Tips for Online Success Learn from the Experts at Ascent Predictive Growth Solutions
Protect Your Bottom Line Your 2026 Smart Fee Strategy
YOUR P R ACT I C E .
YOUR C HOI C E .
You expect an A -dec dental chair to of fer exceptional comfor t, per formance, and quality. What might surprise you is the af fordability Take the A -dec 300, for example.
modest budgets, it combines a robust design, great access, and minimal maintenance—and a modular system that lets you choose when you can have both?
Washut Family Dentistry’s Enduring Partnership with Burkhart Dental
WITHOUT LIMELIGHT Janelle Morphew 2025 Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence Winner
TIPS FOR ONLINE SUCCESS Learn from the Experts at Ascent Predictive Growth Solutions
President From our
When I reflect on Burkhart’s place in this competitive market and our goals for the future, I am reminded of the core principles that guide us: Integrity, Knowledge, and Client Success These are not just words in our mission statement but the foundation of how we approach our work
Integrity
We are authentic Our team is dedicated to acting in the best interests of our clients, regardless of whether it results in a sale Every Associate in our company — from our Account Managers and Service Technicians to our Customer Service Team — works together and strives to ensure client success in every way possible
Knowledge
We use our expertise to free up our clients to achieve great things We come prepared with the tools and skills to offer guidance and support As individuals and as a group, we continue to learn and grow, hone our knowledge, and proactively meet the changing needs of the dental communities we serve
Client Success
Our ultimate goal is to build trust and become valued advisors and team members By prioritizing our clients’ best interests and leveraging our collective expertise, we are able to proactively recommend strategies and deliver effective solutions
These principles are the foundation of everything we do and are what guide every interaction I believe this makes Burkhart truly special, and I hope you will feel the same
Serving the Dental Profession since 1888
At Burkhart we realize our clients are both dental professionals and business owners It is our goal to help them be successful at both Catalyst is fully dedicated to that success The articles in this publication vary from product use and selection to business management topics and provide information and guidance that can lead to a more successful practice We hope you enjoy!
If you have a request for a topic you would like us to cover in Catalyst, please contact our Marketing Department at: Marketing@BurkhartDental com
Catalyst Magazine is published by: Burkhart Dental Supply 2502 South 78th Street Tacoma, WA 98409
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Lori Burkhart Isbell President
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Leadership without Limelight
2025 Perry Burkhart, Jr . Award of Excellence Winner
Written By DAWN KAHL
Janelle Morphew
Janelle Morphew, Burkhart Yakima Equipment Project Manager, responded promptly to the email requesting an interview for a feature.
Her reaction? She admitted she’s not big on talking about herself . Janelle insists she’d prefer to be behind the scenes, working to make sure things are buttoned up for everyone else
When asked about winning the Perry Burkhart Jr . Award of Excellence, she explains that on the day of the announcement at her branch, she went to her manager’s office to find out why he didn’t give her a chance to help set up the food and decorations in the break room – because she usually is the one who does it .
In those first responses, she has unknowingly solidified the core tenets of servant leadership and confirmed exactly why she was chosen to win this award .
The Perry Burkhart, Jr . Award of Excellence is Burkhart’s highest award, and is awarded annually to one Burkhart Associate who exemplifies one or more of the following characteristics: Financial Impact, Modeling Servant Leadership, and Building Community
Janelle started at Burkhart as an Equipment Coordinator in January 2008 During a regional change, she moved to Branch Coordinator, then a few years later added Branch Supervisor . This changed a few years later to Equipment Project Manager, which remains her current position
Award winner Janelle with President Lori Burkhart Isbell
“I have had some really great role models while I have been here at Burkhart and I have taken little pieces of them along my journey”, Janelle reflects .
Janelle is the under-the-radar power behind most projects, and that’s the way she prefers it . “It does not matter if it does not involve anything in my position, I enjoy finding the solution and thinking outside the box,” she notes
“I try to figure it out with a quickness & a positive attitude. A helpful heart is key. When you do this, it not only helps my teammates, but Burkhart & our beloved customers as a whole”.
Project 700 is a community giving event mentioned in her nomination, a cause close to Janelle’s heart, so it's one she’s eager to talk about .
Her involvement goes back years, to when the initiative was known as Project 200 . Since then, it has expanded to reach closer to 700 children, inspiring the new name .
“Every year about this time, I purchase and donate toothbrushes and toothpaste to a fantastic organization called Project 700, put on by the Salvation Army”, explains Janelle .
Left to Right: Account Manager Reedy Berg, Andrew Malm, Account Manager Jack Stewart, and Chief Revenue Officer David Wolkenhauer
Janelle's Nomination
Janelle was nominated for the Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence by Regional Sales Manager Andrew Malm. In reading her nomination, her win speaks volumes as to who she is as a person and the tremendous value she brings to Burkhart and her team.
Andrew writes:
Janelle has been an invaluable member of the Burkhart team since January 2008, and her dedication, leadership, and exceptional contributions make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.
Throughout her tenure, Janelle has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for her work. Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication have significantly impacted our team and the company as a whole.
One of Janelle's most remarkable qualities is her embodiment of servant leadership. She leads by example, always putting the needs of her team and colleagues first. Her ability to listen, empathize, and support others has fostered a collaborative and positive work environment.
Janelle is always the first to volunteer when others need help or are on PTO, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her colleagues and the team. Her willingness to step in and support others, even when it means taking on additional responsibilities, is a testament to her character and dedication.
Janelle is someone everyone in the region can count on. Her reliability and steadfast support have made her a cornerstone of our team, and her positive impact is felt by all who work with her. Janelle's ability to inspire and lead by example has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impression on everyone she works with.
In addition to her professional achievements, Janelle is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Every year at Christmas, she volunteers with underprivileged children in the Yakima area through Project 700, bringing joy and support to those in need. Her selfless dedication to helping others exemplifies the true spirit of servant leadership.
Andrew Malm Regional Sales Manager
“We pick an elementary school, head to the school early in the morning on a Saturday and are paired with a needy child . We get to spend time with the child and get to know a little about their home situation .”
The group then travels by bus to a retail store they’ve partnered with to take the children shopping for clothing necessities Janelle adds, “It is truly a wonderful experience every single time .”
Her passion for Project 700 shows the depth of her commitment to others: a steady force reliably making a difference . But recognition for that spirit came in the most unexpected way . When it was finally revealed what those break room decorations were for, Janelle realized the celebration wasn’t for someone else; it was for her .
“I was looking around the room, trying to figure out which amazing teammate she was talking about— because trust me, there are several,” Janelle recalls, complimenting her team members as usual . “Then suddenly, I heard my name…I was so humbled and grateful That’s a moment I’ll treasure forever!”
Congratulations again, Janelle! Your unwavering dedication, servant leadership, and heart for both your team and your community embody everything the Perry Burkhart, Jr . Award of Excellence stands for . We’re proud to celebrate you, and we know your impact at Burkhart will only continue to grow stronger in the years ahead
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT 700. Visit burkhart-go . info/Project700
The Perry Burkhart, Jr. Award of Excellence was established in 2020 as the highest award at Burkhart.
President Lori Burkhart Isbell grants this award every year, named in honor of her father and the company’s immediate past President .
To earn this award, an Associate must exemplify distinction in their contributions, commitment, and achievement in the following categories:
• Made a financial impact to the company’s bottom line
• Modeled servant leadership
• Encouraged a supportive and interactive work community
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Dental practices are facing significant financial pressure.
A recent DrBicuspid . com survey revealed that 65% of dentists rank rising operational costs as their top concern . 1 At the same time, the ADA’s Health Policy Institute reports that overhead expenses are climbing faster than inflation—up 3% annually— while revenue per dentist continues to decline 2 This widening gap between costs and income is eroding profit margins and threatening long-term sustainability .
The Solution? Strategic Fee Adjustments.
Without annual increases, practices risk falling behind, making it harder to cover rising wages, technology investments, and everyday expenses . A well-planned fee increase protects profitability and positions your practice for success in 2026
Don’t Believe the Managed Care Myth
“I’m contracted with several PPO plans, so a fee increase won’t help,” is one of the most frequent objections we hear
Here’s the truth: healthy fees matter, even if you participate in PPO plans.
They influence your negotiation leverage and future reimbursements . Ignoring annual fee adjustments will only worsen the gap between rising costs and stagnant income .
Benefits of Healthy Fees Negotiation Power
Higher fees strengthen your position with managed care companies .
Dual Coverage
60% of households have dual income, increasing opportunities to bill full office fees .
Annual Increases
Regular adjustments improve your area fee profile .
Private Pay Patients
On average, 15–20% of patients pay out-of-pocket .
Healthy fees make your practice more attractive to future buyers .
Overhead Control
Higher fees reduce overhead percentage relative to collections .
Math Behind the Impact
With 30 codes accounting for 90% of production, optimizing fees is critical.
Moving from the 60th to the 80th percentile can generate thousands in additional revenue annually with minimal patient impact.
Fee Trends
The Practice Support Team (PST) tracks trends in data collected from practices throughout the year . In 2025, fees remained flat at the 57th percentile, and only 7% of practices reached the 80th percentile or higher . Many fee schedules were unbalanced, with codes below the 40th percentile or above the 95th .
2026 Recommended Fee Increase
Based on trends and expert guidance, a 4% annual increase remains appropriate for 2026, consistent with McGill Advisory and Cain Watters recommendations . A higher increase will be necessary for practices that have fallen behind .
This accounts for:
• Rising staff wages due to labor shortages
• Increased technology and equipment costs
• The need to maintain profitability despite stagnant PPO reimbursements
Act Now
Practices that fail to act will suffer financially through higher overhead and lower profits .
The Burkhart Practice Support Team is ready to help you with a zip code-specific Fee Analysis to ensure your fees are balanced and competitive— complimentary for Supply Savings Guarantee clients and those spending an average of 40K annually on merchandise with Burkhart . Just $99 for non-qualifying practices, which includes codeby-code recommendations
Article written by:
Our experienced Practice Support Team has clinical and business expertise dedicated to supporting your practice & answering your questions
Find more practice resources & learn more about the Practice Support Team at burkhart-go.info/PracticeSupport
Behind the Wings
A Magical Chat with Lumi, the Tooth Fairy
Written By DAWN KAHL
As you would expect, the Tooth Fairy is incredibly busy flitting about, sprinkling magic dust, collecting teeth, popping into schools, and educating kids. Still, we managed to snag a quick moment with the one and only Lumi, the Tooth Fairy!
Behind the wings and sparkle is Katie Hogan, Executive Administrator at Light Dental Studios . With over 30 locations, they are the largest private dental company in Washington State . They are known for their extensive community outreach, including their “Free Dental Days’ to provide free dental services to those in need, and showcasing "Sound People," or worthy local businesses and fellow community members biweekly on their social media .
Then, of course, there is Lumi . Lumi's mission is to educate children throughout the Puget Sound region about the importance of oral hygiene and how to keep 'pesky sugar bugs' away .
Her unique approach combines education with engagement, making dental health fun and accessible for young patients.
Her story begins in Featherland Forest, a whimsical setting where she creates floss from the leaves of the feather tree and toothpaste from its sap Located in Light Dental's Puyallup pediatric office, the space has been designed and decorated as Lumi's storybook forest, with lighting, life-sized props, and interactive elements Lumi regularly appears at this office and participates in outreach efforts at local daycares, schools, and parks .
Katie gave us the inside scoop, so step into Featherland Forest and discover the magic behind Lumi’s world:
Q: How did you first get involved with the dental field, and what led you to take on the Tooth Fairy role?
A: I started in the dental industry 16 years ago as a dental assistant . I have held many roles within the industry . 7 years ago, I dressed up as the Tooth Fairy for a one-time event and had such a positive response I was asked to do it again, and again, and so began my journey as the Tooth Fairy
Previous page: Featherland Forest, Lumi’s home in the Puyallup office of Light Dental Studios
Opposite Top: COO Dr Angie Dunn, DDS, and the CEO & Founder of Light Dental Studios, Dr . Steve Broughton, pose with Lumi
Opposite Bottom: Pediatric office of Light Dental’s Puyallup location
Q: What does a typical day look like for you when you’re in the office versus when you’re out in the community?
A: Although I am mostly known and recognized for my role as Lumi the Tooth Fairy doing events, meet-n-greets, and outreach to daycares and elementaries, most days you will find me in our media studio in our Puyallup campus to oversee all of our marketing as the VP We have a large marketing mix from billboards, social media, broadcast media, etc .
Q: How did the idea of having a “Tooth Fairy” ambassador come about at your practice?
A: All dentists know that most dental fear in adults stems from a poor childhood experience Our CEO and Founder, Steve Broughton, DDS, realized that if kids can associate a positive experience with the dentist, just maybe we could make a difference He was right!
Q: What kind of events do you attend?
A: I visit elementary schools, daycares, places like Hands on Children's Museum in Olympia, libraries, and other family-focused events . We also host a "Tooth Fairy Day" every month in one of our locations where families can book their child's 6-month dental visit, and Lumi will be present for a meet-n-greet, photos, and crafts, making their normal dental visit magical!
Q: Have you had any memorable or funny moments during school visits or community events?
A: I recently had a young patient who has been to past Tooth Fairy Days who saved her baby teeth specifically to show me It was very sweet (You can see the video on my social media platforms)
Opposite Top: “All ages, all smiles, all magical,” Lumi proclaims on her social media
Opposite Bottom Left: Lumi waving to fans after throwing out the first pitch at a Tacoma Rainiers game, Fall 2025
Opposite Bottom Right: Sugar bugs lurk around every corner at Featherland Forest!
Left: Lumi meets a well-dressed fan during one of her Tooth Fairy Days
Left: Lumi further educates with adventures in her new children’s book, “Lumi and the Floss Trees ”
Below & Opposite Page: Details from “Lumi and the Floss Trees” children’s book .
Q: How do you make learning about oral hygiene fun and engaging for young audiences?
A: Every visit comes with an oral hygiene demonstration with my sweet dragon - Dudley . I do a story-time reading my new children's book “Lumi and the Floss Trees” and a sweet meet-n-greet at the end with a dental goodie bag for every child .
Q: How does your experience working at Light Dental Studios help you in this outreach role?
A: If it were not for LDS, Lumi would not exist . They are my biggest fans . Every dream I have, they encourage As one of the largest DSOs in the Puget sound, they have given me a massive platform to reach all the communities we serve from King to Thurston County .
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being Lumi?
A: The children's reaction . Coming to the dentist can be scary, it feels good to know that they look forward to coming to see Lumi, and I can help ease some of the anxiety they might be experiencing
Q: Do you have future plans or ideas to expand your community involvement?
A: We are preparing for our grand opening of “Featherland Forest”, home of Lumi the Tooth Fairy in Puyallup, Washington! This is our new, state-
of-the-art, interactive pediatric and orthodontic department . This space has been designed for children and families to come and play before and after their visits . In addition, we have written a children's book called “Lumi and the Floss Trees” that is a keepsake for our patients It tells the story of Lumi and is also a place for families to track dental milestones and the child can bring to all their appointments and collect stickers from staff .
Thank you to Katie and Lumi for sharing a bit of their sparkle with us
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Generations of Trust
Washut Family Dentistry’s
Enduring Partnership with Burkhart
Written By DAWN KAHL
When patients walk into Washut Family Dentistry, they're stepping into more than a modern, 10 operatory practice. They're entering the story of three generations of dentists, all of whom have been supported by Burkhart Dental Supply.
“[The Washut family is] personable, they care about people… whether it's staff or patients or their business…and I kind of fit right in,” says Reedy Berg, their Burkhart Account Manager of nearly 40 years in Selah, Washington
The Washut story began in 1965, when Dr Rick Washut's father, Dr Richard (Dick) G Washut, opened his practice in Wenatchee with a simple, small-town philosophy: do right by people, stay for the long haul, and let your name on the door mean something .
Rick launched his own practice in Selah in 1984, carrying forward his father's philosophy 2 years later, Burkhart Account Manager Reedy Berg joined the Yakima Branch, succeeding the previous manager who had worked with the original Wenatchee practice since the beginning . Reedy built relationships with both Washut practices, continuing to work with both father and son until Dick's retirement in 1997
He then partnered with Rick for the next 20 years, until his son Kyle joined the family practice in 2017 . Once again, Reedy was a resource for 2 Washuts for 6 years as father and son worked together until Rick retired in 2023 .
Today, Reedy remains Kyle's Account Manager, 40 years later, providing the same services as he did to Kyle's grandfather and father .
For the Washuts, dentistry has always been about relationships . As Kyle puts it, they aim to "marry old-school values and patient care with modern technology", maintaining deep, long-term connections with patients while keeping their clinical skills on the leading edge .
Kyle explains further: “You fix a knee and say, ‘See you later,’ but in dentistry you see someone every six months, watch their kids grow up, and really build that trust .”
Opposite Page: Four generations together: Dr . Dick Washut cleans his great-grandson’s teeth as his son Dr Rick Washut and grandson Dr Kyle Washut supervise
Above: Dr . Rick Washut (retired) and Dr . Kyle Washut pose in front of the office sign
Reedy Berg has been more than just an Account Manager to the Washut Family, building a similar deep connection and trust . When Kyle Washut was finishing dental school, he wasn't sure what his next step would be So his father, Rick gave Kyle two options: complete a residency before joining the practice or work as an associate elsewhere for a few years to gain experience
Kyle reached out to Reedy Berg for guidance . Reedy toured him through several practices in Wenatchee — including Kyle's grandfather's (Dick Washut's) former office, and ultimately connected him with a residency opportunity at Union Gospel Mission in Yakima Kyle spent a year there, training alongside multiple dentists across the Yakima Valley and serving patients in need . That experience proved invaluable, allowing him to return to the family practice with more than just what he had learned from his dad . As Kyle puts it, "You've got to bring something new to the table to take it to the next level . " .
After his residency, Kyle returned to join his father The two practiced side by side until Kyle took over the practice in 2021, just before the COVID-19 pandemic . Today, Dr . Kyle Washut represents the third generation .
“We want to continue to hit our mark of taking really good care of people. In today's world, the more AI comes in, the more corporate comes in, the more we differentiate ourselves by being more human,”Kyle observes.
Top: 3 new operatories in the office’s expanded wing features DCI Edge patient chairs
Bottom: Third-generation dentist Dr Kyle Washut now owns and operates Washut Family Dentistry
The Reedy Factor
For the Washut family, Burkhart has never felt like just “a vendor,” and a lot of that comes down to Account Manager Reedy Berg .
Rick Washut explains Reedy, for over nearly four decades, has never used high-pressure tactics to push sales. Instead, he shows up with options, advice, and a long-term view matching the practice's own philosophy of only recommending what patients truly need . “I don’t consider him a salesman.
I himconsider a friend”
explains Rick Washut.
That relationship has shaped careers as well as equipment choices . When Dr . Kyle Washut was finishing dental school and unsure of his next step, it was Reedy who opened doors, introducing him to practices, connecting him with the Union Gospel Mission residency, and helping him find mentors to improve his clinical skills . Years later, that same trust extends to staffing . According to the Washuts, when hygienists consider joining the practice, they often call Reedy first to see if it's a good fit .
On the operations side, the Washuts know that when something goes wrong, they're not alone If a compressor or sterilizer goes down, Reedy and the
service team are there, fast . That responsiveness, paired with competitive pricing and supply programs, is why Kyle says the service Reedy brings is worth far more than what they might save piecing orders together online .
Kyle puts it this way: “They've taken good care of us through the remodels That's been huge I think there's a lot of options out there with the internet for dental supplies, and the service that you get [with Burkhart] is valuable . Burkhart seems to be competitive, in my opinion, with the KOIS program, and they look out for us . That's why we continue to do supplies through them .”
Ask Reedy, and he'll tell you the respect runs both ways After hundreds of projects and practices, he ranks the Washut family "in [his] top five" – not just for the quality of their dentistry, but for how they treat people . In his words, there's "a ton of respect both ways," built over 40 years of laughter, growth, and solving problems side by side .
Reedy Burg Burkhart Account Manager
Washut Family Dentistry focuses on maintainingdeep,connectionslong-term with patients.
The physical space has evolved as much as the family . Dr . Rick Washut’s Selah office used 3 of the operatories in the space Around 2017–2018, there was a major remodel to reconfigure several operatories so that left-handed Kyle could work efficiently, in part by installing new DCI chairs and cabinetry The sterilization center was also reworked, and a new Midmark sterilization center was installed .
“There’s no question on who we’d ask to do our remodel,”
notes Rick, speaking about Reedy.
This remodel created a space with 7 working operatories within the same footprint . The installation was the first project for Burkhart Equipment Specialist Dan Stucki, who had just been hired .
Dan remarks: “Doing that first project, my first one with Doctor Rick, I just felt like he wanted me to succeed as much as I did .”
Most recently, under Kyle’s ownership, they have added a new wing with three more operatories, revamped and enlarged the sterilization center, and expanded the front office space, bringing the practice to 10 operatories and supporting significant growth following a merger with a colleague's office
Above: Left to Right: Reedy Berg, Dan Stucki, Dr Kyle Washut and Dr Rick Washut
Opposite Page: Dr Kyle Washut with a patient
Throughout each phase, Burkhart's equipment team partnered closely with the Washuts . From reusing portions of their original Midmark sterilization cabinetry to control costs, to carefully planning plumbing, air, and electrical systems with local contractor Kitt Construction, the installations reflect the same practicality and long-term thinking that guides the practice .
Kyle has brought an interest and focus on digital dentistry to the practice, most recently upgrading to a TRIOS 5 intraoral scanner through Burkhart,
calling it ‘like scanning with a Ferrari’ . The scanner has streamlined the practice's workflows and helped the doctors communicate treatment more effectively with patients .
“Dr Kyle's been kind of a leader in the community with the implementation of digital dentistry as well [He’s] actually sold additional scanners to people in Study Club . We've had other people come to us for digital scanners to model what Doctor Kyle is doing,” says Dan .
Top: The recently remodeled office now features 10 spacious operatories Bottom: Midmark sterilization center
Yet for Kyle and Rick, technology is only worthwhile if it makes them better dentists and better communicators, not just early adopters . “‘We want to be on the leading edge, not the bleeding edge,” they say .
“You can be a leader in digital and be 110% clinically competent, but you’d better still be able to relate to somebody and take care of somebody,” explains Kyle
Over the next three to five years, Kyle's priority is clear: continue to keep the human side of dentistry front and center . With a strong team, a modern facility, and a trusted partnership with Burkhart Dental Supply, Washut Family Dentistry is still all about relationships .
Kyle sums up the practice philosophy that has continued for 60 years and through all 3 generations with a story about his grandfather, the original Dr . Washut, during his last days in his nursing home in Wenatchee . Some of the people that were on his staff would come in weekly to bring him lunch or bring him cookies . As he was getting close to the end, there was a patient also living in the nursing home who been his patient from a long time ago, and she came in to pay her last respects and said she remembered how he made her feel comfortable all those years ago when he made a bridge for her .
“He gave her her dignity back with that front tooth . That's this traumatic thing, and people don't forget the way you make them feel That was a pretty powerful story to hear, see firsthand, and see the impact that we can have as dentists .”
1984
1997
2016
Ownership transition: Kyle purchases the practice from his father Rick, right before COVID-19
Dr Richard ‘Dick’ G Washut starts his dental practice in Wenatchee, WA
Dr Richard ‘Rick’ P Washut, his son, starts his own practice with a small Yakima “mom and pop” office and a second office in Selah
Dick Washut retires from his practice in Wenatchee, WA
All three generations at Dr Kyle Washut’s white coat graduation ceremony at the University of Washington
shut down
Rick fully retires from daily practice
Tips for Online Success
Your next patient is Googling you right now. Will they call you or the DSO down the street?
Written by Doug Sligting, President of Ascent Predictive Growth Solutions
We continue to see many dental practices underperforming when it comes to the volume of new patients they are seeing to combat natural attrition in practices Competition for new patients remains stiff as well . How do you ensure your practice gets the best visibility when a new patient searches for a new dental home?
Picture this: A 38-year-old mom in your zip code just typed “Invisalign [your city]” into her phone . Google serves up three results above the fold One is a corporate chain with a glossy ad The second? Another DSO with 400 reviews . The third…could be you . But only if you win the invisible trust contest happening behind the screen
According to a Pew Internet survey & recent industry reports, 72% of new patients research dentists before they ever pick up the phone.
They’re reading reviews at the soccer field, comparing before-and-afters in the pickup line, and cross-checking credentials while dinner simmers . The practice that owns the top organic spot and conveys the right message? It gets all the calls; other practices fight over what’s left .
Corporate DSOs know this . They’re pouring six figures into search engine marketing budgets, outranking you with faster sites, more reviews, and AI-generated content farms . But here’s the secret Google whispers in its algorithm: trust isn’t bought—it’s earned .
Independent dentists like you can “out-trust” the giants by mastering these 3 letters: E-A-T.
Flaunt what makes your practice
better.
When someone searches “emergency root canal near me,” Google doesn’t reward the practice with the shiniest lobby . It rewards the one that proves it is the local authority .
Showcase real life, not stock photos . Show smiling patients happily interacting with your team . Help potential patients feel how great your practice will be
Highlight provider credentials so they pop . Your Invisalign Platinum status? Pin it to the top of the service page with a verifiable badge .
Share original, local content . Answer common patient questions .
Imagine a Marketing partner with AI software that scans the top searches in your market, then ghostwrites hyper-local, practice-branded content that makes Google say, “This is the expert .”
AUTHORITY
Make your website faster than a DSO's Marketing Budget
Google’s Core Web Vitals are Google’s measure of website speed and user experience . These aren’t suggestions—they’re report cards
Optimize your website for speed: Aim for under 2 seconds load time . A site that takes 12 .7 seconds to paint content causes patients to bounce . Google notices .
Regularly monitor and update your site: Stay ahead of Google’s Web Vitals standards .
A strong Marketing partner doesn’t just optimize your Core Web Vitals—they dominate technical SEO so your site becomes the gold standard Google compares everyone else to .
TRUST
Turn happy patients into your loudest billboards
Trust isn’t a logo . It’s 67 five-star reviews posted in the last 90 days, with you replying to each one like a human
Make it easy: Patients leave more reviews with automated follow-ups .
Make it effective: Your marketing platform should make it easy for delighted patients to push their reviews straight to Google with one tap Result? An average ratings boost of 0 4-star and review volume that beats the competition .
Remember the relativity rule: You don’t need to be perfect — just better than the practice next door
The E-A-T focus is highly effective with local competition . If the DSO has 110 reviews and a 4 .7 rating, you need 111+ and 4 . 8+ . If their site scores 88 on mobile, you need 90+ . A strong Marketing partner should have a dashboard that shows you exactly where you stand—and auto-deploys the fix .
Your Answer? The Ascent Edge: AI That Thinks Like a Dentist, Scales Like a DSO.
Expertise
Pages of original, branded content targeting every money keyword and AI search (Perplexity, ChatGPT)
Authority
The highest Core Web Vitals in your market—guaranteed .
Trust
More reviews, smarter responses, and a rating that climbs like compound interest .
A recent practice has had a 404% increase in overall visibility score . This is a composite of overall impressions, keywords ranked for, website visits, and recent review relevancy –all a direct result of E-A-T strategies . As a result, there was a 66% increase in call volume and a 300% increase in new patient appointments Ultimately, this has led to a 14x ROI .
What now?
That mom is still scrolling In 30 seconds, she’ll either book with the corporate machine…or become your patient for life
Ascent AI Marketing 801 .913 . 6474 Mike . S@AscentPGS . com or schedule directly in Mike’s calendar at burkhart-go . info/Ascent-Mike
Want to be the name she sees first? Let’s make Google trust you more than it trusts anyone else in town . Schedule your free E-A-T audit today . Ascent will show you how many new patients you could be losing—and how to win them . To learn more about Ascent Predictive Grow Solutions, visit
Our handpiece experts will repair or replace all parts
(per your instruction), and ship it back to you quickly so you never miss a beat.
JANUARY 1 – MARCH 31, 2026
All no charge goods requests must be submitted to NSK. Send a copy of your distributor invoice to: NSK Promotions, 1800 Global Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192; or fax to: 1-800-838-9328; or email to: orders@nskdetal.com. To be eligible, you must submit by April 30, 2026.
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White 5 % Sodium Fluoride Varnish
Fast-acting, great tasting, dries clear. SafeMask® Premier Elite
White 5 % Sodium Fluoride Varnish
ASTM LEVEL 3
52970077 52970277 52972042 52972046
52970276
50 masks/box; 10 boxes/case Also available in ASTM levels 1 & 2.
52970301 XS 52970302 S 52970303 M 52970304 L 52970305 XL 4 mils1, 6 g 100 gloves/box 10 boxes/case
8+2
Self-Sealing
Pacific ® NeoNatural Polychloroprene Medical Examination Gloves Comfort and strength. 2+1
Premium Protective Apparel Protection and style featuring knitted cuffs and collar.
52970119 Deep Blue 52970112 Plum Purple
52970157 Jet Black 12 units/bag. Codes shown in medium. Also available in lab coat.
pack.
January 1–March 31, 2026
PWR Piezo Scaling & Air Polishing
PWR Pair
BUY 1, GET 2
PWR Piezo Tips & 2 boxes of Powder*
Boxes of PWR Powders
BUY 3, GET 1 box of the same *
PWR Piezo BUY 1, GET 2
PWR Tips (Scaling or Perio)*
Magneto Inserts
Magneto Inserts (mix & match)
BUY 5, GET 2*
Instrument Management
IMS™ Cassettes (mix & match) BUY 8, GET 2*
Ortho
Cutters and/or Pliers (mix & match) BUY 3, GET 1*
Surgical
Surgical or Hinged Instruments (mix & match) BUY 4, GET 1*
Sutures
Sutures Boxes (mix & match) BUY 5, GET 2*
Endodontic
Endo Instruments, Clamps or Dental Dam (mix & match) BUY 4, GET 1* Promo Code
• Crack-resistant with rolled edges for easy sipping and a comfortable drinking or rinsing experience
• The horizontal embossing creates easy separation and a comfortable grip
• 1,000 cups per case
• Unique rayon/polyester 35gm blend
• Provides maximum absorbency
• Less adhesion to wounds for faster healing
• Soft, smooth, strong, virtually lint-free
• Ideal for sustained patient use, disinfecting, and general cleaning
Dental Anesthetic
Articaine HCl 4% and Epinephrine 1:100,000 Injection
Burkhart Dental Anesthetic is indicated for local, infiltrative, or conductive anesthesia in both simple and complex dental procedures.
• Rapid onset of anesthesia within 1-9 minutes
• Complete anesthesia lasts about 1 hour for infiltrations, up to 2 hours for nerve block
• 10% overage of epinephrine¹
• 24-month shelf life at room temperature
• Sodium edetate-free, methylparaben-free and latex-free
• Most common adverse reactions (incidence >2%) are headache and pain
• Each cartridge is sealed individually in the blister for maximum protection
24-Month Long Shelf Life
• Store at room temperature; 77°F (25°C), with brief excursions permitted between 59°F (15°C) and 86°F (30°C)
• Protect from light
• Do not freeze
Convenient Packaging
• Each cartridge is individually sealed for maximum protection up to the moment of use
• Cartridges packed 10 to a blister tray to avoid glass-to-glass contact
• Blister trays packaged in boxes of 50
Dosage & Administration – Adults (Ages 16+)
• For normal healthy adults, the maximum dose of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic administered by submucosal infiltration and/or nerve block should not exceed 7mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) of articaine HCl
• Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients and in patients with cardiac or liver disease
Pediatric Patients (Ages 4 to 16)
• The quantity of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic in children ages 4 to 16 years of age to be injected should be determined by the age and weight of the child and the magnitude of the operation
• The maximum dose of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic should not exceed 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) of articaine HCl (see Use in Specific Populations). Use in pediatric patients under 4 years of age is not recommended
Important Safety Information
Care should be taken to avoid accidental intravascular injection, which may be associated with convulsions followed by coma and respiratory arrest. Local anesthetic solutions that contain a vasoconstrictor should be used cautiously, especially in patients with impaired cardiovascular function or vascular disease. Administration of Burkhart Dental Anesthetic results in a 3 to 5-fold increase in plasma epinephrine concentrations compared to baseline. However, in healthy adults, it does not appear to be associated with marked increases in blood pressure or heart rate, except in the case of accidental intravascular injection. The most common adverse reactions (incidence >2%) are headache and pain. Inform patients in advance of the possibility of temporary loss of sensation and muscle function following infiltration and nerve block injections. Instruct patients not to eat or drink until normal sensation returns.
1. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends using the lowest possible quantity of epinephrine (Kaplan EL ed. Cardiovascular disease in dental practice. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1986) 1.800.562.8176
