So, You're a Dentist

The Truth is You May Not Have Earned the Right to be Successful, Inspired by Bob Grinde

by Tyson Steele

I'm going to write something now that I've been wanting to write for a long, long time. I'm going to give you the truth in massive doses today -- no sugar coating, no topicals, no holds barred. I'm going to lose the fluff and discuss the truth about 9 out of 10 so-called dentists.

But, first, I need to give you this disclaimer: if you can truly say that you're one of the "ten-percenters" who always gives 100% to your craft, then you need read no more. This message is directed at the ninety percent of dentists who've found such a gold mine in dentistry that they have coasted for years, making a so-called living without even trying.

So, you call yourself a dentist. But, are you really? I think you need to prove it, brother. And there's only one real test to go by . . . it's what you've produced.

And I'm not talking about money. I'm talking about relationships -- with your patients, your staff and your family. Because, as any real dentist will tell you, when you have phenomenal relationships you will have money. You'll have so much money, you won't even know what to do with it. But it all starts with you.

So, you say you're struggling financially. You're stressed. Your practice isn't satisfying you. "Why, why, why?" you ask. Well, the answer is simple.

The truth is that you haven't earned the right to be satisfied, you haven't earned the right to be stress-free, you haven't earned the right to be well off financially. And I know it's hard to admit, but that's the flat out truth, brother.

It's like the picture of the hobo holding a cardboard sign that says, "I'd give a thousand dollars to be one of them millionaires." The truth is that you're putting in a thousand dollars worth of effort and expecting million dollar results.

So, you're a dentist? Then sister, I want proof. When is that last time you made a call to a patient in the evening just to see how they're doing? When is the last time you took your team members to lunch and just said, "thanks?" When is the last time you sent your wife flowers just for fun?

"I don't have time for that stuff," you say. But, brother, let me tell you that time is not the issue. You don't lack time, you lack desire. You need a fire in your belly -- a recommitment to your purpose.

So, you're a dentist? Then, sister, where's the proof? When was the last time you provided extensive treatment to a needy patient for free, without wondering how you'll benefit? And I'm not talking about study clubs and charity drives. I'm talking about the stuff no one knows about.

When was the last time you gave your staff members a bonus or gift just for going the extra mile, without bringing it up later? When was the last time you bought something for your family without worrying about how you're going to pay for it?

"I can't afford that stuff," you say. But, brother, let me tell you that affording it is not the issue. The issue is whether you're willing to pay the price to be successful financially. You don't lack funds, you lack desire. You need a fire in your belly -- a recommitment to your purpose.

So, you're a dentist? Then give yourself some proof, sister. When was the last time you thoroughly examined yourself? When was the last time you really evaluated the level of effort you're putting into your life -- your patients, your staff, your family? It's time to x-ray your soul. You're only going to get out what you put in, and a thousand dollars of effort is never going to get a million dollar result.

You're in the greatest profession in the world. You own your own business. You help people every day. You can make more money and have more days off than most people will ever dream about. You've paid your dues to get this far. But now it's time to pay for the rest of your way.

You don't lack insight, you lack desire. You need a fire in your belly -- a recommitment to your purpose.

The truth is hard to swallow. But it's the medicine of healing. Quick fixes, luck and miracle pills will always fail you. But the truth will set you free.

So, light that fire right now, brother! Recommit to your purpose. Know that when you earn success, it will come.

And, remember, the next time someone calls you a dentist, you'll know you've earned it!