In this insightful episode of "Innovation in Dentistry," host Shawn Zajas engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. William "BJ" Moorhead, an accomplished dentist, educator, and innovator. Dr. Moorhead's journey is marked by a unique blend of skills, ranging from dentistry to music, which have ultimately shaped his approach to the field.
Dr. Moorhead's musical background provided an unexpected but profound influence on his dental career. His dexterity as a musician translated seamlessly into his clinical work, showcasing an innate talent for working with his hands. This surprising synergy between artistry and clinical proficiency played a pivotal role in his journey as a dentist.
The conversation delves into Dr. Moorhead's early aspiration to become a dentist, a desire he harbored since middle school. His parents, both possessing a fastidious attention to detail, instilled in him a sense of precision and meticulousness, which became invaluable in his dental practice. However, it wasn't until later in his career that he realized the importance of interpersonal skills and the impact they have on the team dynamic within a dental practice.
Dr. Moorhead reflects on the challenging start to his practice, navigating a high-interest rate environment and the pitfalls of establishing a scratch practice. He credits his upbringing for instilling a strong work ethic but acknowledges the need to evolve beyond a self-centered approach to practice management. Learning to value and respect the contributions of his team members became a vital lesson for Dr. Moorhead, underscoring the significance of interpersonal skills in professional success.
The conversation shifts to Dr. Moorhead's innovative contribution to the dental field, a software-based system that emphasizes the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists. He shares how this system arose from a desire to streamline and improve the efficiency of his own practice. Dr. Moorhead emphasizes the flexibility of this approach, highlighting that dentists can adopt it with or without the accompanying software. He underscores the need for practitioners to find an incentive for their team members to embrace change, as resistance to new protocols is common.
As the discussion turns to the future of dentistry, Dr. Moorhead predicts a significant role for artificial intelligence (AI). However, he warns against becoming overly reliant on it, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. He encourages dentists, especially young practitioners, not to shy away from the dream of owning a private practice, as there will continue to be ample opportunities in the field.
In a poignant moment, Dr. Moorhead and Shawn Zajas touch on the transformative power of overcoming adversity. They highlight how tragedies and challenges, such as divorce, can be the catalyst for personal growth and positive change. Dr. Moorhead encourages viewers to find the silver lining in difficult situations and to approach life with a mature, positive mindset.
In conclusion, Shawn Zajas commends Dr. Moorhead for his fearless approach to innovation and for his unwavering dedication to improving dentistry. Dr. Moorhead expresses his gratitude for Shawn's inspiring work in the field. Their conversation leaves listeners with a powerful message of resilience, innovation, and the potential for positive transformation in dentistry and beyond.
Connect with Dr. Moorhead
IG: @ivsedationtraining
FB: William J Moorhead DMD, StreamDent, IV Sedation Training for Dentists
More about Dr. Moorhead: https://innovationindentistry.com/?post_type=innovator&p=2522