Podcast Episode #556: Exposing Dental Embezzlement And Protecting Practice Owners - David Harris
Episode #556: Dentist Freedom Blueprint Podcast
Exposing Dental Embezzlement And Protecting Practice Owners - David Harris
What if the most trusted person in your practice was quietly stealing from you? Research shows that up to 70% of dentists will face employee embezzlement at some point in their careers. The financial losses are staggering—but the emotional toll of betrayal can be even worse.
In this powerful episode, David Harris, founder and CEO of Prosperident, pulls back the curtain on the hidden epidemic of dental embezzlement. With over three decades of investigative experience, David shares the red flags every dentist must watch for, the systems that prevent theft before it starts, and the hard truths about why our trusting nature makes us vulnerable. Whether you’re hiring your first team member or running a multimillion-dollar practice, this conversation is your wake-up call to put protective checks and balances in place—before it’s too late.
Minute Markers:
00:00 – Intro
02:58 – How David Harris uncovered his first embezzlement case
06:58 – Why 70% of dentists will eventually face embezzlement
09:24 – Smarter pre-employment screening strategies
14:31 – Behavioral red flags and warning signs in staff
17:41 – Why dentistry is especially vulnerable to theft
21:44 – How investigations are conducted today
24:34 – Next steps after confirming embezzlement
27:48 – The psychology of “needy” vs. “greedy” thieves
29:31 – Prosperident’s services and proactive tools
32:10 – Should buyers audit a practice for embezzlement?
35:47 – Why waiting makes small problems catastrophic
Featured on the Show:
David Harris: Website | LinkedIn
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P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you’re closer than you think) :
In this episode, we finish up the second part of my interview with Rob Swanson and his eight rules of investing. (If you haven’t listened to part 1, be sure to go back and give that a listen before jumping into this one.) Today, we pick up where we left off, covering rules four through eight and talking about everything from decision-making to cash flow and risk reduction.
Listen in as Rob shares his incredible insight and experience in real estate and investing to give us a few rules that help make our decisions and investments more solid. You will hear about the importance of looking at margins before buying and what boxes need to be checked when it comes to predicting a solid income stream. Rob also discusses how to define and mitigate the different risks involved so that you can come out on top.
Alastair MacDonald is a private advisor to established entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners, as well as a TEDx speaker who lectures on economic, social, and financial forecasts. Join me today to hear part two of our conversation at the Freedom Founders Mastermind, where we dive into the concept of certainty, how to hedge against a volatile economy, and why the abdication model is no longer one that works.
Listen in to learn the reasons why Alastair is not worried about consumer price inflation (and what he’s really worried about instead) and why the 401(k) is not always the investment that it is made out to be. You’ll learn why he is most concerned about the issue of division and polarity in the Western world, why your business is your best asset in a volatile economy, and how you can maintain its viability to weather the most intense economic storm.
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2. Attend A Workshop:
If you’re committed to Freedom, but still building a practice, paying down school debt, or growing investment capital, our hands-on Freedom Blueprint Workshops are your entrance ramp onto the fast track! Visit www.freedomfounders.com/workshop to claim your seat!
3. Apply To Visit The Mastermind:
If you’d like to join dozens of dentists, docs, and practice professionals on the fast track to Freedom (5-7 years max), visit www.freedomfounders.com/step-1 to apply for a seat.
4. Want to Work Directly with Me?
If you’d like to work directly with me and a small group of my closest investment colleagues, with direct access to the dealmakers and asset classes that I invest in, just send a message to my Executive Assistant (Lindsey@FreedomFounders.com), and put “Fast Access” in the subject line. Or, call (972) 203-6960 Ext 144 and leave a brief voicemail for Lindsey. Let her know you’re interested in the Fast Access program – we’ll set up a time with you to talk, find out about your goals, and see if there is a fit.