The why: Background story Dr. Arleen Schmidt always felt a natural connection with children. Born and raised in Calgary, her education took her to Denver, Colorado, where she completed her residency in pediatric dentistry in 2023. It was there that she truly discovered her calling for helping children feel calm, confident, and even excited about their … Read more
To most of the world an inch is a small amount of space. To a dentist that’s at least three teeth. Dentists spend their whole professional lives working inside of a tooth, with literally only millimeters of room to work in. A molar is maybe 7-8 millimeters wide. So, spending a lifetime worrying about drilling … Read more
Mentorship is not just for the young and the “green.” As the late Dr. Jack Hughston said, “As long as you’re green, you’re still growing. Once you’re ripe, you’re next to rotten.” All of us should continuously challenge ourselves. Dental science, technologies, and the industry as a whole never stand still, and neither should we. … Read more
In early July 2025, a class-action lawsuit1 was filed against Heartland Dental, the largest dental support organization (DSO) in the United States. The lawsuit alleges that Heartland used AI-powered call tracking and transcription tools from RingCentral without obtaining informed consent from patients. It’s an eye-opener for the entire dental profession especially for those of us … Read more
17% of survey respondents say short-form video content delivers the strongest ROI. 93% of surveyed organizations say video is cirtical to their marketing strategy. Total video plays by businesses of all sizes have grown year-on-year, with a 13% increase for small- and mid-sized enterprises.
When Uxbridge Dental Care set out to build a new home for their practice, they weren’t just thinking about dental chairs and waiting rooms; they were envisioning a warm, welcoming, and modern space where patient care could thrive. To bring that vision to life, they partnered with Studio 6 Inc., a design-build firm known for … Read more
Who moved my cheese—in my dental practice? Inspired by Spencer Johnson’s business classic —reimagined for today’s dental practice owners Your clinical skills didn’t shrink your schedule.Your patients didn’t disappear because of the economy.They followed someone willing to adapt while you clung to what used to work. Let me rip the Band-Aid off. This isn’t going … Read more
We live in a success-obsessed society. No one wants to be perceived as a “loser” or to let themselves or anyone else down. In fact, failure is not only something to avoid at all costs but something to fear. However, failures are also underappreciated. Since no individual or group is “perfect,” failure is inevitable. So, … Read more
We’re entering a bold new era of healthcare—one shaped by personalized medicine, preventative care, and a more integrative understanding of the body and mind. And at the heart of this evolution is something long overlooked: oral health. Once seen as separate from the rest of the body, it’s now recognized as a cornerstone of lifelong … Read more
The real reason your practice isn’t growing? Fear masquerading as caution. Businesses don’t collapse in a single moment—they erode by clinging to what once worked. Blockbuster didn’t die because of competition. It died because it stayed the same while the world changed. Blockbuster is a case study in denial. And here’s the hard truth: some … Read more
You know your office could be doing better. It’s not that things are that bad. But intuitively, you have that nagging feeling that there is room for improvement. So, you decide to do your homework, conduct your research. Maybe you attend a continuing education lecture on improving your business operations. Or perhaps you find some … Read more
The recent federal election in Canada resulted in a Liberal minority government under Prime Minister Mark Carney. For Canadian dental professionals—including dentists, practice owners, and industry executives—this political shift brings significant implications that require careful consideration. Understanding how these policy changes will influence the dental sector is essential for strategic business and financial planning. Economic … Read more
Non-compete and non-solicit clauses have become common fixtures in dental practice agreements. Whether in associate contracts, shareholder deals, or the sale of a clinic, these provisions are designed to protect what matters most: the patient base and the goodwill of the practice. But these clauses don’t always hold up. Courts, if requested, will take a … Read more
Office Space: Olive & Ivory Dental Studio The why: Background story In the heart of Sherwood Park, a growing suburb of Edmonton, Alberta, a high-tech dental practice with style and soul has recently opened. Olive & Ivory Dental Studio is the creation of Dr. Jehan Nanji and her husband, Aly Remtulla. Their story began in the … Read more
Whether you’re a general dentist, hygienist, assistant, or specialist, the dentistry profession often requires long hours and emotional investment. While the rewards of the profession can be great, the high-stress nature of dental practice can leave little energy for the people you care about most. Over time it can quietly take a toll on relationships … Read more
As a First Nations woman living in southern Ontario, I recognize the privilege I have had in accessing dental care. Growing up, my family had regular visits to the dentist, and I rarely thought about whether I felt safe or welcome in those spaces. But as I grew older, and as I connected more deeply … Read more
Why most dentists have become a commodity in an economy where patients shop for dental care using their own system for buying I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that absolutely nothing has changed in how dentists market to attract new patients to their practices. The patients who pay, stay and refer. You … Read more
Due to their effectiveness, promotions should ideally play an important role in your practice’s overall marketing strategy. And the most effective promotional programs should ideally align with your practice’s values and identity as a “brand.” Otherwise, the promotion may lack authenticity and seem incongruous with what you represent as an office and team. Just how … Read more
Why smart dentists invest in index funds, not individual stocks As a dentist, your expertise is in patient care, not picking stocks. Yet many professionals are lured into the world of active investing, believing they can outperform the market by selecting the right stocks or timing their trades. The reality? Even the world’s top investors … Read more
