

AYDP: The Hidden Cost of Being “Too Nice” as a Practice Owner
27/12/2025 | 31 mins.
In this conversation, Michelle Affanato and Malika Azargoon discuss the critical importance of accountability in dental practices. They explore how favoritism and leniency towards certain employees can lead to resentment among team members, ultimately affecting the practice's culture and efficiency. The speakers emphasize the need for clear expectations, consistent accountability, and the establishment of a strong workplace culture that aligns with the practice's mission and values. They also highlight the challenges of leadership in maintaining these standards and the necessity of adapting to change for the betterment of the team and practice.

AYDP: Empowering Your Team Through Leadership & AccountabilityD
10/12/2025 | 28 mins.
In this episode of Accelerate Your Dental Practice, Michelle Affanato and Malika Azargoon discuss the critical aspects of leadership, communication, and overcoming fear in dental practices. They emphasize the importance of empowering practice owners with knowledge, continuous education for all team members, and the necessity of clear communication and accountability within the team. The conversation highlights the need for practice owners to be proactive in their management approach, ensuring that expectations are set and that team members are supported in their roles. As they approach the new year, the hosts encourage listeners to reassess their practices and focus on building a confident, well-informed team to drive success.

AYDP: Navigating Year-End Burnout in Your Dental Practice
27/11/2025 | 29 mins.
In this conversation, Michelle Affanato, Malika, and Lynne Leggett discuss the challenges faced by dental professionals during the year-end rush, particularly the feelings of burnout and overwhelm. They emphasize the importance of planning and preparation to alleviate stress and create a better work-life balance. The discussion also touches on the need for self-care and recognizing personal definitions of success in the dental field. Lynne shares insights from her coaching experience, encouraging dentists to find their own path and avoid the pitfalls of comparison.

The Critical Role of IT in Dental Practices
15/10/2025 | 21 mins.
In this conversation, Michelle Affanato and Malika discuss the critical importance of building a strong team for dental practices, emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge in IT, marketing, and financial management. They highlight the unique challenges of the dental industry and the necessity of having experts who understand these nuances. The discussion covers the significance of cybersecurity, the role of marketing in attracting patients, and the importance of having a CPA who understands dental KPIs. The conversation concludes with a focus on creating a safe and successful practice through careful selection of partners and proactive management.

AYDP: The Art of Delegation: Building a Strong Team
24/9/2025 | 49 mins.
In this conversation, Dr. John Vargas shares insights on achieving work-life balance as a dental practice owner. He discusses the importance of delegating responsibilities, fostering a positive team culture, and setting boundaries to prevent burnout. Dr. Vargas emphasizes the need for personal time and routine, as well as understanding generational differences in work expectations. He also highlights the value of taking time off to recharge and the mindset shift required to view practice ownership as a gift rather than a burden.



Accelerate Your Dental Practice with Malika and Michelle