As a dentist with decades of experience, I’ve come to realize a profound truth: our

success isn’t just about clinical skill. It’s about the human connection we

build with our patients and our team. In this episode, I want to share a

personal philosophy that has transformed my practice and my life: the idea of

“being the gift.” It’s about showing up, being present, and making every

interaction count.

The Power of Morning Rituals

I’ve found that the key to a positive and productive day lies in the first few moments we

spend with our team. Before the hustle and bustle of patient appointments, we

gather for a morning huddle. This isn’t your typical meeting; we share

spiritual readings, tell a few dad jokes, and take the time to connect on a

personal level. This simple ritual has had a powerful impact on our team’s

morale and our patients’ experience.

Alleviating Patient Anxiety

Let’s face it: most people don’t look forward to visiting the dentist. They come to us

with a great deal of stress and anxiety. But I’ve learned that the dental

procedure itself is only a small part of their experience. What truly matters

is how we make them feel. By creating a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere,

we can ease their fears and build trust. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to use a morning huddle to set a positive tone for the day.

• The surprising benefits of incorporating humor into your practice.

• Why focusing on the patient experience is the key to a thriving practice.

Join the Conversation

I believe that we, as healthcare professionals, tend to take ourselves too seriously.

It’s time to be a little freer, to have more fun, and to remember that our true

importance lies in the care we provide. I invite you to listen, reflect, and

consider how you can “be the gift” in your own practice. If you find this

episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with a colleague. I’d love to

hear your thoughts and experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:

Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

Learn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!

Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

Have you ever walked into a medical office and felt… underwhelmed? Perhaps the landscaping was neglected, the waiting room was sterile and uninviting, or you were met with a less-than-enthusiastic greeting. It’s these “little things” that can make or break a patient’s experience, and in my years of practice, I’ve learned that they are just as important as the clinical care I provide.

In this episode, I want to share with you my philosophy of “treating people, not patients.” It’s a concept I’m so passionate about that I wrote a book on it. I’ll take you behind the scenes of my practice and show you how we’ve created a “wow experience” for our patients. It’s not about extravagant gestures, but rather a meticulous attention to detail that creates a sense of comfort, confidence, and trust. I’ll discuss:

• The Power of First Impressions: Why your landscaping and lobby are a reflection of your clinical standards.

• Systemizing Hospitality: How we created a “zen-like” atmosphere with a refreshment menu, aromatherapy, and a dedicated “Chief of Hospitality.”

• The ROI of "Wow": How a superior patient experience can differentiate your practice and lead to greater success.

I’ll also share some common pitfalls I’ve seen in other practices – the “broken doorbells” that can subtly erode patient trust. We’ll explore how small annoyances can have a big impact on your bottom line and what you can do to avoid them. I’ll challenge you to take a fresh look at your own practice and identify all the areas where you can elevate your patient experience.

My personal and professional motto is “Be the Gift.” It’s about taking pride in everything you do and creating a positive impact on the lives of others. I hope this episode will inspire you to find new ways to “be the gift” to your patients and your team. Join me as we explore how the little things can truly make a big difference.

Mentioned in this episode:

Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

Learn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!

Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

In my years of practice, I've learned that the key to a successful and fulfilling dental practice goes far beyond clinical excellence. It's about creating an unparalleled patient experience. In this episode, I share my philosophy of treating people, not just patients, and how I've transformed my practice by applying the principles of a three-star Michelin restaurant. I'll reveal how simple, low-cost changes can make a world of difference in how patients perceive their visit, turning anxiety into comfort and satisfaction.

• The "People, Not Patients" Philosophy: I'll explain why I believe this is the most critical mindset for any healthcare provider and how it has guided my career and practice.

• From Waiting Room to Lounge: Discover how I reimagined the traditional waiting room to create a welcoming and relaxing environment that immediately puts patients at ease.

• The Power of a "Comfort Menu": I'll share the story behind my "comfort menu" and how this simple tool has become a cornerstone of my patient experience, fostering loyalty and generating word-of-mouth referrals.

• Actionable Tips for Your Practice: You'll walk away with practical, easy-to-implement ideas that you can use to elevate your own practice, regardless of your budget or specialty.

• Dental Practice Management

• Patient Experience

• Dental Hospitality

• Practice Differentiation

• Patient Anxiety Reduction

• Dental Marketing

• Patient Loyalty

• Practice Growth

Mentioned in this episode:

Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

Learn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!

Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients