The Technology Evangelist Podcast
The Technology Evangelist Podcast
Hosted by Dr. John Flucke, this weekly podcast delivers practical insights & expert conversations on the latest dental technologies - from AI and digital workflows to 3D printing & practice innovation - helping clinicians elevate care & efficiency.
Blog By:
Medidenta Dental Solutions
Medidenta Dental Solutions

Episode 47: Dr. Bill Simon on Dental Practice Management & Organized Dentistry

Episode 47: Dr. Bill Simon on Dental Practice Management & Organized Dentistry

8/18/2026 9:00:00 AM   |   Comments: 0   |   Views: 56



Dental practice management is often taught in theory—but Dr. Bill Simon has lived it in every possible real-world scenario. In this episode of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with the Chicago-based dentist, organized dentistry leader, and long-time mentor to unpack four decades of experience that include practice fires, embezzlement, legal challenges, associate turnover, and sustained clinical growth. This episode is brought to you by Medidenta Digital Solutions, the proud sponsor making this podcast possible.

Key Takeaways from Episode 47

A career shaped by unexpected challenges from day one
Dr. Simon’s path into ownership began with a legal crisis early in his associate career. Only three years into practice, he discovered that his employer was not properly licensed to practice in the United States, leaving him unexpectedly entangled in a regulatory investigation.

After his offer to purchase the practice was rejected, he made a bold decision: quietly build and open a new two-operatory office just steps away. On opening day, he walked into a fully booked schedule filled with patients who followed him from his former employer.

That experience became his first real lesson in dental practice management: understanding the legal, operational, and business structures of dentistry is just as critical as clinical skill.

The fire that nearly ended the practice—but didn’t
One of the most defining moments of Dr. Simon’s career came in 2002, when a fire broke out in his office building. While the event disrupted operations, it ultimately became a turning point for the practice.

Within hours, his team secured patient data, contacted patients, and began temporary operations across multiple borrowed office spaces. For weeks, the practice functioned as a mobile operation before settling into a new permanent location.

Remarkably, the months following the fire resulted in the strongest production period in the practice’s history. Dr. Simon credits that outcome not to luck, but to leadership, team culture, and the decisive action of his office manager during the crisis.

Embezzlement and the importance of visibility in systems
Dr. Simon also experienced firsthand how embezzlement can occur in dental practices—often quietly and incrementally rather than through obvious theft.

In one case, coordinated actions between a team member and an associate created financial discrepancies that were difficult to detect without strong oversight systems. He emphasizes that most practices are vulnerable not because of lack of trust, but because of lack of visibility.

His recommendation is straightforward: build systems that make patterns visible early, and create a culture where accountability is part of daily operations.

Hiring smarter: the working interview model
One of Dr. Simon’s most effective management strategies is his approach to hiring.

After an initial interview, candidates are brought in for a paid working interview where the team—not just the doctor—evaluates fit. He also allows the team to spend time with the candidate independently, including a group lunch without leadership present.

This process consistently reveals cultural fit in ways traditional interviews cannot. When the team is excited about a candidate, long-term success is highly likely. When hesitation exists, it often becomes a red flag.

Medicaid dentistry and access to care
Operating a practice in Chicago’s Little Village exposed Dr. Simon to the realities of Medicaid dentistry and systemic access-to-care challenges.

He later became deeply involved in organized dentistry and policy work, serving in leadership roles focused on improving access to care across Illinois.

A major theme in the discussion is prevention. Dr. Simon emphasizes that untreated dental disease frequently leads to emergency room utilization, and that improving preventive care access is not only clinically beneficial but economically essential.

He also discusses broader public health concerns, including the long-term impact of reduced fluoride exposure in underserved communities.

The future of organized dentistry and live meetings
As Chair of the 2026 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting program, Dr. Simon offers insight into how organized dentistry is evolving.

He notes a trend toward consolidation among smaller regional meetings, while major national and international conferences continue to grow in influence. At the same time, niche independent meetings are emerging to serve specific clinical interests.

Despite the rise of digital education, he believes in-person meetings remain irreplaceable due to spontaneous conversations, peer learning, and professional networking that cannot be replicated online.

Social media, expectations, and professional reality
Dr. Simon and Dr. Flucke also explore the impact of social media on dentistry.

While digital platforms provide education and connection, they can also create unrealistic expectations about practice success and lifestyle. He notes that curated online portrayals of dentistry often fail to reflect the real challenges of ownership and clinical responsibility.

A key concern is the decline in face-to-face communication skills as online interaction becomes more dominant.

Mentorship as a professional responsibility
For Dr. Simon, mentorship is one of the most meaningful aspects of his career.

He actively makes himself available to dentists facing challenges in practice ownership, associate relationships, legal issues, or operational crises. His goal is simple: to provide guidance based on lived experience.

Dr. Flucke highlights this accessibility as rare in dentistry, noting that direct mentorship from experienced practitioners remains one of the most underused resources in the profession.

Final Takeaway
Dr. Bill Simon’s career is a real-world case study in resilience, leadership, and adaptability in dental practice management. From legal crises and practice fires to staffing challenges and policy advocacy, his experience reflects the realities that most dental education does not cover.

Whether you are a student, associate, or experienced practice owner, his perspective offers practical insight into building a practice that can survive disruption, support a strong team, and grow through adversity. His message is clear: success in dentistry is not just about clinical skill—it is about systems, people, and leadership under pressure.

Episode 1: Sean Ryan & John Flucke on the Future of Digital Dentistry

Sponsored by Medidenta

Medidenta has been helping dentists deliver better care for over 80 years. As the home of CR-rated Prophy Magic—and your go-to for Prophy Magic bulk deals—we’re also your trusted source for digital dentistry and 3D Printing solutions. We’re proud to support innovation in practices everywhere. And don’t forget—this is also home of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, featuring Dr. John Flucke.
Category: Ethics, Jurisprudence and Malpractice, Health, Wellness and Ergonomics, Marketing, Practice Management, HR and Accounting, Public Health
You must be logged in to view comments.
More In Ethics, Jurisprudence and Malpractice
Howard Speaks: Inside the American Dental Association—A Call for Transparency and Reform
Howard Speaks: Inside the American Dental Association—A Call for...
by Dr. Howard Farran, DDS, MBA
June 2025
Introduction to Employment Laws and Concepts
Introduction to Employment Laws and Concepts
Evan Sampson
CE Credits: 1.25
Patient Threatening to Sue for Work Done at Previous Practice
Patient Threatening to Sue for Work Done at Previous Practice
February 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Dentistry’s Standard of Care, Part 3
The Ultimate Guide to Dentistry’s Standard of Care, Part 3
Dr. John Dovgan
CE Credits: 2.5
More In Health, Wellness and Ergonomics
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Dentistry
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Dentistry
July 2025
COVID-19 – What You Need To Know
COVID-19 – What You Need To Know
Dr. Michael Glick
CE Credits: 1.5
Online CE: Unique Specialties Roundup
Online CE: Unique Specialties Roundup
by Dr. Nareg Apelian
September 2025
Understanding Survivors of Childhood Abuse
Understanding Survivors of Childhood Abuse
Linda M Douglas, RDH, BSc
CE Credits: 1.5
More In Marketing
2023 Dental Townie Choice Awards
2023 Dental Townie Choice Awards
December 2023
Google Analytics 4: What Dentists Need To Know Now
Google Analytics 4: What Dentists Need To Know Now
Dr. David A. Wank
CE Credits: 1.5
Product Profile: Productive Dentist Academy
Product Profile: Productive Dentist Academy
June 2024
What to Post: 25 Essential Social Media Posts
What to Post: 25 Essential Social Media Posts
Dr. John Syrbu
CE Credits: 1.5
More In Practice Management, HR and Accounting
Creating a Remarkable Dental Practice: Communication and the Patient Experience.
Creating a Remarkable Dental Practice: Communication and the...
Fred Joyal
CE Credits: 1.75
Handbooks and Policies: What Every Employer Needs to Know
Handbooks and Policies: What Every Employer Needs to Know
Paul Edwards
CE Credits: 1.5
Office Visit: Dr. Roma Patel
Office Visit: Dr. Roma Patel
by Kyle Patton, associate editor
October 2023
Top Dental AI Companies Transforming Dentistry in 2025
Top Dental AI Companies Transforming Dentistry in 2025
July 2025
More In Public Health
Howard Speaks: Inside the American Dental Association—A Call for Transparency and Reform
Howard Speaks: Inside the American Dental Association—A Call for...
by Dr. Howard Farran, DDS, MBA
June 2025
Product Profile: FastCheck15
Product Profile: FastCheck15
June 2024
Townie Casefile: Mint for More
Townie Casefile: Mint for More
December 2025
Why the UK “Dentist Shortage” Is Really an NHS Participation Crisis
Why the UK “Dentist Shortage” Is Really an NHS Participation...
May 2026
Total Blog Activity
997
Total Bloggers
13,451
Total Blog Posts
4,671
Total Podcasts
1,788
Total Videos
Dentaltown Magazine
August 2026
Dentaltown Magazine August 2026 Read Current Issue Read Archived Issues
Sponsors
Townie Perks