The first few years after graduation are difficult. Here are some suggestions to help you.

Never pressure patients into treatment. It is counter-productive and dangerous.

Constantly experimenting with new ideas is a way you can make big progress in your practice.

You may need fewer new patients than you think.

A simple change to your new patient form can meaningfully improve case acceptance from the very first visit.

Some dentists invest huge time and effort “educating” patients. Is this worthwhile, or is it a fool’s errand.

What do you do if the patient flips out about the cost of treatment?

Sometimes people behave in the opposite of the way that is rational.

Constantly criticising patients — even gently — damages the trust that case acceptance depends on. Here's a better approach.

What’s the best thing to do at the start of your career? Get out of your comfort zone.

We all hate to make mistakes but if you are open to learning, mistakes can be your best teacher.

There is a proper sequence for diagnosis and treatment discussion. Violate it — even unintentionally — and case acceptance suffers.