The biggest mistakes dentists make: Ignoring dentistry's best models

Based on his extensive experience with dentists over the past 30 years, Dr. Roger P. Levin has authored a new book entitled The 31 Biggest Mistakes Dentists Make. His premise is simple. As he says in the introduction, “We can learn from our mistakes. But isn’t it better to learn from other people’s mistakes?”

Following is an excerpt from the forthcoming book.

Mistake #1: Ignoring Dentistry’s Best Models

“Best models” is a term I use to describe proven ways to run a successful dental business. Unfortunately, most dentists spend their entire careers disregarding best models, attempting to refine the imperfect systems they created themselves or learned from older doctors during associateships. This approach results in wasted time, effort, and resources.

More from Dr. Levin: 5 ways to boost referrals from your patients

You can learn about dental best models in practice management literature and from dental management consulting firms. The key is to find and apply the ones that are based on solid data ― not on opinions or commentaries from one thriving dentist in an affluent area.

Every year your practice doesn’t reach its potential means more time you’ll need to work before retiring. Many dentists today are working 10 years longer than they planned, simply because they make the mistake of never implementing best models in their practices.

More from Dr. Levin: 4 steps to greater case acceptance in your practice

Note: Watch for The 31 Biggest Mistakes Dentists Make to be published this fall. You can also learn how to achieve greater practice success by attending a one-day or two-day seminar presented by Dr. Levin. For dates and locations, click here.