Interviewer: Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS
Interviewee: Jonathan Miller
Edited By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH
In this article, Jonathan Miller shares valuable insights into the critical mistakes he has observed dentists make and provides guidance on navigating the startup and acquisition process.
Mistake 1: Not Understanding the Importance of Where to Start
One common mistake dentists make is not having a clear starting point in their journey toward dental practice ownership.
Jonathan emphasizes the significance of understanding the starting point:
“Not knowing where to start is usually the number one thing holding doctors back from becoming an owner.”
He compares this to the process of getting into dental school, where there are clear steps to follow. Dentists must identify their first step, which may involve gaining real-world experience by working in different practice settings.
Jonathan advises dentists to consider their personal life and goals before diving into practice ownership. He highlights the importance of aligning personal and professional aspirations, stating,
“You cannot have an awesome personal life and have a crappy professional life.”
Dentists should take the time to explore different paths, such as working in a DSO or private practice, to better understand the business of dentistry.
Mistake 2: Not Understanding the Time Horizon of Practice Ownership
Understanding the concept of a time horizon is crucial for dentists embarking on their practice ownership journey.
Jonathan draws a parallel between children’s development milestones and the progression of dentists in their careers. He explains,
“There’s a time horizon to this stuff. And so some of this is just about understanding that there’s a time horizon, which is different for all of us.”
Jonathan suggests that dentists should give themselves time to achieve their goals rather than feeling pressured to meet specific milestones. He encourages dentists to focus on their own pace and follow a path that aligns with their unique circumstances. He adds,
“There isn’t any one way to go down the practice ownership path, and there isn’t any one way to make a practice successful.”
Dentists should seek guidance from experts and mentors who can provide insights into their chosen path and help them navigate the challenges along the way.
Mistake 3: Not Understanding the Flexibility of Practice Ownership
Jonathan emphasizes that practice ownership is not for everyone and that it is essential for dentists to assess their suitability for this role. He states,
“One of the mistakes is practice ownership is not for everybody.”
Dentists should consider their personal preferences, financial goals, and risk tolerance before committing to practice ownership.
Exploring alternative paths, such as partnership tracks or joining innovative DSO models, can give dentists the flexibility they desire while still allowing them to practice dentistry.
Mistake 4: Not Understanding the Impact of Real-World Education
Real-world education plays a significant role in the success of dentists in their practice ownership journey.
Jonathan highlights the importance of gaining practical experience and learning from the challenges and successes of others. He suggests dentists consider pursuing residency programs, such as AGD or GPR, to enhance their clinical skills and gain exposure to different practice settings.
Jonathan also emphasizes the value of seeking out mentors and experts who can provide guidance and support. He states,
“If you have an idea on how to do it, you need to have somebody in your corner to say, ‘Hey, that can work as long as you follow these guidelines.'”
Dentists should leverage the knowledge and experience of industry professionals to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Dentists should approach practice ownership carefully and seek expert guidance to maximize their chances of success.
The dental industry will continue to evolve, presenting new opportunities and challenges for aspiring practice owners.
Dentists must stay adaptable and open to different paths, leveraging their unique skills and experiences to create thriving practices.
By learning from the mistakes of others and embracing a growth mindset, dentists can navigate the complexities of practice ownership and build thriving dental practices.
Thought Leadership Summary: Fueling Dental Success with Jonathan Miller
Jonathan’s expertise in helping dentists start or acquire their own practices has provided valuable guidance on avoiding common mistakes in the dental industry.
By understanding the importance of knowing where to start, embracing a time horizon, assessing personal suitability, and gaining real-world education, dentists can navigate the path to practice ownership with confidence and success.
The future of the dental industry holds exciting possibilities for aspiring practice owners, and by staying adaptable and open to new opportunities, dentists can build thriving practices that align with their personal and professional goals.
Until next time, keep learning, keep exploring, and fuel your dental dreams with knowledge!
Photo by RDNE Stock project
