What Separates a Great Dentist from the Rest?

In a competitive field like dentistry, clinical skills alone don’t define success. The best dentists go beyond technical expertise—they cultivate leadership, patient relationships, and business acumen. If you’re looking to elevate your practice and stand out, here are some things you might need to change, improve, or even eliminate altogether.

1. Stop Seeing Patients as Just Patients—See Them as People

Too often, dental practices become transactional. Patients come in, get treated, and leave. But great dentists build real connections. They take the time to understand their patients’ fears, goals, and preferences. A warm greeting, remembering small personal details, and explaining procedures in simple terms go a long way in building trust and loyalty.

What to do instead: Invest in communication training for yourself and your team. A patient who feels valued is a patient who stays.

2. Drop the Old-School Leadership Mentality

If your team is disengaged, stressed, or constantly turning over, it’s time to assess your leadership style. Running a practice isn’t just about fixing teeth; it’s about leading people. Dictatorship-style leadership, micromanagement, or failing to recognize employees’ contributions will cost you talented staff members.

What to do instead: Inspire your team with a vision. Encourage growth, provide mentorship, and show appreciation for their work. A happy, motivated team creates an outstanding patient experience.

3. Improve Your Business Savvy

Many dentists focus so much on clinical skills that they ignore the business side of their practice. However, financial mismanagement, inefficient systems, or poor billing practices can drag even the most skilled dentist down.

What to do instead: Understand your numbers. If managing finances isn’t your strength, work with professionals (like dental billing experts!) to ensure smooth operations.

4. Remove the ‘Salesy’ Approach to Dentistry

Patients can sense when they’re being “sold” a treatment rather than advised on what’s genuinely best for them. Pushing unnecessary procedures for profit damages trust.

What to do instead: Focus on ethical treatment planning. Educate patients about their options, the pros and cons, and let them make informed decisions without pressure.

5. Upgrade Your Mindset: From Technician to Visionary

The difference between a good dentist and a great one often comes down to mindset. Are you thinking long-term? Are you growing as a leader, innovator, and business owner? The best dentists never settle; they continuously learn and evolve.

What to do instead: Invest in personal development. Read books, attend leadership courses, and surround yourself with successful mentors. Dentistry is not just a profession—it’s a mission to serve and improve lives.

A great dentist doesn’t just fill cavities—they fill their practice with leadership, compassion, and a commitment to continuous growth. Take an honest look at your practice. What can you improve, eliminate, or enhance?

The answers to these questions will separate you from the rest.