Welcome to ‘Mastering Entrepreneurship in Dentistry’, a dynamic series designed to empower dental professionals not just to excel in their clinical skills but to thrive as entrepreneurs. In today’s ever-evolving landscape, where healthcare is as much about service as it is about business, this series offers a blueprint for dentists looking to take their careers to the next level.
I’m Dr. Jana Denzel, and I’m excited to share insights from my journey, one that reflects the intersection of dentistry and entrepreneurship. From my early days as a dentist in the NHS to building a global brand, I’ve learned that the key to success lies in blending excellent patient care with smart business strategies.
About Me: A Journey Beyond the Dental Chair
After graduating from the University of Valencia in Spain in 2019, I moved to the UK and began my career in the NHS. It was here that I developed a deep understanding of patient care. But as my skills grew, I quickly realised that in a competitive field like dentistry, it takes more than just clinical expertise to stand out.
This insight drove me to explore the world of personal branding—a step that changed the trajectory of my career. Building a brand around my values and vision became the cornerstone of my success, enabling me to connect with patients, professionals, and partners globally.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but it also presented an opportunity. I leveraged this time to network with global dental leaders, launching a digital marketing agency that supports clinics, dental training organisations, and fellow professionals across the UK.
Through this blend of clinical practice and entrepreneurial ventures, I received several accolades, including being named Best Young Dentist London at the Dentistry Awards in 2021. Since then, my career has seen tremendous growth, with features in Vogue and Grazia, and working with high-profile clients on Harley Street.
Now, with Denstudio, I’ve created a space for personalised, high-end dental care. I’m also proud to serve as a global ambassador for Slow Dentistry, promoting a more thoughtful and patient-centric approach to dental care.
The Intersection of Dentistry and Entrepreneurship
As dentists, we are trained to perform procedures, diagnose conditions, and offer the best care to our patients. But the reality of the profession goes beyond the clinical realm. In fact, many of us face challenges like self-employment, managing a dental practice, and handling business operations that we simply aren’t taught in dental school.
This is where entrepreneurship in dentistry becomes crucial. In the UK, over half of all dentists are self-employed, making it more important than ever to understand the business side of our profession.
Selling vs. Service: Changing the Mindset
One of the biggest misconceptions in healthcare is that offering additional services or recommending treatments can feel like “selling”. The truth is, when done correctly, it’s not about selling at all. It’s about serving your patients better.
In dentistry, the word ‘selling’ can be uncomfortable. It conjures up images of pushing treatments that patients don’t need. But when approached correctly, it’s more about offering value—something that improves the patient’s overall well-being and experience.
Here’s an example. When I visited my barber recently, he suggested a deep conditioning treatment for my dry hair and recommended products to take home. Did I feel like I was being sold to? Absolutely not! I felt informed and appreciated. As a client, I trusted his expertise, and his recommendations made sense to me.
This same approach can be applied in dentistry. If a patient comes in for a routine cleaning and I notice that their teeth are stained, suggesting a whitening treatment doesn’t feel like a sales pitch—it’s an opportunity to enhance their smile and improve their overall dental health. After all, a clean smile is a bright smile, and this is the best time to offer whitening services.
Key Takeaways for Dentists:
- Focus on providing value to your patients.
- Offer additional services that enhance their well-being.
- Prioritise the patient’s needs over any financial goals.
How to Improve Patient Outcomes Through Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Entrepreneurship in dentistry isn’t just about managing a practice; it’s about improving patient care and outcomes. By looking at every patient interaction as an opportunity to add value, you’re not just enhancing your business—you’re improving patient outcomes. This creates a win-win situation.
So, ask yourself:
- How can I make this visit more valuable for the patient?
- What additional services can I recommend that will improve their experience?
- How can I improve patient outcomes, not just for today but in the long term?
This mindset allows you to build a sustainable practice that thrives through patient loyalty and referrals. When patients feel that they’re receiving more than just a treatment—that they’re receiving care—they’re more likely to return and recommend your services to others.
Mastering Entrepreneurship in Dentistry: A Roadmap for Success
The ‘Mastering Entrepreneurship in Dentistry’ series is not just a collection of articles; it’s a comprehensive guide for dental professionals at every stage of their career. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned clinician, or an established practice owner, the aim is to equip you with the tools you need to succeed both as a practitioner and an entrepreneur.
Each issue will cover essential topics such as:
- Building and managing a personal brand.
- Effective sales strategies that feel like service.
- How to negotiate with suppliers, partners, and patients.
- Managing your dental practice finances.
- Building resilience and navigating setbacks.
I’ll be sharing practical advice, insights from my own journey, and strategies that you can immediately apply to your practice.
Join Me on This Entrepreneurial Journey
The future of dentistry isn’t just about clinical excellence—it’s about providing better service to patients and running a successful, sustainable business.
Mastering Entrepreneurship in Dentistry is your chance to explore the intersection of healthcare and business, and discover how you can build a thriving dental career. Join me every month as we explore actionable steps to enhance your practice, improve patient care, and build the dental career you’ve always dreamed of.
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