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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The productivity paradox
It's less tiring to produce $8,000 per day than $1,500. This deep dive explains why and what separates practices that feel effortless from those that grind.
The 30-minute crown preparation
A streamlined approach to crown preparation that delivers predictable clinical results in 30 minutes. How to work faster without cutting corners.
3 productivity boosters
Improve dental practice productivity with delegation, consistent clinical systems and block scheduling. Three practical ways to achieve more with less stress.
Why dentists run late
The most efficient dentist I ever watched never kept anyone waiting. His approach taught me why small problems in setup, scheduling and workflow can leave the rest of us running behind all day.
Patients who cost you big time
Some patients cost far more than the appointments they miss or the fees they pay. They drain your energy, unsettle your team and take the pleasure out of dentistry. Here are patient types I’ve learned to be wary of, and why.
The cost of clutter
Clutter isn’t just a mess. It’s a tax on your attention, your speed, and your clinical confidence. Here’s how and why to get rid of it.
Step away from the computer
Lunchtime in a dental office should be for relaxing, not writing treatment notes. Doctors need to delegate.
What’s your time worth?
A group of dentists dismissed a time-saving syringe because it cost $1 more. I did the maths. The result challenges how we think about the cost of dental materials and the value of our time.
Business success
Dental school teaches you how to fix teeth but doesn’t teach you how to run a profitable business.
The power of creativity
Constantly experimenting with new ideas is a way you can make big progress in your practice.
A dental disaster story
Running a formerly great practice into the ground. A cautionary tale.
Change your new patient form
A simple change to your new patient form can meaningfully improve case acceptance from the very first visit.
The penny-pinching trap
Dental materials aren’t expensive. Your time is expensive. Stop penny pinching.
Patient education
Some dentists invest huge time and effort “educating” patients. Is this worthwhile, or is it a fool’s errand.