COMMENTARY

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COMMENTARY

Favorite Person of the Month – April 2026

One of my dentist friends was retiring and my wife and I went to his retirement party.  He had enjoyed a magnificent career, achieved success at every facet of the profession, done great financially, touched numerous lives in a meaningful and lasting manner and treated his staff and support team with respect and dignity throughout his career.  All those who were gathered at his retirement party were sad to see him go.

Different people got up and spoke about their memories and interactions with him over the years and the common thread or denominator of what everyone was saying was the fact that he had spent his career doing what was in the best interest of his patients.  It was so refreshing and nice to see someone achieve incredible success and respect from everyone based solely on the simple mantra of doing what was in the best interest of the patient.

Unfortunately, so many practices and individuals have production or financial goals on a daily, weekly or monthly basis which put the priorities of the owner or practice above the needs, priorities and budget of the patients.  It’s terrible that so many practitioners start off their careers with such huge financial debt.  It’s sad that practitioners are indirectly coaxed into producing a certain amount in order to meet their educational debt burden, practice overhead and living expenses.  

What made my friend special was his understanding of the fact that the needs of his patients supersede all those other external and financial pressures.  The continued growth of his practice because he was trusted, the longevity of his staff because he cared about them, the love and respect of those who frequented his practice and his good name and reputation in town all are more important and have a more lasting legacy than making daily, weekly or monthly production goals.  

My friend understood that the financial numbers always work out magnificently on their own if you simply did what is in the best interest of the patient.  He didn’t focus on the end of the month numbers and simply did his best for whoever was sitting in his chair each and every day.  He gave them what they wanted and needed and wasn’t into upselling or tacking on frivolous fees to boost his numbers.  I wish him a long and healthy retirement.