TTS 124 - Three Keys to Procurement Advancements

You can't build a high-performing DSO—or even a profitable single location—without tight procurement systems. In this episode, Greg sits down with Karla-Marie Santiago, MBA, an operations and procurement powerhouse, to unpack how procurement strategy can make or break growth in the dental industry. From equipment forecasting to vendor alignment to e-procurement tech, Karla drops practical, real-world insight for DSOs ready to stop winging it and start optimizing.

EPISODE SNAPSHOT
With 15+ years in healthcare and a decade in dental operations, Karla-Marie Santiago has led procurement strategies across dental education, nonprofits, and DSOs. In this conversation, she and Greg break down why procurement isn't a back-office function—it's a strategic driver. Whether you're adding implants, building de novos, or trying to lower overhead, Karla makes the case that knowing your inventory, streamlining platforms, and aligning vendor partnerships is mission-critical.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why procurement must be aligned with operations and finance
  
  

• How to forecast equipment needs (replacement vs. growth)
  
  

• What centralized procurement can unlock for scaling practices
  
  

• What to ask vendors beyond pricing—and why that matters
  
  

• What to look for in an e-procurement platform (think: Amazon for your ops team)
  
  

MIC DROP MOMENT
"Operations and procurement are directly co-related. You can't run ops without the supplies, tech, and equipment that make care possible." – Karla-Marie Santiago

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• E-procurement platforms (Method, Torch Dental, etc.)
  
  

• Annual capital planning strategies
  
  

• Why invoice and inventory integration is essential for DSOs
  
  

WHERE TO LEARN MORE
📨 Connect with Karla on LinkedIn: Karla-Marie Santiago
📬 Consulting inquiries: [e-mail]