Dentists search for the keys to practicing fee-for service dentistry under the light of technique, cookbook recipes, tactics, and the bottom line. However, there is another bottom line and that is where the keys to fee-for-service, relationship-based dentistry are found. Those keys are under the light of philosophy, behavior, motivation, relationships, caring and spirit; of changing the lives of your dental patients and team members.

Ask yourself these questions to see where you are on your journey to a insurance independent, fee-for-service, relationship-based dental practice.

1. Do you have a written philosophy, mission and vision statement? Does your team know what it is? Have they participated in its creation?”

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2. Do you use the co-diagnosis process? Do you present phased dentistry?

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3. Do you know how to diagnose, treatment plan and present comprehensive dentistry?

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4. Have you pursued higher levels of technical excellence? Are you a member of a dental study group with like minded dentists who are committed to excellence?

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5. Do you have a strong, effective prevention program?

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6. Are you and your team behaviorally skilled? Are you skilled at active listening? Are you a skilled facilitator of learning?

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7. Do you respect the patient’s capacity and right to self-direct? Are you willing to let him or her select his or her own values?

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8. Do you have a strong self-image? Have you clarified your personal beliefs and values?

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9. Do you build effective, caring doctor-patient-team relationships?

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10. Do you address the patient’s wants and needs, including insurance or do you want to impose your wants and needs upon them?

You have to pay the price to answer most of the 10 questions above with a yes.

Then you will have learned how to build effective, caring helping relationships with your patients, so they value their relationship with you and choose the dental care you recommend instead of what the insurance will pay for.