I have been deeply involved in dentistry for more than 30 years now. I started out by introducing dentists to practice management software and chairside systems. I soon became engrossed in the dynamics of what makes a dental practice run, … Read more
Change is the only constant. That’s a common expression, one that I think is really true—especially when it comes to human nature. Try to remember the things that occupied the center of your thoughts 20 years ago. Chances are you … Read more
When I first met young Michael Guggenheim and heard his story, I was moved and impressed. Michael is the son of my good friend, Paul Guggenheim, the president of Patterson Dental. He has a rare learning disorder called dysgraphia that … Read more
I’m a big believer in goal setting. I think having measurable targets is absolutely essential for keeping yourself focused and on track in your practice and in life. But having a goal for monthly production is not a vision. Setting … Read more
One of the biggest failures in patient communication often occurs with the very first contact. If you’re taking a call from a new patient and you simply make the appointment and sign off with “We’ll see you then …” you … Read more
A recent study of 35,000 past lottery winners in Florida uncovered a profound statistic: More than 1,900 of those winners were bankrupt within five years. I know you’re thinking that would never happen to you—and you’re probably right. Nevertheless, whether … Read more
Not surprisingly, there’s been a lot of discussion in the dental community about the recent Frontline show “Dollars and Dentists.” I’m not going to get into a detailed response–my fellow Spear Education writer, Dr. Martin Mendelson said it all quite … Read more
1. That’s the way we’ve always done it. Dental practices thrive on routine, so it’s easy to get entrenched in systems, and for team members to get locked into routine. But no one who has achieved greatness has ever been … Read more
Here’s what I know about the philosophy behind dental practice transitions: It makes sense for the new dentist. Rather than being given the keys and thrown into a stressful trial and error experience, they get the chance to grow into … Read more
“We hold these truths to be self-evident …” Those famous words from the Declaration of Independence helped launch a great nation. And as we celebrate the anniversary of America’s independence this week, let’s remember something else: the interdependence it took … Read more