Focusing on the important things

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The other day a friend of mine sent me this message. They live in the UK where dentistry is in a degree of turmoil.

It was a tricky question to answer as I am aware the systems are quite different, however, the problem is the same. How do patients find a good dentist and how do you become a good dentist?

My answer did not focus on technical skills or education. My answer ended up focusing on communication, trust and building an effective relationship.

This reminded me to revisit a previously listened podcast.

You can skip to the meat of the discussion at around 8 minutes. However, the discussion revolves around establishing a relationship with the patient first and foremost. One of the hosts is Dr Shaun Sellars who has a MA in Law and Ethics and had an ethics column in the BDJ.

Another podcast that touches on this subject is The Graduate Dentist Podcast.

This episode features Drs Yohan Choi and Bharat Argawal. One topic explores how they built their practice and the pros and cons of social media. Dr Choi reports that he built his practice of ten years wthout any advertising. He has never had to because he focused on building relationships with patients for the long term and truly serving them rather than seeing them as customers.

So the message?

Focus on authentic relationships with your patients and taking care of them, rather than selling them treatment.