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…
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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
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…
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…
“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…
“Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should”: The Unintended Consequences of Digital Efficiency in Dental Practices
In the race to improve efficiency through digital tools and task trackers, many dental practices are unknowingly harming team culture, morale, and long-term sustainability. Here’s…
🧠 From CRASH to Confident: Why You’re Not Alone and How You Can Break Free
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply “not yourself,” you might be in a CRASH state. Learn what it means, why it’s not your fault,…
Are You Playing Catch or Just Throwing Words? Rethinking Communication in Dental Practice
In dental practices, communication often breaks down—not from lack of effort, but from the assumption that if you’ve said something, it’s been understood. This blog…
Once You Know Your Values, Every Decision Is Easy: Managing Poor Behaviour in Your Dental Practice
Managing poor behaviour in a dental practice starts with knowing who you are as a team. Without clearly defined values, culture, and philosophy, difficult conversations…
The Curse of Being Intelligent and Successful: Why Smart Dentists Struggle and How to Set Yourself Free
If you’re a dentist in the early stages of your career, feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or on the edge of burnout, you are not alone. Many…
Time Is Precious. Learn More in Less Time.- Early bird ends at midnight
Understand how you learn best and unlock the confidence, clarity and communication skills you’ve been looking for. Join us in Newcastle from 6–8 July for…