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The Art of Hospitality in the Dental Practice

The Art of Hospitality in the Dental Practice

By: Dr. Michael Sonick
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About this listen

What truly sets a dental practice apart isn’t just clinical skill—it’s the way patients feel the moment they walk through the door. Hosted by world-renowned periodontist, educator, and author Dr. Michael Sonick, this podcast explores the intersection of dentistry and hospitality. Through thought-provoking conversations, practical strategies, and inspiring stories, Dr. Sonick reveals how creating an exceptional patient experience can transform your practice, your team culture, and your bottom line. From mastering the details of first impressions, to fostering genuine connections with patients, to building a practice rooted in compassion and excellence—you’ll discover how to elevate dentistry from a service into an art form. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, team member, or practice owner, this show will challenge the way you think about patient care and give you the tools to create a practice that people can’t stop talking about. Because in the end, it’s not just about teeth. It’s about people—and the hospitality that makes them feel at home.Copyright 2025 Dr. Michael Sonick
Episodes
  • 03: The Hidden Reason Dentists Burn Out (It's Not What You Think)
    Aug 26 2025

    Are you a dentist feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and on the verge of burnout? You're not alone.

    In this episode, we uncover the surprising truth behind why so many dentists are leaving the profession. It's not about the long hours, the difficult patients, or the pressures of running a practice. It's something much deeper, and it's something you have the power to change.

    Join us as we explore the profound impact of human connection on your professional and personal well-being. Discover how the feeling of isolation might be the real culprit behind your burnout and learn practical strategies to build a supportive network that will not only reignite your passion for dentistry but also help your practice thrive.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    •The #1 hidden reason for dentist burnout (and it's not what you think).

    •Why a lonely practice can lead to an empty schedule.

    •The power of the "six degrees of separation" in your professional life.

    •Simple, actionable steps to build meaningful connections and combat isolation.

    •How fostering hospitality can transform your practice and your life.

    If you're ready to break free from the cycle of burnout and rediscover the joy in your work, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

    🔗 Links and Resources:

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

    Learn 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

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    10 mins
  • 02: The Selfish Secret to Dental Practice Success
    Aug 21 2025

    What if I told you that the secret to transforming your practice and your life could be summed up in two words that sound almost too simple to work? Forty years ago, I sat in a seminar and heard something that changed everything for me – not a complex system or revolutionary technique, but the most profound practice management secret of all. And here's the twist that took me decades to fully understand: the most selfish thing you can do is actually be of service to others.

    My Experience with Kindness

    Let me paint you a picture. I walked into my practice one day thinking it was just another ordinary day, only to discover my entire team had orchestrated a surprise 70th birthday party that brought me to tears. Or take the time I was on vacation in Patagonia when a desperate patient called, and my decision to help them from the other side of the world created a moment of gratitude that transformed both our lives. These aren't just feel-good stories I'm sharing – they're the inevitable results of a philosophy that challenged everything I thought I knew about success.

    Lasting Change and Human Connection

    In this episode, I'll share why I believe resentment comes from expecting people to behave in ways they never agreed to, and how I discovered that the fastest way out of a bad mood isn't to focus on yourself – it's to find someone to help. In our profession where clinical expertise meets human connection, this approach doesn't just feel good; it becomes the foundation of a thriving practice where making people feel cared for naturally leads to business success.

    Your New Non-Negotiable Core Value

    Whether you're struggling with difficult patients, team dynamics, or just want to feel better about your daily interactions, I'm offering you a refreshingly simple yet radical approach that you can start implementing immediately. No special training required – just the decision to be nice and trust that the positive energy you put out will find its way back to you in ways you never imagined. After four decades in practice, this is the one thing I wish I could tell every practitioner starting out.

    🔗 Links and Resources:

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

    Learn 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!

    TPNP Course Midroll

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • 01: The Secret Michelin Recipe Behind Exceptional Dental Care
    Aug 19 2025

    What if the secret to building a million-dollar service business wasn't hidden in some complex MBA textbook, but sitting right there in your local restaurant guide?

    In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into a revolutionary business philosophy that's transforming industries from healthcare to consulting: the Zagat Method. Originally designed to rate restaurants on three simple criteria - Food, Decor, and Service - this framework reveals why 90% of service businesses are leaving money on the table by obsessing over their "product" while completely ignoring the customer experience.

    Here's the shocking truth: Your customers aren't just buying your service - they're buying how you make them FEEL about buying your service. And most businesses are failing spectacularly at this.

    What You'll Discover:

    ✅ The "Dental School Paradox" - Why professional training programs teach you everything except how to actually run a profitable business, and how this applies to lawyers, consultants, coaches, and virtually every service provider

    ✅ The "First Impression Multiplier" - How the first 30 seconds of customer contact can determine whether someone becomes a $50 client or a $5,000 client (and why most businesses blow this opportunity)

    ✅ The "Hospitality Hack" - The simple mindset shift that transforms price-sensitive customers into premium clients who happily pay more and refer their friends

    ✅ The "Three Touchpoint Strategy" - How to audit your business like a mystery restaurant critic and identify the hidden friction points that are costing you thousands in lost revenue

    The Real-World Impact:

    This isn't just theory. We'll explore how one dental practice used these principles to attract patients who were "happy to pay for exceptional care" and built a referral engine that eliminated their need for traditional marketing. But here's what makes this episode truly valuable - these same principles work whether you're running a law firm, consulting practice, coaching business, or any service where trust and relationships matter.

    Why This Matters Now:

    In an age where AI and automation are commoditizing technical skills, the businesses that thrive will be those that master the human elements - the "decor" and "service" that no algorithm can replicate. This episode gives you a practical framework for becoming irreplaceable in your market.

    The Bottom Line:

    If you've ever wondered why some businesses charge premium prices while others compete on cost, why some professionals have waiting lists while others struggle to find clients, or why some companies grow through referrals while others burn through marketing budgets - this episode has your answers.

    Tune in to discover how a simple restaurant rating system can become your blueprint for building a business that customers love, competitors can't copy, and that pays you what you're actually worth.

    🔗 Links and Resources:

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Transform your practice with Dr. Michael Sonick's "Treating People Not Patients" course

    Learn 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!

    TPNP Course Midroll

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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