Practice Management

Compliance That Pays Off: Kelli Ngariki’s SAFER System for Dental Practices

July 16, 2025
48
min.

Want a compliant, profitable dental practice? Start with Kelli Ngariki’s SAFER Method.

Make compliance less overwhelming and more profitable with a proven, step-by-step system

Many dental teams are just "winging it" when it comes to OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control. But that guesswork comes with risks—not just to patient safety and regulatory fines, but to team morale, training, and turnover.

In this episode of the Dental Office Rescue podcast, Linda Kane sits down with compliance expert Kelli Ngariki, owner of Healthcare Compliance Associates and author of Good Dentist, Poor Dentist. Kelli introduces her SAFER Method, a 5-part framework that simplifies compliance, reduces liability, and empowers teams with systems that actually work.

How to Build a SAFER Dental Office (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

  • S = Survey: Identify current risks and compliance gaps
  • A = Architect: Design step-by-step protocols customized to your office
  • F = Facilitate: Delegate roles and set your team up for success
  • E = Educate: Train your team regularly (not just once a year)
  • R = Review: Audit, update, and reinforce for long-term success
"Systems don’t just reduce errors—they reduce stress, empower your team, and give your practice a clear standard for excellence."

Why Written Systems Are a Game-Changer for Dental Teams

Kelli shares how a lack of written protocols leads to:

  • Confusion when onboarding new team members
  • Risk during emergencies or inspections
  • Burnout from unclear expectations

She also explains how practices can use the same systems mindset from front-office billing (like Linda teaches) in their back-office compliance approach.

"When something breaks down, it’s usually not a people problem—it’s a systems problem."

Real Practice Impact: From Turnover to Team Trust

Kelli shares real-world examples of how investing in compliance systems:

  • Helped offices avoid $20,000+ in fines
  • Reduced team turnover and training time
  • Created smoother day-to-day workflows across departments

Whether you’re a new practice owner or a seasoned dentist trying to regain control, this episode shows how small shifts in structure can lead to major gains in safety, trust, and profitability.

Want a Compliant, Profitable Dental Practice?

Kelli’s SAFER Method gives you a clear path—and expert support—to get your practice protected and your team aligned.

Listen now to learn how to:

  • Assign critical compliance roles with confidence
  • Document your protocols in a way that sticks
  • Turn "best practices" into everyday habits

Explore More from Kelli Ngariki + Linda Kane

Tired of compliance confusion? Book a call at rescuemydentaloffice.com and get expert guidance tailored to your team.

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