25: This is How I Help My Patients Keep Their Teeth for Life

Nothing ever gets done without committing first. Whether you're pursuing a career indentistry, training for a marathon, or simply getting to the gym in themorning, commitment is always the first step. However, this surprised me: inall my years as a periodontist, I realized that doctors rarely ask theirpatients for commitment to their own health. That realization changedeverything about how I practice dentistry, and it has dramatically improved mypatients' long-term outcomes.In this episode, I share a powerful story about how my mentor, Dr. P.D. Miller, the Father of periodontal plastic surgery—taught me the true meaning of commitment.About fifteen years ago, after I gave a lecture on maintaining teeth withsevere periodontal disease for thirty years, Dr. Miller approached me andsuggested I write an article about my findings. I casually said"sure," but I had no real intention of following through. Two weekslater, he called me on a Sunday morning and did something that would transformnot just that article, but my entire approach to patient care. He asked me tomake a formal commitment: "I, Michael Sonick, commit to you, Dr. P.D.Miller, to write an article within the next four weeks and have it delivered toyour office." I said those words, and two weeks later, the article wasdone. Without that commitment, it never would have been written.How I Use the Commitment Method with Every PatientThat experience inspired me to become what I now call an "oral hygienecoach" for my patients. At every new patient's initial visit, after Icomplete their examination and present their treatment plan, I ask them tocommit to getting their teeth cleaned every three months for the rest of their lives. But I don't just ask them if they'll do it—I require them to make aformal, verbal commitment: "I, [patient name], commit to you, Dr. MichaelSonick, to get my teeth cleaned every three months for the rest of my life,whether it's in your office or in the office of another competent periodontistor restorative dentist."At first, patients are often surprised. They'll say "yes," and I'll respond,"That's not a commitment." Then they ask, "What do you want fromme?" That's when I explain exactly what I need them to say. When theyfinally speak those words, something remarkable happens. It becomes asignificant emotional event for them—perhaps the first time in their lives thata doctor has asked them to take personal responsibility for their long-termhealth. And they remember it. When they return for their re-evaluation andrecall appointments, they often smile and laugh because that moment ofcommitment stays with them.The Four C's: From Commitment to ConfidenceMy mentor, Dan Sullivan, teaches a powerful framework called the Four C's: Commitmentleads to Courage, which builds Capability, and ultimately creates Confidence.This applies to everything we do in life, from professional achievements topersonal health goals. When patients make that verbal commitment in my office,they're taking the first step in this transformational process. They're notjust agreeing to show up for cleanings—they're committing to being partners intheir own long-term dental health. This simple but profound practice hasdramatically improved patient compliance, treatment outcomes, and the longevityof the dental work I perform.I apply this coaching approach in every area of my life, with my children, friends, andcolleagues. Whether you're a dental professional looking to improve patientoutcomes or someone who wants to take better care of your own health, theprinciple remains the same: without commitment, you're never going to achieveyour goals. It requires courage on both sides—for patients to commit, and fordoctors to ask for that commitment. But when we do, we create lasting change.Remember: be the gift to your patients and to everyone in your life.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn 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