IDEAS WORTH THINKING ABOUT
Practical ideas for better dentistry.
Thinking on case acceptance and efficiency to create a more successful practice.
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Business success
Dental school teaches you how to fix teeth but doesn’t teach you how to run a profitable business.
Pressuring patients is dangerous
Never pressure patients into treatment. It is counter-productive and dangerous.
The power of creativity
Constantly experimenting with new ideas is a way you can make big progress in your practice.
Change your new patient form
A simple change to your new patient form can meaningfully improve case acceptance from the very first visit.
Patient education
Some dentists invest huge time and effort “educating” patients. Is this worthwhile, or is it a fool’s errand.
An interesting observation
Sometimes people behave in the opposite of the way that is rational.
Don’t be grumpy
Constantly criticising patients — even gently — damages the trust that case acceptance depends on. Here's a better approach.
A suggestion for young dentists
What’s the best thing to do at the start of your career? Get out of your comfort zone.
You can learn a lot from mistakes
We all hate to make mistakes but if you are open to learning, mistakes can be your best teacher.
Cart before the horse
There is a proper sequence for diagnosis and treatment discussion. Violate it — even unintentionally — and case acceptance suffers.
Are your fees too low?
Dentists are generally much more sensitive about the price of their services than their patients.
How to lose a patient gracefully
How you handle rejection can have a lasting effect on your practice. A short, direct guide to accepting a no with grace.
Presentation really matters
Success in case presentation is a matter of the right presentation.