63: What 90% of Dentists Get Wrong (And Why It's Costing You More Than Money)

I've spent decades in dentistry, and I'll tell you something that still keeps me up at night: a study found that only 10% of dental practices conduct the kind of examination that actually uncovers what's happening in a patient's mouth. That means 90% of dentists — trained, licensed, well-meaning professionals — are routinely missing something critical. I was one of them. And the consequences for patients are far greater than most people realize.The Vicious Cycle Nobody Talks AboutThere is a way of practicing dentistry that I call "pothole filling." A patient arrives with a problem; we fix it and send them on their way. It feels productive. It feels efficient. But it creates a dangerous, self-perpetuating cycle that keeps patients sick, keeps them coming back for the same problems, and quietly erodes the trust and fulfillment that drew most of us to this profession in the first place. The system is broken — and dental school is where the break begins.The Discovery That Changed EverythingIn this episode, I share the moment I realized there was a better way. Not a new technology. Not a complicated protocol. Something far simpler — and far more powerful — that the top 10% of practitioners have quietly been doing all along. The results I've seen since making this shift are nothing short of remarkable: patients who avoided tens of thousands of dollars in future treatment, a practice that became more rewarding than I ever imagined, and a level of trust with my patients that I didn't know was possible.Are you ready to find out what the 90% are missing?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