused conversation. Known for pushing boundaries in clinical practice and innovation, Max brings a unique perspective on how technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is rapidly reshaping the dental industry. Together, they explore the new possibilities, challenges, and opportunities AI offers for dentists ready to embrace change.

Max shares practical insights on how AI is already being used in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient communication, and what it means for the day-to-day running of a practice. Max and Jesse discuss how dentists can stay ahead of the curve, why mindset matters when it comes to adapting to new technologies, and what steps practices can take today to future-proof their businesses. It’s a lively, down-to-earth discussion filled with real-world examples and actionable takeaways.

Whether you're a practice owner looking to stay competitive or simply curious about what the future holds, this episode will give you valuable insights into the next frontier of dentistry. Tune in to hear how AI isn't just a tech trend … It's a tool for creating better outcomes for patients, teams, and your dental practice.

Max Ganhewa is a Melbourne-based general dentist and the founder of Dental on Flinders. Since graduating from the University of Otago in 2007, he has cultivated a diverse clinical career spanning both rural and metropolitan settings. In 2020, Max co-founded CoTreat AI, a pioneering platform designed to enhance dental treatment planning and streamline practice workflows through artificial intelligence. CoTreat AI aims to assist dental professionals by automating routine tasks, improving diagnostic accuracy, and facilitating evidence-based decision-making, thereby allowing practitioners to focus more on patient care.

• [05:37] - How to get hooked on using AI within your practice
• [09:19]-  There's profitable work just sitting within your current patients that you are not aware of. How AI can identify revenue opportunities
• [14:37] - Let AI search for the ‘diamonds of opportunity’ for you and your team to identify with your patients
• [19:14] - How to create a compelling reason for a patient to return
• [27:41] - The future of AI and dentistry.

• Sign up to cotreat.ai and enter this code: SAVVY25 to receive your first month free!
• Visit CoTreat website
• Connect with Dr Max Ganhewa on LinkedIn
• Connect with Dr Jesse Green on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

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PM-Masterclass Sept 25

Effective leadership is built on the foundation of meaningful communication. In this solo episode of the Savvy Dentist Podcast, Dr Jesse Green unpacks the three critical conversations every dental practice owner and leader must master to lead a team and grow a thriving business successfully.

Drawing from years of experience and practical wisdom, Jesse breaks down these conversations into simple, actionable frameworks. Whether you're giving recognition or navigating difficult conversations, when handled with preparation and structure, will dramatically enhance your leadership capabilities.

If you want to create a positive workplace culture, build trust, and elevate your practice, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode:

• [00:43] Why communication (not just talking) is the backbone of great leadership
• [04:38] The importance of using flexible frameworks over rigid scripts
• [04:52] Why setting the frame of a conversation is more powerful than trying to dominate it
• [04:59] How emotional and verbal preparation changes the outcome of conversations
• [09:55] How to align communication with values for better team outcomes.

Resources and Links:

🔗 Visit Savvy Dentist Website

🔗 Follow Dr. Jesse Green on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

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PM-Masterclass Sept 25

In this episode, Dr Jesse Green is joined by Dr Wendy Peng and Dr Gilbert Ko, owners of Dana Street Dental in Ballarat. Their journey from starting a small, three-chair dental practice to building a thriving, eight-chair business is filled with lessons on leadership, team culture, systems, and scale.

Wendy and Gilbert share candidly about the realities of business ownership—the wins, the missteps, and how they've created a practice that not only delivers outstanding care but also provides them the freedom to enjoy more time with their family. It's a down-to-earth, relatable conversation full of practical strategies for sustainable growth.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to scale your practice without burning out, this episode is for you.

Dr. Wendy Peng and Dr. Gilbert Ko are the founders of Dana Street Dental, a leading dental practice in Ballarat, Victoria. With a passion for creating a patient-focused practice and a strong emphasis on team culture, Wendy and Gilbert have successfully grown their business from the ground up. Known for their commitment to mentoring young clinicians, developing robust systems, and building a positive workplace, they’ve created a business that supports both their professional and personal goals.

• [03:10] Why they chose to open their own practice in Ballarat
• [07:25] Early false confidence and hard lessons in recalls, marketing, and running a business
• [12:40] How refining systems and identifying their ideal patient turned things around
• [17:15] The growing pains of rapid expansion and what they learned going from three to six chairs
• [35:20] How training and mentoring became the backbone of their successful, growing team
• [41:30] Creating a workplace culture that attracts and keeps great people
• [46:15] The difference between six chairs and eight chairs and why it feels easier now
• [50:40] How their business now gives them the time and freedom they always wanted.

Connect with Dana Street Dental on their website

Visit the Savvy Dentist website

Connect with Dr. Jesse Green on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

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PM-Masterclass Sept 25

In this episode of The Savvy Dentist Podcast, Dr. Jesse Green explores a powerful shift in leadership mindset: replacing rigid policies with guiding principles to create a more empowered, agile, and values-driven dental practice.

Rather than relying on exhaustive rulebooks that can stifle innovation and autonomy, Jesse explains how defining a clear set of principles can drive better decision-making, elevate team morale, and cultivate a culture of trust. Whether you're navigating team dynamics, scaling your operations, or simply tired of micromanaging, this episode provides a refreshing framework for leadership that’s both strategic and human-centred.

In this episode:

• [01:00] The key differences between policies and principles, and why it matters
• [04:55] How principles can empower your team to make smart, values-aligned decisions
• [06:00] Why this approach fosters adaptability, accountability, and long-term success
• [07:00] Steps to identify and communicate your core practice principles
• [08:00] Embedding principles into your culture.

Dr. Jesse Green is a leading dental entrepreneur, speaker, and business coach who helps dentists create profitable, scalable, and enjoyable practices. As the founder of Savvy Dentist, Jesse shares proven strategies to help dentists take control of their time, finances, and business success.

Resources and Links:

🔗 Visit Savvy Dentist Website

🔗 Follow Dr. Jesse Green on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

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Click on the link below to find out more about the Practice Manager Masterclass here.

PM-Masterclass Sept 25

We often chase big wins and flashy breakthroughs — but what if the real edge lies in doing the boring things… brilliantly?

In this episode of the Savvy Dentist Podcast, Dr Jesse Green speaks with Australian Olympian Jacob Despard, a record-setting sprinter from the 2024 Paris Games. Jacob shares the powerful, behind-the-scenes truth of elite performance - discipline isn’t glamorous, but it delivers real results. From his early dreams of cricket stardom to becoming one of Australia’s fastest men, Jacob’s journey is a masterclass in consistency, self-awareness and goal-driven habits.

Now also a sought-after speaker, Jacob brings high-performance insights from the track into the world of business. Jacob and Jesse explore the parallels between sport and entrepreneurship, revealing why the boring stuff (done well and often) builds the foundation for real success.

Whether you're leading a team, growing a practice, or refining your craft, this episode will reframe your approach to discipline and growth.

• [01:10] Jacob’s journey from cricket-loving schoolboy to Olympic sprinter
• [03:30] The systems and habits that underpin sustained elite performance
• [06:13] Why consistency and fundamentals matter more than motivation
• [09:04] How to rebuild after setbacks and redefine success
• [11:52] The power of team trust — and what it takes to earn it
• [16:00] How visualisation and self-reflection shape performance
• [17:37] Goal-setting strategies for long-term wins in sport and business.

• Connect with Jacob Despard on LinkedIn
• Visit Savvy Dentist website
• Connect with Dr Jesse Green on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

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PM-Masterclass Sept 25

• [03:57] - Who is Jay Abraham? The history, the journey, the accomplishments.
• [08:22] - The ability to surpass others and build a successful business can be put into one word … preeminence. Jay explains how preeminence is all about ‘filling voids’.
• [14:24] - How to build a successful dental practice without key person dependency.
• [18:51] - The best lessons for dentistry come from outside of dentistry. If you can understand the psychology of the market, you can identify your competitive advantage.
• [26:30] - How to look for enhancements and improvements to enable your practice to grow.
• [41:00] - If you identify 15-20 factors in your practice that you can increase a mere 10% each. It's not 10% improvement, it's 10x10 improvement, and it ends up being over 100% improvement.

• [02:17] - Competing in the sport world as a woman in the 1990’s. The  unwelcoming, hostile, misogynistic and sexist environment helped shape Layne’s competitiveness.
• [08:21] - How to find your inner strength.
• [10:39] - Going from the hunter … to the hunted. The transition we must all make as our businesses succeed.
• [18:46] - The magic happens when we don’t focus on the outcome …
• [24:44] - One’s life is too short for di**heads.
• [28:56] - Don’t rob yourself of joy. It WILL affect your business.
• [32:43] - The Awake Academy - check it out!
• [33:56] - How your success can cast a shadow.

• What it really means to build a tribe in your business, and why it matters.
• The role of values, vision, and vulnerability in creating deep connection.
• How to attract, retain, and inspire team members who believe in your mission.
• Common mistakes practice owners make when building culture—and how to avoid them.
• Practical tools to strengthen team communication and trust.