Cultivate the ability to receive support: In order to grow as a leader, it’s important to let go and allow support from others. This involves trusting your team, delegating tasks, and understanding that humans are not designed to do everything alone.

Clarify your standards and values: As a leader, it is crucial to define and take a stand on your philosophy of care, standard of practice, and core values. This clarity helps create a unified culture within your team and sets the direction for your business.

Invest in financial literacy: Take the time to improve your financial knowledge and understanding. Consider taking finance and accounting classes, learning about your practice’s financials, and working with professionals to ensure you have a clear understanding of your bottom line and can make informed financial decisions.

Adapt to changes in the dental industry: Recognize that dentistry is going through a consolidation curve, and staying informed about industry trends and shifts is essential. Explore opportunities to improve profitability, such as moving away from PPO plans when appropriate, and consider embracing emerging areas like functional medicine and holistic dental practices.

Embrace innovation and take calculated risks: Overcome fear and be open to trying new things and taking risks. Understand that failure in the business sense is a valuable learning experience and can lead to discovering what works best for your practice. Embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and seek out resources, workshops, and educational opportunities to enhance your skills as a practice owner.