Explore the motivations behind being in dentistry, including the debate between love or money. Discuss the negative views on Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and the concerns regarding volume-driven practices. Learn about the importance of following your passion in dentistry while also setting yourself up for financial success. Explore strategies for building trust with patients and recommending treatment plans.
Dentists should evaluate their motivations and choose whether to prioritize a love for the profession or financial success.
Building trust and confidence with patients through personalized care and a supportive environment is crucial in dentistry.
Deep dives
Dentistry for Love or Money
In this podcast episode, Dr. Steve Reznor discusses the dilemma dentists face of whether they are in dentistry for love or money. He acknowledges that some dentists are genuinely driven by the desire to help others, while others are more focused on making profits. Dr. Reznor expresses concern about the rise of corporate dentistry and how it prioritizes financial gains over the well-being of patients. He shares his personal experience of affiliating with a DSO and highlights the varying motivations within the corporate dental landscape. Furthermore, Dr. Reznor discusses the shift in some dentists' goals of acquiring multiple offices and subsequently selling them to corporate entities for profit. He questions the clinical wisdom of certain treatment approaches, such as the removal of healthy teeth for full-mouth restorations, emphasizing the importance of considering patient care and long-term outcomes over financial gains. Dr. Reznor urges dentists to evaluate their own motivations and choose whether they want to prioritize a love for the profession or financial success.
Building Trust and Confidence in Dentistry
Dr. Steve Reznor emphasizes the significance of building trust and confidence in dentistry. He shares his approach of establishing strong relationships with his patients based on trust and mutual respect. Dr. Reznor believes that trust is earned by genuinely listening to patients, offering personalized treatment plans, and providing a comfortable and supportive environment. He highlights the importance of focusing on patient care rather than financial gains, and discusses how this approach has contributed to his positive reputation in the community. Dr. Reznor encourages dentists, particularly those in the early stages of their career, to prioritize clinical excellence and invest in continuing education to enhance their skills. He advises dentists to surround themselves with dental-oriented professionals, such as accountants and financial advisors, to ensure sound financial management and success in their practice.
The Path to Becoming Great in Dentistry
Dr. Steve Reznor encourages dentists to strive for greatness in their chosen field. He emphasizes the importance of intention and deliberate practice in becoming excellent at what one does. Dr. Reznor suggests that dentists should identify their areas of interest and invest in continuing education to expand their expertise, whether it be in surgical procedures, oral sedation, grafting, or implant dentistry. He mentions renowned names in various industries who have achieved greatness through intentional practice. Dr. Reznor urges dentists to remain true to their original aspirations in dentistry, resist selling out for financial gains, and pursue excellence in their communities. He concludes by hinting at upcoming interviews and potential guest appearances on future podcast episodes.
Why are you in dentistry? Is it just for the money? Or is it about something more? Clarify your intentions this week on the Lionhearted Dentist podcast.
Thank you for tuning in each week as we meet you where you are. Thank you for those who reach out and let us know what to discuss.
Email DrRasner@aol.com with any questions or comments you may have, as well as topics for discussion.
