When the “stress abscess” blows up
Dentistry teaches us that early assessment and timely intervention prevent pain, cost, and complexity. The same applies to your wellbeing and your business. Here is…
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A collection of articles, tips and guides, specifically made for dental practitioners
View allAssociates and Young dentistsCase StudiesCommunicationDental Practice management and GrowthDental TeamsDental ThinkingFemale PrincipalsFinance, Pricing, ProfitLeadershipPatient Journey and Customer ServicePractice ManagersPrincipalsRecruitment and TeamworkTime management, Appointment Books and MeetingsTreatment Plan ConversionsValues, Vision and CultureWork-Life Balance, Health and Mental Well-Being
Appointment Lengths: Are You Allocating Enough Time for What Matters Most?
Many dental professionals feel overwhelmed by time pressures, but behind every rushed appointment lies a set of hidden compromises. By breaking appointments into four key…
Premier League Practices: Are You Playing as a Team or Just Turning Up?
In dentistry, teamwork is often spoken about but rarely fully lived. Just like a championship sports team, a high-performing dental team doesn’t simply turn up…
Why Knowing “How” Sets You Apart: Transforming Dental Practices Beyond the What to do
Many dentists know why their practice needs to change and what they need to do. The real transformation happens when they understand how. Discover why…
Are you on the hamster wheel?
Dentistry never stops. Patients, paperwork, compliance, family, and life’s demands keep us running from one wheel to the next. But real change begins when you…
The House of YOU – A Journey of Self-Discovery
The House of YOU is a simple yet powerful exercise that helps you explore your foundations, uncover blind spots, and discover hidden strengths. With the…
Indemnity Fees Are Rising – But Are We Looking in the Right Place for the Cause?
Dentists across the UK are frustrated by rising indemnity fees — but are we looking in the right place for the cause? While it’s easy…
When Bonuses Breed Rats: What Dentists Can Learn from the Cobra Effect
From Hanoi’s rats to Delhi’s cobras, history shows us how incentives can backfire. In dentistry, bonuses for sign-ups, whitening, or Invisalign risk creating the same…
The Tale of Two Houses: Why Thoughtful Planning Builds Lifelong Success
Two neighbours set out to build their dream homes. One invested in an expert architect, creating a house that lasted a lifetime. The other cut…
The Hidden Gift in Patient Complaints (and How to Unwrap It)
When patients grumble, they don’t want procedures or paperwork — they want to be heard. Too often, feedback is escalated into a “complaint,” leaving dentists…
From ‘Perfect Smile’ to Complaints: How Language Shapes Patient Expectations in Dentistry
Dentists often create unnecessary complaints and stress by using the wrong names for treatments. Discover how changing a few words can prevent disappointment, build trust,…
Why Trust Takes Time: Rethinking the First Moments with Your Dental Patients
In dentistry, we often expect new patients to trust us instantly, yet trust is not something that can be rushed. From evolutionary instincts to human…
Why It’s Time Stop using a Treatment Coordinator
Patients Want to Feel Cared For, Not Sold To When patients know you, like you, and trust you, they choose you — not because you’ve…
When Is the Best Time to Work with a Coach? Dentists Know the Answer Already
Dentists and dental team members already understand timing is everything — for patients and for themselves. The best time for a patient to visit the…
Why Patients Say ‘No’ When They Mean ‘Yes’ — And How It Puts Dental Care at Risk
Accurate medical histories are essential for patient safety, yet online forms can unintentionally trigger a psychological “no set” — a pattern where repeated “no” answers…
You’re Ready to Change… But Your Team Isn’t – What Now?
You’ve tried to make a change – but nothing’s changed. Whether it’s your mindset, your team, or your practice systems, this article explains why change…
Why the Word “Just” is Dangerous in Dentistry – and How to Replace It with Thoughtful Action
The word just might seem harmless, but in dentistry, it can conceal deeper challenges, mislead teams, and set unrealistic expectations. Discover why this small word…
Are You Really Communicating – Or Just Talking?
Misunderstandings within dental teams often stem from unseen thinking and communication patterns. If you’ve ever felt like someone misinterpreted your words, or that certain team…
Are You Speaking the Same Language as Your Patient or Team?
You might all be speaking English, but you’re not necessarily speaking the same internal language. In dentistry, communication is everything — with patients, colleagues, and…
Why It’s Time to Make Retention Fees Obsolete in Dentistry
Retention fees have crept into dental practice contracts with the intention of offering protection – but are they causing more conflict than they prevent? If…
Are You Asking the Wrong Questions? Why Your Focus Might Be Sabotaging Your Success
If your first question is “Where can I get this more cheaply?”—it might be time to pause and reframe. In dentistry, the questions we ask…
PDF Articles About Dentistry
32 evergreen published articles from the dental press written by Jane Lelean in PDF format for you to download.
🦷 The Warm-Up You Can’t Afford to Miss: Why Conversations Matter More Than Medical History Forms
Tick boxes and portals might be efficient – but they’ll never replace the power of a real conversation. If you’re serious about offering safer, more…
Why a Coaching Style Is the Smartest Move You’ll Ever Make in Dentistry
Adopting a coaching style of leadership transforms how dental practices operate—boosting motivation, improving communication, and driving real behavioural change. This approach empowers team members, streamlines…
“When’s the Best Time to Book a Course?” – Why That Might Be the Wrong Question
If you’ve ever hesitated to book a course—waiting for the perfect window in your diary—this blog will reframe your thinking. There is no ‘status quo’…
Why Fee-Per-Item Dentistry is Holding You Back – and What to Do Instead
Many dentists feel stuck, undervalued, or frustrated with patients who shop around. It’s time to ditch fee-per-item treatment planning and embrace outcome-orientated, patient-focused care –…
Why Your Patients Don’t Understand You – Even When You’re Speaking English
Just because you and your patients speak English doesn’t mean you’re speaking the same language. Miscommunication is one of the biggest hidden causes of complaints,…
Why Your Appointment Book Has White Spaces – And What To Do About It
If white spaces are appearing in your appointment book, you’re not alone. Discover the 4 R’s approach to filling your diary with patients who know,…
From Frustration to Fairness: Rebuilding Trust and Success in Dental Practices
Misunderstandings between dental associates and principals are common—and costly. Discover why communication, mindset, and structure are the keys to transforming conflict into collaboration.
“Shut Up, Tut-Tut”: How I Silenced My Inner Critic and Reclaimed My Life
Are the critical voices in your head holding you back? You’re not alone—and there’s a way forward. For 20 years, I’ve supported dental professionals to…