In a recent episode of The Dental A Team podcast, Kiera Dent sat down with Dr. Mike and Stephanie Walton of Walton Family Dentistry in Bardstown, Kentucky, to discuss an unconventional yet highly successful approach to running a dental practice—without a hygienist.
For nearly a year, the Waltons have navigated the challenges of operating without a dedicated hygienist. Faced with staffing shortages and retention issues, they made the bold decision to restructure their workflow rather than scramble to hire replacements. The result? A streamlined system that maintains efficiency, profitability, and quality patient care.
So, how do they do it? By maximizing the roles of their dental assistants and leveraging strong systems, they ensure that preventive care remains a priority while keeping their team operating smoothly. Their experience offers a fresh perspective for dental practices struggling with hiring challenges or looking for innovative ways to optimize their operations.
Could this model work for other practices? The Waltons believe it’s possible—with the right strategy and mindset.
Check out the full episode to learn more about their journey and the practical steps they took to make it work.
