Embracing the Journey of Growth in Dentistry

Cultivating Clinical Excellence and Business Acumen Final Advice with Dr. Gabriella Flores

Host: Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas
Guest: Dr. Gabriela Flores
Edited By: Candy Velez CRDH

Dentistry is a unique profession that merges science, art, and business. As dental practitioners, the journey towards clinical excellence and savvy business management is continuous. It involves constant learning, adapting, and self-reflection.

In a candid conversation, Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas and Dr. Gabriela Flores share valuable lessons and experiences that shape a successful dental career.


Key Takeaways:

  • Embrace the Pause: Taking the time to thoroughly plan and reflect can improve patient care and reduce errors.
  • Align with the Right Patients: Recognize that not every patient is the right fit, and that’s okay.
  • Boldly Pursue Your Goals: Identifying a dental niche and taking decisive action toward business goals can lead to a fulfilling career.

🎙️ Listen to the Episode on Apple Podcasts


The Power of Taking Your Time

One profound theme from the discussion is the importance of slowing down to enhance patient care and clinical decision-making.

Dr. Flores emphasizes that clinicians should avoid rushing to provide answers on the spot. Instead, pausing to reflect on a patient’s case and exploring the best treatment options can lead to improved outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.

As Dr. Flores advises, 

“It’s okay to take your time and think, to step aside or tell a patient, ‘I don’t have the answer for you right now.”

This practice reduces the likelihood of errors and builds trust, as patients perceive this careful consideration as a commitment to their well-being. It is a welcomed, refreshed approach to the fast-paced expectations that often dominate the healthcare industry.

Finding Harmony with Patients

Another key point highlighted in the conversation is the importance of a harmonious dentist-patient relationship. Every dental professional will encounter a variety of patient personalities, and not all interactions will be seamless.

Shifting the perspective to understand that “every patient is not for everyone” opens up the possibility for more aligned and positive engagements. 

“Sometimes I’ve sent patients away, and they come back better patients.”

Dr. Gabriella Flores

These insights offer comfort and validation to dentists who may encounter challenging patient situations. Reinforcing the idea that patient communication and management are dynamic can be a positive factor in practice growth and personal development.

Carving Out Your Unique Path in Business

The third theme that stands out is the strategic execution of business goals and establishing a niche in the competitive field of dentistry. Dr. Flores advocates for being proactive and taking action to realize one’s aspirations: 

“If you really have this passion and you really want to own a practice… sit down and make it happen.”

Dr. Gabriella Flores

Specifying a unique aspect of dental practice, such as family or sleep medicine within general dentistry, can help a dentist stand out and secure success in today’s marketplace.

This call to action encourages dentists to become finely attuned to their ambitions and to pursue them with both intuitive guidance and deliberate planning.

Thought Leadership Summary: Proven Strategies for Young Dentists

Navigating your professional journey in dentistry requires mindful pacing, a good match with your patients, and a clear vision for your business. As explored in the dialogue between Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas and Dr. Gabriela Flores, these practices are essential for all who aspire to excel in this field.

Whether it’s the prudent pause before diagnosing, the discernment in patient relationships, or the courage to carve out a niche, these strategies can help build a fulfilling and successful career in dentistry.

Actionable Advice for Young Dentists:

  1. Take Your Time with Decisions: Don’t rush clinical decisions. Taking a moment to reflect can lead to better patient outcomes and build trust.
  2. Select Patients Wisely: Not every patient will be the right fit for your practice. Focus on building relationships with patients who align with your practice philosophy.
  3. Pursue Your Niche: Identify your passion within dentistry and take decisive steps to establish your expertise in that area. A well-defined niche can set you apart in a competitive market.

Reflective Questions for Growth

  • How often do you take the time to reflect on your clinical decisions, and how can this practice be further integrated into your daily routine?
  • Are you aligned with the right patients in your practice? How might improving patient relationships enhance your overall practice experience?
  • What steps can you take today to carve out a niche in your dental career, and how can you strategically pursue these goals?

By integrating these strategies and reflecting on these questions, young dentists can navigate the challenges of the profession with confidence and clarity, building a thriving practice that balances clinical excellence with business acumen.

Dr. Gabriela Flores

Dr. Gabriela Flores

Dr. Gabriela Flores, originally from California and raised in Aventura, FL, is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science. She furthered her education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, where she obtained her Dental Degree. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Flores acquired her own dental practice in Miami Beach, FL. An ardent proponent of preventive care and patient education, Dr. Flores adopts a comprehensive and functional approach to dental care. She is also a passionate advocate for the integration of dental professionals in sleep medicine. Additionally, she is skilled in aesthetic facial harmonization, employing techniques such as Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), bio stimulators, and botulinum toxin treatments to enhance natural beauty and complement her patients’ smiles. Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Flores leads a dental study club, actively engages in yoga and boxing, and enjoys long walks while indulging in audiobooks. A businesswoman and educator at heart, Dr. Flores is involved in several promising projects aimed at advancing the dental profession and nurturing the next generation of dental practitioners. Her goal is to inspire and lead by example in both her personal and professional life.