DSM – DENTAL SLEEP MINDSET
A good friend of mine who happens to be a dentist just finished reading my book. Afterward, she called to provide some feedback. She dove into it before I even had a chance for nervousness.
“I’ve already used a few of the techniques you mentioned, and they totally worked. The book is so funny and it’s really the kick in the @$$ so many of us need.”
I took a seat and took it in as my face blushed the color of a ripened tomato. Just as quickly as she launched into her live Amazon review love-fest (by the
way, if you’re reading this, PLEASE leave an Amazon review after reading the book!), she jumped tracks.
“The book really depressed me though.”
“OK, tell me more”, I responded, deflated and suddenly sullen.
She proceeded to tell me that only two percent of dentists are capable of executing on the book’s key concepts. Doing some quick mental math, I confidently told her that’d be 3,600 dentists whose careers would excel as they positively transformed community health. “That’s more than double the AADSM membership roster”, I reminded her.
Intending a defense without being defensive, I suggested that with the right mindset and concerted, relentless application of the book’s core tenets, almost anyone can be successful at nearly anything. The mindset is the game-changer or the deal-breaker. If you think this is impossible, then it is.
She volleyed back, “Sleep just requires so much work and startup capital. It’s just so hard.”
“What are you talking about? Are you sure you read the book? Go back and read it again to get the tools you need to couple with the DSM mindset.”
Like a friendly pickleball match, Dr. Downer paddled right back, “There are already so many demands on our time and to be successful, we have to work through the learning curve.”
“Mindset guides you through that. It helps you set priorities, enforce boundaries to protect your time, delegate appropriately, and focus while moving through that learning curve,” I offered.
She dove back in, “And we have to figure out all the issues with getting paid which, you know, takes time and energy but once you get it all figured out, you’re golden. You just gotta stick with it.”
DENTAL SLEEP MINDSET.
“And a lot times, I know the patients need treatment, but I have to figure out how to get them to see it. I learned a lot from Spencer Study Club and Awaken2Sleep about that, but I gotta actually use what I’ve learned. To do that, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. I have to think and not just default to cruise control.”
DENTAL SLEEP MINDSET.
“Mmm-hmm”, I said, feeling like she was downloading her neuroses and I was owed a co-pay.
She snapped, “I guess I just came full-circle. It really is all about mindset. Like you said in the book, all of the other issues with billing, referrals, and time constraints can be addressed with the right mindset. I just have to make it happen.”
That’s what she said.
If you want a rollercoaster read filled with incisive humor and actionable techniques to build and blow up a successful dental sleep practice, then check out my new book:
Highlighting the myriad challenges dentists face, the book focuses on the consultative process using relatable dental sleep examples. Readers also get an actionable business framework to drive team alignment, measure relevant business metrics, drive physician referrals, and grow a more productive, rewarding sleep practice.
But don’t take my word for it. Peep these reviews:
“It is the most insightful, informative and well written book directed towards growing a practice in DSM that I have ever read…” – Ed Sall, MD, DDS, MBA
“…I have a shelf full of books on oral appliance therapy, but this is the first one I’ve read that actually teaches you how to build and grow a successful DSM practice. I found this book motivational and picked up more than a few “pearls” to improve my communication skills, team building, and enhance my practice…” – Jay Nelson, DMD, D-ABDSM
