The Art of Hospitality in the Dental Practice

For years, I watched it happen. A patient would agree to a complex treatment plan, excited to finally restore their health. Then, my front desk would hand them the printout—a long, confusing, itemized list of codes and fees. I’d see the light in their eyes dim. Their shoulders would slump. That single piece of paper, meant to create clarity, was actually the biggest barrier to them getting the care they desperately needed. I knew something was fundamentally broken.The Hidden Case-Acceptance KillerWe're taught to be transparent, but what if our version of "transparency" is the problem? The traditional, itemized fee schedule does more harm than good. It:• Creates Instant Overwhelm: Patients see a dozen different line items and immediately shut down, unable to process the information.• Triggers "Sticker Shock": Instead of seeing a single, manageable investment in their health, they see a mountain of costs to scrutinize and fear.• Destroys Trust: It shifts the conversation from health outcomes to a transactional negotiation, causing them to question every single item on the list.• Invites Procrastination: A confused mind always says no. The complexity gives them an excuse to "think about it," and many never return.The Counterintuitive Discovery That Changed EverythingI became obsessed with this problem. I realized the issue wasn’t the total cost of the treatment; it was the way we were communicating it. After countless failed experiments, I stumbled upon a shockingly simple shift in perspective—a method that allowed me to present the entire investment in a single, clear number. It wasn't about discounting the fee; it was about reframing the value. What if you could get paid in full, for the entire case, before treatment even began? It sounds impossible, but it’s the reality in my practice today.The Transformation: From "Maybe" to "YES!"By throwing out the old, itemized list and embracing this new approach, the results were immediate and staggering. In my practice, we now consistently:• Get Paid 100% Upfront: We eliminate all financial discussions and insurance headaches before we even start the clinical work.• See Case Acceptance Rates Soar: Patients are no longer intimidated by the cost and can enthusiastically commit to their health.• Build Unbreakable Trust: The focus returns to the patient's well-being, creating a powerful partnership instead of a transaction.• Stop the "Downward Spiral of Care": Patients finally have a clear, simple path to getting healthy.In this episode, I walk you through the simple psychological framework behind this method and reveal the one-page document that replaced our confusing fee schedules forever. Are you ready to stop selling procedures and start providing solutions?Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

For over 40 years, I thought chronic pain was just a part of the job. I started my career in my 20s, and almost immediately, the neck and back pain began. Like so many of my colleagues—nearly 80% of us, in fact—I accepted that the intense physical demands of dentistry meant a lifetime of suffering. I was burning out, and I saw no way out. Then, eight years ago, everything changed. I have been completely pain-free ever since.The Discovery That Changed EverythingWhat if I told you the solution to our profession's chronic pain crisis has almost nothing to do with traditional ergonomics or what you learned in dental school? What if the answer was hidden in a simple mindset shift—viewing ourselves not just as clinicians, but as professional athletes? I stumbled upon a counterintuitive approach to my health that completely reversed four decades of damage. It was something so fundamental, yet almost universally overlooked by healthcare professionals who are dedicated to caring for others but neglect their most important instrument: their own body.The Transformation: What You Will LearnIn this episode, I don’t just share my story; I reveal the path to a career free from the physical pain that plagues our industry. You will discover:• How to break the cycle of chronic pain that affects 8 out of 10 dentists, even if you've been suffering for decades.• The single most important asset you must protect to ensure your career's longevity and success (and it's not your hands).• Why the conventional advice for managing physical stress in dentistry is failing us, and the one change that makes all the difference.• The specific, transformative results you can achieve—not in years, but in a remarkably short time—without expensive equipment or radical changes to your practice.I spent 40 years looking for this answer. You can get it in under 30 minutes. If you are a dentist, hygienist, or any healthcare professional who is tired of accepting pain as a prerequisite for your career, this episode is a must-listen. It’s time to stop just surviving and start thriving.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I have to be honest. Early in my career, there were times I didn’t tell my patients the whole truth. Not because I wanted to mislead them, but because I was afraid. Afraid of rejection and afraid they’d say “no” to a treatment plan I’d spent hours preparing. I’ve since learned that this fear, which almost every dentist experiences, is what quietly corrodes the foundation of our practices: patient trust. We think we’re protecting the relationship by softening the truth, but we’re actually introducing a poison that makes patients question everything we say.The Vicious Cycle of Withholding InformationIt’s a vicious cycle. We see a complex case and, fearing the patient will be overwhelmed, we present only one or two options—the ones we think are “best.” But what happens when they discover other possibilities existed? The trust is broken. They feel managed, not cared for. This leads to a practice built on a shaky foundation, where you constantly feel the need to “sell” treatments rather than co-create health. The conventional wisdom of simplifying options is failing our patients. But what if the solution wasn’t more complex, but radically simpler?The One Shift That Changes EverythingAfter decades of practice and some uncomfortable lessons, I discovered something profound. The key to unlocking unshakable patient trust and skyrocketing case acceptance wasn’t a new technology, a sales script, or a complex communication framework. It was a single, fundamental shift in my approach—something so simple, it’s hiding in plain sight. This discovery transformed my practice from one based on fear and ambiguity to one built on partnership and respect. It led to patients who were not just compliant but empowered; not just accepting of treatment, but demanding the best possible care because they finally understood what was at stake.In this episode, we’re going to explore:• The single biggest communication mistake that forces patients to distrust you.• Why telling the “hard truth” is actually the safest and most profitable thing you can do.• The simple mental flip that allows you to present complex, expensive treatment plans with total confidence and zero fear of rejection.What is this one thing that I was so afraid to do, that once I started doing it, changed my entire practice and my relationship with my patients? The answer is waiting for you in this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

For years, I accepted a difficult truth in my dental practice: no matter how advanced my surgical techniques became, the fear of pain was a constant barrier for my patients. We have incredible tools and anesthetics, yet that deep-seated anxiety remained. I thought I was doing everything right, focusing on managing pain as it occurred. But then I asked myself a question that changed everything: What if we’re approaching pain all wrong? What if the secret to a pain-free experience isn’t about reacting to pain, but preventing it from ever taking hold?A Discovery Hidden in Plain SightMy search for an answer didn’t lead me to a new piece of technology or a revolutionary drug. It led me to something far more surprising: a simple, eight-step protocol that most of us in the dental field completely overlook. These weren’t complex procedures; in fact, they were so straightforward I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been doing them my entire career. I realized that in our focus on the technical aspects of surgery, we often miss the simple human elements that make the biggest difference in the patient experience.The Transformation: From Fear to TrustThe results were nothing short of transformational. Almost overnight, my practice changed. The palpable anxiety in the waiting room disappeared. Post-operative calls were no longer about managing agony but about pleasant recoveries. By implementing this simple system, we achieved:• A near-total elimination of post-operative pain.• A dramatic reduction in the need for narcotic painkillers.• Patients who arrived calm for surgery and left in comfort.• A level of patient trust and satisfaction I had never thought possible.This isn’t a theory; it’s a proven, repeatable system that has redefined what my patients can expect from dental surgery. In this episode, I reveal the simple discovery that led to this transformation. It’s a protocol that any practice can implement immediately. The only question is, are you ready to find out what it is?Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

After 40 years in dentistry, I’ve seen countless practices struggle with the same invisible barrier. It’s not a lack of clinical skill or marketing dollars. It’s something far more corrosive, something that breeds inefficiency, drains your team’s energy, and causes your best people to quit. I’ve seen brilliant dentists burn out, not from the work itself, but from the constant, exhausting friction within their own teams. They try everything—new management software, team-building retreats, incentive programs—but nothing sticks. Why? Because they’re fixing the wrong problem.The Overlooked Key to Unlocking Your TeamWhat if I told you the solution wasn’t a complex new system, but a single, foundational shift in your perspective? It’s something so simple, so fundamental, that most leaders completely overlook it in their search for complex answers. I discovered it not in a business school textbook, but through decades of trial and error, observing what truly makes a team—and a practice—thrive. It’s a principle that goes against the grain of conventional management wisdom, which tells us to control, to monitor, and to systematize everything. This is the opposite.The Transformation You Can ExpectImplementing this one shift changed everything. The results weren't just incremental; they were transformational.• Imagine a team so empowered that they solve patient issues on the spot, without ever needing your approval.• Picture a practice where the background hum of stress is replaced by a quiet confidence, where your team operates with the autonomy and integrity of a true partner.• What would it mean for you to lead a team you could trust so completely that you could finally focus on the work you love, knowing the practice runs itself?This isn’t a fantasy. It’s the reality I’ve built, and it has been the single most powerful driver of my practice’s success and my own personal fulfillment. In this episode, I don’t just talk about this principle; I show you how it works and what it can do for you.Are You Ready for the Shift?Are you ready to discover the one thing you might be missing? The one shift that could unlock the full potential of your team and your practice? Join me in this episode as we explore the simple yet profound secret to building a team that not only works for you but thrives with you.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I've spent years helping dentists build thriving practices, and I've noticed something peculiar: the dentists who spend the most time explaining procedures to patients often see the lowest case acceptance rates. Meanwhile, their patients still report anxiety—sometimes even more anxiety than before. It's counterintuitive because we're taught that communication can solve problems. We're told that informed patients are calm patients. But what if that's only half the story?The truth is, most dental anxiety isn't rooted in a lack of information. It runs much deeper. And the conventional approach to managing it? It's actually making things worse.The Overlooked DiscoveryIn this episode, I walk you through something I discovered while studying how the cosmetics industry transforms patient perception and confidence. It's simple. It's elegant. And it's something almost every dentist overlooks—even though it's been hiding in plain sight the entire time.This isn't about techniques or scripts. It's not about new technology or expensive tools. It's about understanding one fundamental shift in how you frame the patient experience. Once you see it, you'll wonder how you ever missed it.The TransformationHere's what happens when dentists implement this approach: patients who were previously hesitant suddenly become eager to move forward with treatment. Case acceptance rates climb. Patient referrals increase. And most importantly, the anxiety that once filled your treatment rooms begins to dissolve—replaced by genuine hope and confidence.I've seen practices go from struggling with patient retention to having waiting lists. I've watched dentists reclaim their passion for the profession because they're no longer fighting patient fear every single day. The shift is real. The results are measurable. And the best part? It works immediately.What You'll DiscoverBy the end of this episode, you'll understand why your current approach to patient anxiety might be working against you—and what to do about it. You'll see exactly where the disconnect happens between what you're doing and what your patients actually need. Most importantly, you'll have a clear path forward.But I'm not going to give away the answer here. That's the whole point. You need to hear this, and you need to understand it. Because once you do, everything changes.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I spent years trying to control everything in my dental practice. Every decision, every patient interaction, every team member's move—I had my hands in all of it. I thought I was being thorough. I thought I was protecting my practice. What I didn't realize was that I was slowly suffocating my team and burning myself out in the process.The stress was unbearable. My team was anxious. Patient care was suffering. And the worst part? I couldn't figure out why delegating felt so terrifying. Most practice owners won't tell you this, but if you're constantly stressed about what your team is doing, there's something fundamentally broken in how you're leading—and it's not what you think.The Discovery That Changed EverythingThen something clicked. I discovered something so simple and so obvious that I'm almost embarrassed I missed it for so long. It's not a complicated system. It's not a new management technique. It's something that most leaders overlook entirely—something that sits right in front of us, but we're trained to ignore.My entire practice changed within 30 days of implementing this one shift in my thinking. My team went from anxious and reactive to calm and empowered. Patient satisfaction increased. My stress levels dropped dramatically. And here's the kicker—I actually started enjoying my business again.The TransformationI'm not going to tell you what this discovery is—not yet. But I will tell you the results:• My team's stress levels plummeted while their confidence and autonomy skyrocketed• Patient care improved measurably because my team was making better decisions faster• My practice became more efficient without me working harder (actually, I worked less)• I reclaimed my life and stopped being the bottleneck in my own business• My team members started acting like owners, not employeesThe transformation wasn't gradual. It happened fast. And it happened because I finally understood something fundamental about how teams actually work.Why This Matters to YouIf you're running a dental practice and you're exhausted from trying to control everything, this episode is for you. If you've hired great people but still can't trust them to make decisions, this is for you. If you're wondering why delegating feels impossible, you need to hear this.This isn't about management tactics. This isn't about spreadsheets, systems, or new software. This is about understanding the one thing that separates leaders who build thriving practices from those who remain trapped in the daily grind.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

As a fellow dentist, I know the weight we carry. It’s more than just the clinical challenges or the complexities of running a practice. We absorb the anxieties of our patients, often doing so at the expense of our own well-being. For years, I felt that familiar, crushing pressure—the daily juggling act of work, family, and the relentless pursuit of perfection, all while feeling like I was running on empty. I tried the conventional advice—to compartmentalize, to delegate, or to push through it—but the feeling of being overwhelmed never truly went away. It was a silent battle I thought I had to fight alone.The Surprising Truth About Your StressBut what if I told you that the biggest source of our stress isn’t what we think it is? It’s not the difficult cases, the demanding patients, or the long hours. After years of searching for answers, I discovered that much of the stress that leads to burnout is something we unknowingly create ourselves. It’s a product of the negative thought patterns and “made-up” dangers we allow to run on a loop in our minds. This is why many stress management techniques fail us- they treat the symptoms but ignore the root cause. They don’t address the internal narrative that is quietly sabotaging our peace and our passion for the profession.A Counterintuitive Shift That Changes EverythingI stumbled upon a powerful, four-part framework that completely transformed my relationship with stress. It wasn’t some complex methodology or expensive program. It was a series of simple, daily practices that took only a few minutes but yielded profound results. It started with a simple gratitude exercise, but it was the combination of all four elements that unlocked a level of clarity and calm I hadn’t felt in years. This framework doesn’t just help you “manage” stress; it helps you to dismantle it at its source, allowing you to get out of your own head and back into your life.The Transformation AwaitsImagine waking up without that feeling of dread. Imagine ending your day with energy to spare for your family and yourself. Imagine rediscovering the joy and purpose that first drew you to become a dentist. This isn’t a far-off dream; it’s a tangible reality that is within your reach. In this episode, I won’t just share more theories about stress. I will walk you through the exact, actionable steps of this four-part framework, which has not only changed my life but the lives of many of my colleagues. Are you ready to stop fighting a losing battle with stress? Are you ready to finally find a solution that actually works?Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

For two decades, I watched my colleagues—brilliant, dedicated dentists and healthcare professionals—slowly destroy themselves in the name of patient care. They'd arrive at the office before dawn, skip lunch, work through pain, and collapse at home. Their mantra? "My patients come first." And I believed it too. I lived it.But here's what nobody talks about: this mindset doesn't make you a better provider. It makes you a broken one.WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET THE PRIORITY ORDER WRONGMost healthcare professionals operate under an unspoken hierarchy that goes something like this: patients first, your team second, your business third, and yourself... well, whenever there's time left over. Spoiler alert: there's never time left over. I spent 20 years operating this way, and it cost me more than I can measure—chronic pain, exhaustion, a practice that suffered despite my best efforts, and a life that felt like it was happening to someone else.The conventional wisdom says this is noble. Sacrifice yourself for others. That's what heroes do. But what if the conventional wisdom is dead wrong?THE TRANSFORMATION NOBODY EXPECTSWhat I discovered—almost by accident—changed everything. After implementing a specific framework that completely inverted my priorities, something remarkable happened. The pain that had defined my adult life vanished. My practice improved. My team became more engaged. My patients actually received better care. And I finally felt like I was living my own life instead of just surviving it.For the last 20 years, I've been pain-free. Not managing pain. Not coping with it. Completely free from it. And that's just the beginning of what shifted.WHY THIS CHANGES EVERYTHINGThe counterintuitive part? This isn't about working less or caring less. It's about understanding a principle that most healthcare providers never discover until it's too late—or never discover at all. It's the difference between being a martyr and being a gift. Between burning out and actually serving at your highest level.If you're a dentist, physician, or any healthcare professional who's been taught that self-sacrifice is the price of excellence, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about what it means to truly serve others.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

For the first five years of my career, I did everything "right." I worked harder than everyone around me. I put in 70-hour weeks. I learned every skill I could. I never asked for help. And I was convinced this was the path to success.I was wrong. And that mindset cost me years of growth I'll never get back.In this episode, I'm sharing the exact moment I realized my approach was fundamentally flawed—and the counterintuitive shift that changed everything. What happened next surprised even me.What You'll DiscoverThe Hidden Trap: Why the very thing you think is accelerating your career might actually be the biggest obstacle to your growth. I'll reveal the specific mistake I was making—and why 90% of ambitious professionals are making it too.The Turning Point: The exact moment I hit a wall at 70-hour weeks and realized something had to change. What I discovered wasn't a productivity hack or time management system—it was something far more powerful.The Transformation: How I went from overwhelmed and stuck to scaling faster than I ever thought possible. I'll share the specific results (without giving away the method) and why this approach works when everything else fails.The Blind Spots: What you don't know you don't know—and why these invisible gaps are costing you more than you realize. This is the part nobody talks about.Why This Episode Changes EverythingIf you're working harder than ever but not seeing the results you want, there's a reason. And it's not what you think.The people who scale fastest aren't the ones working the hardest or learning the most. They're doing something completely different—something that goes against everything we've been taught about success.I can't explain it in a description. You have to hear the full story to understand why this works—and why I didn't figure it out sooner.But I can promise you this: if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with your pace of growth, this episode will change how you think about your career forever.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

What if everything you've been taught about happiness is backwards?I've spent three decades building a thriving practice, leading teams, and working with thousands of patients. And somewhere along the way, I discovered something that completely changed how I see success, relationships, and fulfillment. Something so simple that most people walk right past it every single day.Here's what I know: You can have all the success in the world—the money, the recognition, the achievements—and still feel like something's missing. I've seen it in colleagues. I've felt it myself. We're told to chase harder, achieve more, optimize everything. But what if that's exactly the problem?What You'll DiscoverIn this episode, I'm revealing the counterintuitive shift that transformed not just my practice, but every relationship in my life. I'll share why the conventional approach to happiness keeps us stuck in an endless cycle, and what I discovered that breaks that cycle completely.You'll hear about the specific moment when everything clicked and the two daily practices that changed everything for me. But more importantly, you'll understand why this works when everything else fails—and why most people never figure it out.The Results Speak for ThemselvesWhen I implemented this shift across my entire organization, something remarkable happened. Case acceptance increased by 25%. Patient retention jumped 15%. But those numbers don't tell the full story.My team started telling me they actually looked forward to coming to work. Patients began requesting to work specifically with us. The entire culture transformed from obligation to opportunity. And the best part? It had nothing to do with better clinical skills, fancier technology, or working harder.The Question That Changes EverythingHere's what I want you to consider: What if the key to lasting happiness isn't something you need to acquire, achieve, or become? What if it's something else entirely—something you already have access to, but haven't learned to use?If you're tired of chasing a moving target and ready to discover what actually creates lasting joy, this episode will show you exactly what's been missing. But I'm warning you: once you see it, you will not be able to unsee it. And everything changes.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

For years, I dedicated myself to perfecting my clinical technique, believing it was the sole key to a thriving practice. Yet, I still found myself in frustrating conversations with patients, facing inconsistent case acceptance, and wondering what I was missing. I couldn’t put my finger on it… until I realized the biggest barrier to my success had nothing to do with my hands. It was all in my head.I was making assumptions, taking patient decisions personally, and unknowingly sabotaging my own success. The transformation began when I discovered four simple, yet profound, agreements that changed not just my practice, but my entire outlook on professional relationships. These aren’t complex business strategies; they are fundamental mindset shifts that any practitioner can adopt immediately.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:• The single biggest communication error that could be costing you patients (and how to fix it in your very next appointment).• Why a patient saying “no” to a treatment plan is almost never about you, and how understanding this can dramatically reduce your stress.• A simple mental framework to stop guessing what your patients are thinking and start having truly honest, productive conversations.• The four powerful “agreements” I made with myself that led to a surge in case acceptance and deeper, more trusting patient relationships.If you’ve ever felt that your technical skills aren’t translating into the practice success you deserve, this episode is your turning point. Stop chasing perfection in your technique and start transforming your mindset. Listen now to uncover the four rules that will reshape your practice from the inside out.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I see it every day: talented, dedicated dentists working harder than ever but feeling like they’re constantly one step behind. You fix one tooth, and another problem emerges. You put out one fire, and another one starts across the hall. It’s a frustrating cycle of reactive care, and it leaves you wondering if you’re truly making a difference. But what if the problem isn’t the fire, but the way the house was built? What if there’s a fundamental flaw in the model 75% of us were taught to follow?The One Question That Changes EverythingYears ago, I was stuck in that same reactive loop. Then, I started asking a different kind of question—one that completely transformed how I saw my role as a dentist. It led me to develop a new kind of blueprint, a framework that moves beyond just fixing what’s broken. In this episode, I’m not just going to tell you about this shift; I’m going to reveal the single most important question you can ask a new patient. The answer will change the way you practice forever.Stop Being a Tooth Mechanic. Start Being an Architect.Imagine knowing with absolute certainty that you can solve a patient’s problems for good. Imagine their relief when you tell them, “You’re in the right place,” because you have a system that proves it. This isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. It’s about trading the stress of the emergency for the predictability of a plan. If you’re ready to discover the framework that separates the firefighters from the architects of lifelong health, you can’t afford to miss this. What’s the secret? The answer is waiting for you inside this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I’ve spent my career dedicated to providing the best possible care for my patients, and I’ve discovered a startling truth that I feel compelled to share. A 2006 study revealed a statistic that should concern anyone who visits a dentist: a significant majority of my colleagues may be skipping a fundamental step in your care. This isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about a fundamental flaw in the way many of us are trained to think. We’re so focused on fixing problems that we often fail to see the bigger picture.The Shift from "Dictator" to "Guide"For too long, the traditional dental model has been one where the dentist acts as a "dictator," telling the patient what they need without fully explaining the "why." I believe this is a disservice to you. My philosophy is different. I see my role as a "dental guide," empowering you with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your own health. An educated patient is the best consumer, and it’s my mission to ensure you are fully informed.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:• The one simple, yet often overlooked, exam that can completely transform your dental experience.• Why a "knee-jerk" diagnosis could be leading you down a path of unnecessary or incomplete treatment.• How to shift the dynamic with your dentist to ensure you are a partner in your own care, not just a passive recipient.Join me in this episode as we explore how you can take control of your dental health and become a truly informed patient. It’s time to move beyond the drill and discover a new standard of care.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I've spent years watching talented dentists struggle with one fundamental problem: they're selling the wrong thing. They walk into patient consultations armed with treatment plans, procedure details, and clinical expertise—only to watch patients hesitate, delay, or disappear entirely. But here's what I've discovered through countless patient interactions and conversations with top practitioners...The real issue isn't your clinical skills. It's what you're actually selling.The Revson Revelation: What Cosmetics Taught Me About DentistryCharles Revson, the founder of Revlon, once said something that completely changed how I approach every patient conversation: "We don't sell cosmetics, we sell hope." When I first heard this, I realized something profound—dentistry isn't different. In fact, dentistry is more powerful than cosmetics because it touches three critical dimensions of a patient's life: aesthetics, health, and function.But here's the problem most dentists face: patients arrive in your chair carrying fear, anxiety, and often a story of past dental trauma. They're not thinking about the procedure. They're thinking about whether they're safe, whether you understand their concerns, and whether their future will actually be better.The Transformation Framework: From Fear to FutureIn this episode, I reveal the exact framework I use to transform patient anxiety into genuine hope. It's not about being a better salesperson. It's about understanding that your greatest gift isn't your technical expertise—it's the vision of a brighter future you create for your patients. When patients see themselves with a healthier smile, improved function, and restored confidence, they don't just accept treatment; they want it.What You'll Discover:• Why selling procedures actually repels patients (and what to sell instead)• The psychology behind why hope is your most powerful tool• How to guide patients toward their best future without manipulation• The exact language and approach that transforms hesitant patients into committed partners• Why this mindset shift will revolutionize your practice growthThis isn't theoretical. This is the practical, day-to-day approach that builds thriving dental practices where patients feel understood, valued, and genuinely excited about their treatment journey.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

As dentists, we are trained to be masters of our craft. But what if the greatest threat to our practice’s growth isn’t clinical, but clerical? I’ve spent years analyzing why some practices thrive while others struggle to keep their chairs full, and I’ve discovered a shocking truth: there is a single, overlooked moment in the patient journey that is quietly costing practices over $100,000 in lost revenue each year. It’s a blind spot for nearly every dentist I’ve spoken to, and it happens long before a patient ever meets you.The One Detail That Changes EverythingThis isn’t about your clinical skills, your marketing budget, or even your office location. It’s about a simple, everyday process that has become the number one reason patients are walking away without a second thought. The data is clear: a staggering number of potential patients are lost at this one critical juncture, and most practices have no idea it’s even happening.Discover the Hidden LeakIn this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on this silent revenue killer. I’ll reveal where this leak is, why it’s so damaging, and the surprisingly simple fix that can immediately impact your bottom line and patient flow. Join me to discover the one thing you can change today to ensure the best patients for your practice don’t just call—they show up.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

Here's something that took me years to figure out—and once I did, it completely transformed my dental practice. I used to wonder why some patients would say yes to treatment immediately while others, with the same diagnosis, would decline. Same X-rays. Same clinical presentation. Same treatment plan. Completely different response.For the longest time, I thought the answer was in how I explained the science. Maybe I wasn't clear enough about the bone loss. Perhaps I needed better visuals. Maybe I should cite more research. So I doubled down on the facts, the data, the clinical evidence. And my case acceptance rates stayed the same.Then I discovered something that dental school never taught me—something so powerful that it changed not just my practice numbers, but the entire way I connect with patients. And here's the surprising part: it has nothing to do with your clinical skills.The secret hiding in plain sightThere's a part of your patients' brains that you're probably not speaking to. And until you learn how to reach it, you'll keep wondering why perfectly logical, well-presented treatment plans get rejected. I call it the "lizard brain"—and once you understand how it works, everything changes.But here's what makes this fascinating: your patients aren't even aware this is happening. They think they're making rational decisions based on the information you give them. They're not. And the dentists who figure this out? They're the ones with thriving practices, loyal patients, and case acceptance rates that seem almost impossible.What you'll discover in this episodeThe communication mistake 90% of dentists makeThere's a fundamental gap between how we're trained to present information and how patients actually process it. I'll reveal why the most technically brilliant treatment presentations often fail—and what to do instead. This isn't about dumbing down your explanations. It's about speaking a completely different language.Why your credentials don't matter as much as you thinkI know this sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out. I've watched dentists with decades of experience lose patients to younger practitioners with half the expertise. What's the difference? It's not what you know. It's something far more primal. And once you understand this, you'll never approach a consultation the same way again.The one skill that increases case acceptance faster than anything: This is the untaught superpower I mentioned. It's not a new technology. It's not a sales technique. It's something humans have been doing for thousands of years—but somehow, we forgot to use it in healthcare. When I started implementing this in my dental consultations, I saw immediate results. And the best part? It's completely learnable.The neuroscience behind patient decisions (and how to use it ethically)Your patients have two brains competing for control every time you present a treatment plan. One is logical, analytical, and data-driven. The other is emotional, instinctive, and incredibly powerful. Guess which one wins? I'll show you exactly how to work with both—in a way that serves your patients' best interests while dramatically improving your outcomes.The question that changes everythingWhat if the reason your patients say no has nothing to do with cost, fear, or lack of understanding? What if they're waiting for something else entirely—something you're not giving them because no one ever taught you it mattered?In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the single most important realization of my career. It's the difference between being a good dentist and being a great communicator. Between having a practice and building something truly extraordinary. And it starts with a story.Why this matters right nowIf you've ever felt frustrated by low case...

What if the most powerful engine for practice growth has nothing to do with marketing,technology, or even clinical skill? In dental school, we’re trained to beexceptional clinicians, but we’re left to discover the secrets to building atruly thriving practice on our own. I’m here to tell you that the key tosustainable success—the kind that brings in ideal patients and builds abulletproof reputation—lies in a single, counterintuitive principle that mostof the industry overlooks.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:• The Unspoken Rule: Uncover the one core concept that separates struggling practicesfrom legacies of success. It’s something we all know, but few of us practicewith intention.• A Patient Story That Changed Everything: I’ll share a story about a patient named Hans—amoment that put me at a crossroads between a short-term gain and a long-termvision. The choice I made that day became the blueprint for my entire career.• The Flaw in Traditional Pricing: Learn why the conventional approach to billing may besilently eroding patient trust and how a simple shift in philosophy can changeeverything.• A Mentor’s Prophetic Advice: Hear the words of my great mentor, Dr. GeraldKramer, who predicted that practicing a certain way would cause the rightpatients to “line up down the block.” He was right.This episode isn’t about a new tactic; it’s about a fundamental shift inperspective. It’s for every practitioner who has ever felt that there must be amore fulfilling way to build a business. Join me as I reveal the most importantlesson of my career—the one that has brought back more than I have ever given.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

What if I told you that being "reasonable" is the biggest mistake you're making in your dental practice? After decades of perfecting my clinical skills, I discovered something that completely changed how I approach patient care—and it has nothing to do with technical dentistry.In this episode, I share a counterintuitive principle I learned from one of the world'smost successful restaurateurs that has transformed how I think about practicegrowth. This single concept explains why some practices have patients whobecome passionate advocates, while others struggle with retention despiteexcellent clinical outcomes. The difference isn't what you think.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeA Philosophy That Separates Ordinary Practices from Extraordinary Ones:• The surprising reason why "reasonable" service keeps you stuck in mediocrity• A simple story about a hot dog that reveals the secret to creating unforgettable patientexperiences• Why the thing you think matters most to patients actually matters least• The hidden cost of small denials that's quietly destroying your practice growthThe MissingIngredient in Most Dental Practices:• What invisible blockages are preventing patient loyalty in your practice right now• The counterintuitive principle of giving that actually benefits you more thananyone else• Why your technical excellence might be working against you• Who else in your practice ecosystem deserves this approach (hint: it's not justpatients)A Framework for Transformation:• How to spot daily opportunities that most dentists completely miss• The mindset shift that turns transactions into relationships• What it means to become "the gift" instead of just a service provider• A measurement strategy that reveals what really drives practice successWhy This Episode MattersI'm going to challenge everything you think you know about patient satisfaction andpractice growth. If you've been wondering why your excellent clinical skillsaren't translating into the kind of patient loyalty and referrals you expected,this episode will answer that question. But more importantly, it will show youexactly what to do about it.You'll hear real examples of how tiny acts of stinginess cost practices thousands ofdollars, and how seemingly "unreasonable" gestures create loyaltythat lasts for years. This isn't theory—it's a proven approach that's workingin my practice and can work in yours.Fair warning: This episode might make you uncomfortable. It certainly made mequestion some of my own practices. But if you're ready to break free fromaverage and build something truly extraordinary, you need to hear this.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients

I spent years confusing motion with progress. My calendar was packed, my to-do list wasendless, and I felt like I was crushing it every single day. But when I lookedback at the end of each quarter, I realized something unsettling: I hadn'tactually moved closer to what mattered most. I was caught in what I call the"too busy trap"—and there's a good chance you are too. In thisepisode, I reveal the uncomfortable truth about why being busy is killing yourdreams, and I share the exact moment everything changed for me.The Alice in Wonderland Secret Nobody Talks AboutThere's a conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat that completely transformed how I think about goals. It's a simple exchange, but it reveals why most peoplewander through life without ever reaching their destination. I'll break downthis powerful lesson and show you how it applies to your quarterly planning,your daily decisions, and whether you'll actually achieve what you say you wantthis year. Spoiler: if you don't know where you're going, you're already lost.My 30-Year Accountability Experiment (And What It Taught Me)For three decades, I've had the same workout partner. Same person. Thirty years. And thisrelationship has taught me more about achievement than any book, course, ormotivational speech ever could. In this episode, I share the accountabilityframework that's kept me consistent for three decades, and I reveal the one principlemy father taught me that changed everything: "Your life will work to theextent to which you keep your commitments." I'll show you exactly how toapply this to your goals—starting today.What You'll Discover in This Episode:• The quarterly "rocks" system that replaced my failed New Year'sresolutions (and why five is the magic number)• Why writing down goals isn't enough—and the one step most people skip that makesall the difference• The Tony Robbins principle I use to turn invisible dreams into visible reality• How to escape the busy trap and start being intentional instead of just reactive• The accountability strategy that transforms private wishes into public promisesStop being busy. Start being intentional. Your future self will thank you.Mentioned in this episode:Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" courseLearn the hospitality secrets that create patient loyalty, drive referrals, and build thriving practices. Get 9 video modules, bonus content, and 6 CE credits for each member of your team!Click here to learn more about Treating People Not Patients