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Tip of the Spear: Are You Spending Your Energy Dollars Wisely? by Dr. Frank Spear

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Tip of the Spear: Are You Spending Your Energy Dollars Wisely?

by Dr. Frank Spear
As dentists, we often push through days that leave us physically tired. But we rarely acknowledge another, less visible cost: emotional energy. Managing that unseen currency is one of the most important skills you can develop to thrive in practice and lead at a higher level.


Building my practice took time and energy
After graduating from dental school and completing a perio/prostho residency program, I was eager to open a practice where I could use my newfound skills. However, with high interest rates, a recent divorce and student loans, my own practice wasn’t in the cards yet.

For years, I worked from Tuesday to Thursday as an associate for my family dentist, treating the patients he preferred to avoid—six-year-olds, third-molar extractions and essentially everything I had gone through the perio/prostho program to escape. On Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, I drove 75 minutes each way to rent space from periodontists who sent me restorative cases other dentists avoided. I also did lab work at home.

I had no life!

Fortunately, my personal practice expanded as patients learned about me and local dentists recognized my passion for aesthetics. By 1985, I mentored study clubs five evenings each month.


New opportunity … familiar dread
That same year, my senior dentist decided to retire. Dr. John Kois—who had been one year behind me in residency— and I had always talked about practicing together. So, we bought the building, owning 50% each, and John purchased the senior dentist’s practice. Essentially, we had two practices under one roof.

We did so well and were so busy that we expanded the office and brought in associates. I thought life couldn’t get any better… but those feelings of misery returned. Going into the office felt like entering a jail cell: Some days stretched up to 11 hours, and I couldn’t leave until the last patient was finished.

One night, I watched a TV interview with Caroline Myss, who wrote the book “Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can.” In the book, Myss explains the concept of “energy dollars” and believes that people who regularly deplete their stash are at risk of illness.


The $100 you get every morning
Myss explained that each morning, you’re given $100 worth of energy, and throughout the day, you decide how to spend it. Some days, you exhaust it all before noon. Other days, you make investments that replenish your energy, leaving you feeling stronger.

This forced me to rethink everything. In 1995, I left my practice, built a new one, and created an environment designed to feed my energy instead of draining it. For the first time, when I checked my schedule at night, I looked forward to the day ahead.


Three keys to replenishing energy
Over the years, I found that emotional energy in dentistry comes down to three main areas:

Procedures you love. The more time you spend doing dentistry that you genuinely enjoy, the more energized you feel. Maybe it’s restorative work, maybe it’s complex cases, but whatever it is for you, make it a priority. You can’t eliminate every less-favorite procedure, but you can focus on the work that fuels you.

Patients you enjoy. Some patients leave us smiling after an appointment … while others leave us feeling drained. Whenever possible, curate your patient base to surround yourself with individuals who respect your time and trust your expertise. It’s OK—sometimes necessary—to suggest that other dentists may better serve certain patients.

A team that uplifts you. The emotional tone of your practice is greatly influenced by the people you work with daily. Choose skilled team members who bring positive energy, collaboration and a growth mindset. A team united by a shared commitment to excellence will repay your investment exponentially.

When you focus on procedures, patients and people who energize you, your $100 stretches further—and often grows.


Small changes, big results
You might be thinking, “That sounds great, but I can’t overhaul my practice overnight.” And you’re right. However, you don’t have to! Even small, intentional changes can significantly improve daily life.

For instance, I reorganized my days to do more of the procedures I loved in the morning, when my energy was at its peak. Later, I made more significant changes, like restructuring my entire practice. No matter where you are today, start from where you can. Growth occurs one intentional step at a time.


Invest in your future self
At Spear Education, we believe great dentistry is built on a foundation of continuous learning, leadership and personal fulfillment. Protecting your emotional energy is a vital aspect of that journey.

Spend your energy dollars wisely. Invest in work, people and an environment that fuel your best self—as a clinician, leader and lifelong learner. The return on that investment will be felt in your practice, your relationships and your own sense of purpose, every single day.

Author Bio
Dr. Frank Spear Dr. Frank Spear is co-founder and director of Spear Education, one of the world’s leading providers of clinical and practice management education for dental professionals. A recognized expert in aesthetic and restorative dentistry, Spear has taught thousands of dentists how to elevate clinical excellence, strengthen leadership skills and grow more successful practices.
Learn more at speareducation.com

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September 2025
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