Created for science, not for spreadsheets
The other thing that’s always astounded me is how fundamentally
different dentistry and business education are.
Dental education is all about the science of the body and
all about building a fundamental understanding in order to
make largely subjective decisions, measure results, and make
corrections accordingly. Essentially, while there are objec-
is about making assumptions, taking actions and risks, and
developing a leadership style. Exactly the opposite of a dental
school education.
Develop a new skillset
So, back to my audience question. I explained that the practices
I see doing exceedingly well are headed by a dentist
who understands that the education they received in dental
school did not prepare them to be a practice owner, and that
they were responsible for developing that entirely new skillset
on their own.
These practice owners show up every day with the understanding
that their “Dentist Mindset,” requires focus on the
patient’s clinical needs, but their “Practice Owner Mindset,”
requires them to focus on their “customer’s” needs, such as
-
ing, reasonable fees, expanded procedures, and an acceptable
level of customer service they receive in every interaction
with the practice. They understand that, as the owner, their
clinical skill will only take them so far in attracting and re-
They know their practice owner mindset is needed to
effectively manage the personal, economic and emotional
that aligns with their clinical values, as well as their practice
goals. They know that relying on their dentist mindset
to make these decisions often leads them to unsuccessful
outcomes.
I wrapped up my answer by reminding the audience that
earning their dental degree and license only meant they were
to do with setting them up to be a successful practice owner,
and the sooner they embraced a practice owner mindset, the
more they would feel in control of, and enjoy their role as
owner and practice leader.
DENTIST MINDSET:
PRACTICE OWNER MINDSET:
Afterward, I was approached by several practice owners
a Dentist Mindset vs Practice Owner Mindset, which I’ve
included here.
As I was leaving, a doctor from Michigan came up, shook my
hand, and thanked me. He said he had struggled for 25 years
and had never really thought about his role as owner and
leader of the practice, only as the dentist. He said, “Starting
to run my practice like a business, and take classes to be a
better owner.”
I told him, “Changing your mindset is not easy. But you’ll like
your practice a lot more and struggle a whole lot less if you
do, my friend.”
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