Articles

As the world mourns the recent passing of Henry Kissinger, a seasoned diplomat and strategic thinker, it’s worth revisiting some of his insights that could serve as an unexpected lesson for the most unexpected situations. Earlier this year, Kissinger made an intriguing statement regarding the Ukraine war, urging us to contemplate the potential repercussions of providing Ukraine with advanced Western arms and technology. His unique perspective raised the critical question: What if the country’s politics took an unexpected turn, posing a threat to Europe? It was a unique question from Kissinger no one was asking. This scenario, though hypothetical, underscores…

The more I hang around top performers and study some of the best minds in marketing, management and leadership, the more I discover the best leaders and most effective people in any field are exceptional storytellers.
Most doctors and dentists don’t give much thought to storytelling. This is a mistake and huge opportunity when you get better at sharing compelling stories that move people in the right direction. In the realm of dentistry and orthodontics, every interaction with patients, colleagues, or potential clients presents an opportunity to convey a compelling narrative. The power of storytelling lies not only in sharing what…

The iconic struggle between Charlie Brown and Lucy in the Peanuts gang mirrors the challenges many of us face in achieving our goals. Every new year, we set ambitious resolutions, only to find ourselves tripped up by our own habits and routines, much like Lucy pulling away the football just as Charlie is about to kick it to the moon. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to break free from the Lucy Effect and achieve peak performance in 2023, drawing insights from our online training, “Peak Performance for Healthcare Providers.” Key Concepts from Peak Performance:   Mindful Productivity with…

I hope this update finds you well and ready for a nice Thanksgiving holiday in the US. Today, I want to draw your attention to the remarkable achievements of Coach Bob Hurley, a true icon in the world of high school basketball coaching. At 65, Coach Hurley boasted a stellar record of over 1,000 wins and 25 state championships, making him a living legend in the game. In 2010, he was honored with induction into the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the sport. However, what sets Coach Hurley apart is not…

Colorado’s record is 4-5 overall and their conference record is even worse but that hasn’t stopped their coach, Deion Sanders, from hosting a masterclass in confidence. The Wall Street Journal article by Callum Borchers is worth a read. Here are the notes I jotted down after reading it: A belief that you’re capable of greatness through hard work. Set high expectations to the point where people say “you’re crazy.” Many leaders struggle with employees’ loss of ambition. Sanders is a benevolent alpha, a leader who earns subordinates’ trust by showing he cares while holding them to his own high standard.…

In the wake of the recent bankruptcy filing by SmileDirectClub for voluntary protection under Chapter 11, a dialogue has opened up in the industry about the efficacy of using online aligner companies. Practitioners agree that the company proved one critical theory to be true – patients appreciate and will embrace avoiding office visits for aligner treatments. They prefer remote care that doesn’t complicate their daily lives. In Hand Dental absolutely believes in the value of teledentistry – but we are also strong advocates about the need for all dental patients, especially those who’ve invested in clear aligners – to regularly…

Align Technology, the company behind the innovative Invisalign system, has recently faced some challenges that have sent its shares tumbling. In a disappointing turn of events, the company fell short on quarterly earnings and subsequently had to revise its guidance due to a noticeable slowdown in demand. For the third quarter, Align reported adjusted earnings of $2.14 per share, falling short of Wall Street estimates of $2.26. Net revenue for the same period also missed expectations, coming in at $960.2 million instead of the anticipated $994.5 million. President and CEO Joe Hogan attributed these struggles to deteriorating trends in the…

In the world of healthcare, we often find ourselves facing a paradox. We’re trained to treat patients scientifically, to approach our work methodically, and to follow established protocols. But what if we were to reframe our perspective and view each patient as a unique form, a canvas waiting for our creative input, much like an artist confronts a blank canvas? This shift in mindset, inspired by the wisdom of Martin Buber, brings forth an artful approach to orthodontics, where we serve others properly by engaging the soul, embracing sacrifice, and confronting the risk of true transformation. The Eternal Origin of…

Across the board, dental and orthodontic practices were flat to down in new patients and production last month. I host a monthly coaching call for our members and the most common question is, “How do I get more new patients?” It’s a common place for most doctors to start when practice productivity has stalled. While I don’t disagree that new patients are a significant factor in the growth of any elective healthcare practice, a far more productive question to ask is “What are we doing with the patients we already have?” How are we fulfilling the promises we make in…

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted various industries, and the dental profession was no exception. Over half a million dental healthcare workers faced layoffs, furloughs, or reduced hours, causing a ripple effect across the industry. As the sector recuperates, attention to job security and understanding its association with corporate culture is crucial for professionals and stakeholders. Drawing on insights from a study by Donald Sull and Charles Sull, which analyzed 1.4 million employee reviews on Glassdoor, we can derive valuable lessons on building a resilient and secure work environment in the dental field. The Dental Industry and the Long Tail Effect…

Unlock Your Potential & Grow Your Legacy