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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Useful staff meetings
Staff meetings shouldn’t leave your team feeling defensive. I share a simple shift that turns uncomfortable conversations into practical improvements for your dental practice.
If you must speak…
Saying more doesn’t always help patients trust you. I share a simple communication rule that keeps conversations on track, even during a busy day.
Listen without judgement
Correcting a patient too quickly can make them more resistant. I share a simple listening habit that creates space for a different treatment conversation.
“No” is a good place to be
Patients who feel free to decline treatment may feel more comfortable accepting it. Discover why genuinely accepting no can change your approach to case acceptance.
Being right isn’t enough
A correct diagnosis can still leave a patient feeling unheard. Taking time to listen, examine and explain helps turn clinical confidence into patient trust.
Why are you doing that?
Should Botox and fillers become part of your dental practice? Before booking a course, consider what these treatments could mean for the practice you’re building.
Key Performance Indicators
Most dental KPIs create noise or can be manipulated. These four simple measures reveal whether your practice is genuinely moving in the right direction.
Permanent crowns
Calling dentistry permanent creates expectations no restoration can meet. More accurate language helps patients understand treatment longevity and prevents disappointment years later.
How not to quote a fee
Unexpected costs destroy trust. Quote dental fees all-inclusively, allow for contingencies and ensure patients understand the complete financial commitment before treatment begins.
Buy the best
Quality dental hand instruments cost little over their working life, yet can make every procedure easier, more consistent and far more enjoyable.
Showing x-rays to patients
Showing patients their x-rays may feel persuasive, but images they cannot interpret often create confusion, uncertainty and resistance instead of trust.
Talking and working
Talking while performing treatment feels harmless, but divided attention reduces clinical accuracy, slows your work and undermines a patient’s confidence.
It’s not rocket science
Details in greeting and positioning can make or break rapport, affecting trust, treatment conversations and the performance of your dental practice.
6‑handed dentistry
6‑handed dentistry boosts productivity, and lowers stress. Most dentists overlook this workflow but it can add hours of productivity to every week.
A patient says no
Not every patient will say yes. Here's how to handle rejection gracefully and why it matters more than you think for the long-term health of your practice.