Let’s begin with a “legal disclaimer.” Nothing I say in this blog should be construed as valid dating advice! At 59 years of age and almost 25 years of marriage under my belt, I am the last person you should ask about whether to swipe left or right on anyone’s profile. That being said, there … Read more
Take the (fictitious) case of established dentist Dr. Emily Smith. She read some articles and heard through colleagues and professional presenters that it takes between 2 to 3 years of planning to have a smooth sale. Why so long? Because it takes time for any selling dentist to make sure: (i) the practice is in … Read more
Tariffs present challenges and opportunities. Rather than waste time worrying about when and how much tariffs will be, consider the following actions which will help to improve your practice’s financial health. 1) Buy real estate, specifically your own dental building, especially if there is a real estate crash due to a recession. This will enhance your … Read more
No one is interested in thinking about their mortality; and yet, we know that someday, we all die. We also know the horror stories that circulate about people who die without adequate preparation, leaving themselves intestate, and forcing their loved ones to navigate the bureaucratic mess that could have been avoided had the deceased been … Read more
The why: Background story In the heart of Nanaimo, B.C., one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, an exciting new dental venture has taken shape. Dr. Rebecca Booker and Dr. Aaron Cooper are a husband-and-wife team that met on their first day of dental school back in 2001. They opened their first practice in 2005, expanding it … Read more
Undoubtedly, we are well into the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and need to become familiar with the role algorithms will play in our personal and professional lives. Every day we deal with algorithms in our phone, smartwatch, car computers, heart, glucose and other medical devices. AI is learned intelligence from the data we have … Read more
Dentistry has been around for centuries, evolving with advances in technology, techniques, and patient care. Yet, despite its longstanding history, many dental practices still struggle with a persistent and destructive force: gossip and negativity. In an industry so rooted in precision and professionalism, why does this issue remain prevalent? The answer often lies in human … Read more
Even the most successful practices and “recession-proof” industries experience slowdowns. Here’s what to do with your newfound time.
As oral health professionals, dentists and hygienists often serve as early detectors of health conditions that go beyond the teeth and gums. While the connection between oral and systemic health is well-documented, hearing health is a lesser-known yet equally important aspect of patient care. Early signs of hearing loss can surface during dental visits, and … Read more
Just as you may wait until the new week to start a fresh hobby or put off until the next quarter to embark on a new initiative or project for your practice, resolutions at the start of the year are naturally incredibly popular. However, resolution failures are also a highly publicized subject of study that … Read more
Do not underestimate the power of the “ring”! The power of online and social marketing is undeniable. Yet, the “old-fashioned” notion of picking up the phone and engaging with a practice is not history. In one of the most comprehensive reports of its kind in recent years, Forrester Consulting looked at the continued impact of … Read more
From Walmart to Amazon to Meta, American companies are abandoning previously made commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) in their workforce. It seems they cannot pull the plug on these programs fast enough. Certainly, some in Canada are happy to see an end to the so-called “woke agenda” and a “return” to what they … Read more
Standing out in today’s crowded healthcare landscape requires more than just a strong online presence. For dental practices seeking to attract new patients, direct mail campaigns provide a distinctive way to connect on a personal level and drive measurable results. Unlike digital marketing efforts that can get lost in the noise, direct mail delivers something … Read more
Making sense of the numbers and gleaning perspective Previously, we shared insights on how to make sense of fluctuations in your website’s traffic and ways to put such data in perspective. With so many potential connections and relationships between your website and social platform presence, it is also essential to understand and exercise some caution … Read more
The why: Background story Since 1980, this family-owned practice has been a corner stone of the Burlington, Ontario, community. Founded by Dr. David Fielding and his wife, Linda Fielding, the practice has grown over the decades, supported by Linda’s expertise in business consulting and interior design, and their three children: Dr. Ben Fielding, a dedicated dentist; … Read more
In the complex and dynamic environment of a dental practice, one thing is certain: teamwork is non-negotiable. It is the foundation of a thriving office, ensuring that patients receive the best care and the team functions seamlessly. Yet, fostering a truly collaborative environment is easier said than done. It requires intentional communication, genuine empathy, and … Read more
Introduction The dental industry today is undergoing a sweeping transformation due to a convergence of factors that include increased public awareness of oral health, rapid advancements in clinical technology, instant access to information, evolving consumer expectations, and growing competition1. For practicing dentists, this shifting landscape brings considerable pressure to adapt, as well as the realization … Read more
A newly opened pediatric and orthodontic dental clinic in Ontario, California, combines colorful murals with fun features like a movie theater, televisions, and games throughout the office to make dental visits engaging for kids. Magicland Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, which celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 7, 2025, aims to ensure children have a positive … Read more
Build loyalty in your patient base by minding the “lifecycle” of the relationship.
Picture this: A temp dental hygienist walks into an unfamiliar practice, feeling nervous yet determined to do their best. They are given minimal instructions, a quick overview, and shown to an operatory they have never worked in before. With barely 20 minutes to prepare, they catch their breath just as their first patient arrives. Is … Read more