In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury continue their step-by-step Hiring Series with a focus on reference checks. Too many dental practices skip this step because it feels awkward or unnecessary, but failing to do so can cost you money, morale, and even legal trouble.
Sandy and Dana share true stories from the field (including embezzlement cases that could have been avoided), compliance tips that keep you safe, and the exact questions that reveal whether your next hire is reliable or risky. From separating personal vs. professional references to knowing what you can ask—and what you should only confirm—you'll leave this episode with a clear system for protecting your practice from a bad hire.
Plus, they tackle a listener question about how to manage new hires who want to "change everything," and why systems are the antidote to chaos.
If you want to safeguard your hiring process and build a stronger team, this episode is a must-listen.
Takeaways:
-
Skipping reference checks exposes your practice to unnecessary risk.
-
Always separate personal references from professional ones.
-
Confirm dates, pay, and rehire eligibility when giving a reference; ask open-ended questions when checking references.
-
New hires with "big ideas" need structure—systems first, suggestions second.
-
Reference checks = protection for your million-dollar business.
🔊 Episode Sponsors:
Identity Dental Marketing
Looking to stand out in a crowded market? Identity Dental Marketing builds brands that convert.
👉 www.identitydental.com
Plan Forward
The #1 membership plan platform for dental practices—simple, secure, and patient-friendly.
👉 www.planforward.io
Mango Voice
VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again.
👉 www.mangovoice.com
✨ Upcoming Event – Don't Miss Out!
Want to take your front desk skills to the next level? Join Sandy Pardue and the Classic Practice team for Front Desk Pro in Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, 2025. This one-day seminar is packed with proven systems to reduce cancellations, boost treatment acceptance, and transform your patient experience. Register now at 👉 www.ClassicPractice.com and save $100 with code Secret Sauce.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com