On today's episode, Gary Bird, founder of SMC, joins Dr. Mark Costes to unpack the real reasons most dental marketing fails—and why operations are often the true growth limiter. They discuss the dangers of focusing on "activities" like websites or SEO instead of real outcomes, and how busyness is often mistaken for productivity. Gary shares why 35% of calls in dental practices go unanswered during business hours and how that one stat alone crushes marketing ROI. The conversation dives deep into the link between lead gen and operational execution, including conversion rates, appointment availability, and the need for follow-up systems. Gary also explains why his agency focuses more on operational performance than flashy marketing tactics—and why that gives their clients a competitive advantage. If you're looking to double your new patient flow but your schedule is already full, this episode is a wake-up call you don't want to miss. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://smcnational.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

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