“What is needed more in dentistry is communication skills and leadership, but I find that most people want to listen about profit and money.” ~Dr. Paul Etchison
In this episode of the Productive Dentist Podcast, Dr. Bruce B. Baird sits down with the renowned Dr. Paul Etchison—host of the Dental Practice Heroes podcast and author of the book Dental Practice Hero. Together, they dive into a candid discussion about the challenges and rewards of modern dentistry, from mastering communication and leadership to dealing with difficult patients and navigating the rise of DSOs.
Dr. Etchison shares his journey of scaling back clinical work to focus on coaching and leadership, emphasizing the transformative power of constant improvement and empathetic patient care. He also reflects on his experience selling to a DSO and why he continues to stay involved in his practice by choice, not obligation.
Whether you’re looking for insights on profitability, conflict resolution, or the latest trends in technology and training, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and practical advice. Tune in to discover how these two leaders in dentistry are inspiring a new generation to see the profession as an exciting, fulfilling opportunity.
As you listen to this episode, we invite you to think about the following questions:
- How do I currently handle conflict and patient complaints in my practice, and what steps could I take to improve communication and resolution strategies?
- Am I leveraging my leadership skills and team to create a practice culture where stress is minimized, and ownership feels intentional rather than obligatory?
- What am I doing to stay curious and grow—whether through learning new technologies, refining business practices, or exploring personal interests that align with my professional goals?
Leadership & Communication in Dentistry (E.244)
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