If you're a dental practice owner or aspiring to become one, you know how overwhelming and exhilarating it can be to navigate the path from startup to sustainable success. On a recent episode of the Dentalligentsia podcast, Kiera Dent, CEO of the Dental A Team, shared her inspiring journey and hard-won insights into the business of dentistry.
From dental assistant to industry-leading consultant, Kiera's story is rooted in real-world experience and a deep desire to help dentists build profitable, systematized practices without burning out. She highlights how her own experiences of overwork and near burnout shaped the holistic consulting approach she now brings to hundreds of practices across the country.
Key Takeaways from the Interview:
1. Know Your Numbers.
Kiera emphasizes that understanding your practice's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is foundational. She outlines essential KPIs every dentist should track:
Knowing these metrics enables smarter decision-making, reveals broken systems, and helps determine the right time to hire or scale.
2. Hire the Right Team Members.
In both startups and acquisitions, Kiera recommends hiring strong team members—especially an office manager with leadership and billing skills. She also underscores the importance of defining your practice culture and core values early to attract and retain talent aligned with your vision.
3. Build Sustainable Systems.
Consulting, Kiera explains, is about implementing systems that are simple, repeatable, and easy for team members to follow. Systems should be integrated into daily workflows, not reliant on memory. The goal: create a practice that runs well whether or not you’re physically in it.
4. Communication is Everything.
From team dynamics to patient treatment planning, effective communication is essential. Kiera suggests customizing communication styles to fit your team members and patients, utilizing tools like DISC profiles and feedback loops. Her favorite reminder: “Confidence sells treatment—not the treatment itself.”
5. Prepare for the Future.
Looking ahead, Kiera highlights two major trends shaping dentistry:
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DSOs: With private equity interest growing, many dentists receive daily buyout offers. Her advice? Don't make an emotional decision—understand your practice's true value first.
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AI Integration: From billing automation to diagnostic support, AI is rapidly entering dental offices. Dentists who embrace these technologies early will be ahead of the curve.
Kiera's passion for dentistry is contagious, and her practical insights are invaluable for any dentist looking to create a thriving, values-driven practice. Her story is a reminder that with the right support, systems, and mindset, success is not only possible—it's sustainable.
Want more? Listen to the full conversation or connect with Kiera at TheDentalATeam.com for a complimentary practice assessment. Whether you're just starting or scaling, our team can help guide you toward long-term success!