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Honest conversations with the people shaping the future of dentistry. From practice owners to industry disruptors, we dive into real stories, smart strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t hear anywhere else. No fluff—just the ideas and experiences that move dental practices forward.

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You are not supposed to do just surgery!

Dr. Thomas Graf shares his journey from being a general dentist to specializing in surgery and owning his own practice. He discusses the challenges and growth he experienced as an entrepreneur and the importance of restructuring his business. Dr. Graf also talks about building a strong team and the roles and responsibilities within his practice. He emphasizes the need for clear vision and finding associates who are driven by the right reasons.

He shares his insights on finding associates and the importance of keeping them busy and fulfilled in their roles. In this conversation, Thomas Graf and Tiger Safarov discuss the challenges and opportunities of private practice ownership in the dental industry. They emphasize the importance of finding the right associates and creating a supportive and empowering environment.

They also highlight the need for private practice owners to think like entrepreneurs and run their practices as businesses. Thomas shares his experience of restructuring his practice’s operations and the lessons he learned along the way. They both express their love for dentistry and the satisfaction that comes from being an entrepreneur.

More information: https://www.graf.dental/meet-dr-graf

09/03/2024

59:22

Takeaways

Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, but with hard work and restructuring, it can lead to growth and success.
Building a strong team with clear roles and responsibilities is crucial for the smooth operation of a dental practice.
Finding associates who are driven by the right reasons and align with the practice’s vision is essential for a successful partnership.
Keeping associates busy and fulfilled in their roles is important for their growth and the success of the practice.
Dental schools can be a valuable resource for finding potential associates, and reaching out directly to graduates can yield positive results. Finding the right associates and creating a supportive environment is crucial for the success of a private dental practice.
Private practice owners should think like entrepreneurs and run their practices as businesses.
Restructuring operations and investing in systems and processes can lead to improved efficiency and profitability.
Being an entrepreneur in the dental industry requires hard work, outside-the-box thinking, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Meeting Dr. Thomas Graf

(01:29) Challenges and Growth of Entrepreneurship in Dentistry

(05:06) Transition from General Dentist to Surgery Specialist

(08:49) Building a Strong Team and Dealing with Cultural Issues

(13:54) Roles and Responsibilities in Dr. Graf’s Practice

(18:11) Finding Associates Driven by the Right Reasons

(23:52) Utilizing Dental Schools as a Resource for Finding Associates

(29:08) The Readiness for an Associate and Keeping Them Busy

(34:13) The Challenges of Dental Education and Finding the Right Associates

(36:38) Thinking Like an Entrepreneur in Private Practice Ownership

(42:39) Flexibility and Empowerment in Practice Operations

(48:25) The Importance of Organization and Preparedness in Private Practice Ownership

(53:36) The Rewards and Satisfaction of Being an Entrepreneur in Dentistry

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