In this episode, I interview Scott Clifford, a certified fraud examiner with Prosperident. We discuss the critical issue of embezzlement in the dental industry. Clifford delves into a specific case involving Danielle Powers, who was accused of embezzling significant amounts from multiple dental practices.
Scott Clifford.
Clifford shares his insights on how embezzlers operate, the importance of doing thorough background checks, and the need for dentists to engage with their community to prevent fraud. The conversation emphasizes the value of investigations not just in uncovering theft but also in improving practice management and financial security.
You can read more about the Danielle Powers case here.
Podcast takeaways
- The case of Danielle Powers involved embezzlement of over $265,000.
- Embezzlers often create false adjustment types to hide their theft.
- Background checks and reference checks are crucial in hiring.
- Dentists should engage with their community to share their experiences and prevent fraud.
- Many dentists avoid firing known thieves due to hiring challenges.
- Investigations can reveal not just theft but also operational inefficiencies.
- Practice management software should be utilized effectively to track finances.
- Dentists need to be proactive in protecting their practices from fraud.
- The emotional impact of embezzlement can be profound for victims.
