Why Knowing “How” Sets You Apart: Transforming Dental Practices Beyond the What to do

 

One of the most consistent pieces of feedback I receive from dentists I work with is this:
“Jane, what makes you different is that you don’t just tell us what to do — you show us how to do it.”

This distinction matters.

In dentistry, the difference between a good plan and a great outcome lies in the how.

Just as every patient’s treatment plan is bespoke, so too must be your approach to developing your practice.

There are four questions that underpin any meaningful change or motivation to develop your practice:

1. Why do I need to develop my practice?
2. What do I need to do to develop my practice?
3. How do I develop my practice?
4. What If . . . ?

For sustainable growth, all four must be answered.

 

 

1. Why change? Recognising the signs

Most dentists already have a sense of why change is needed. There are often clear signs that something isn’t as it should be.  Yet all too often the signs and symptoms of problems are not seen,overlooked or Ignored For example:

• Finances are tight, and paying bills or yourself at the end of the month feels like a struggle.
• Complaints are increasing, whether from patients or team members.
• Staff turnover is high, making recruitment and retention a constant headache.
• Patients are leaving the practice, or new ones are not coming in as expected.
• A recent CQC review was less than ideal.

Every practice has its own unique set of metrics, experiences, and warning lights. Recognising these signs is the first step.

 

2. What to change? Broad brush advice is everywhere

Once you’ve spotted the issues, you might seek solutions from webinars, colleagues, consultants, or even a quick Google search. You’ll hear the usual advice:

• “Get your finances sorted.”
• “Recruit better team members.”
• “Improve your marketing.”
• “Sort out your systems.”

This advice is often accurate in principle, but it’s broad brush. It tells you what to do, not how to do it. And as any dentist knows, the devil is in the detail.

 

3. How to change? Where the rubber meets the road

This is the missing piece for many. Translating a broad idea into effective action requires:

• Developing clear strategies and tailored plans
• Making sound decisions based on your practice’s unique context
• Engaging your team in the process so that change is lived, not imposed
• Breaking things down into manageable steps and embedding new habits
• Investing time money and attention

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for practice development. Just as a single item of clothing doesn’t fit every person well, copying another practice’s strategy won’t guarantee success. In the same way, no dentist would provide identical treatment plans to every patient.

 

The “How” will never be found in  FB posts, WA groups or tic tock videos, it is always found when you create the time and space to talk and think with a coach.

 

This is where I work differently from the others. Together with you and your team, we create bespoke, customised “how” strategies that fit your goals, values, and context — not someone else’s.

Without the “how,” the “what” becomes either ineffective or simply another stick to beat yourself with, leading to frustration and demoralisation.

4. What if? Planning for the future

Finally, there are the questions that keep you agile and innovative:

• What if this happens? What’s our contingency plan?
• How do we keep evolving rather than stagnating?
• How do we innovate rather than imitate?

A high-performing dental practice isn’t built once and left alone. It’s nurtured, adjusted, and refined continuously.

 

Take a Breath: Evaluate Before You Act

If you’re not quite sure where your practice stands, the first step isn’t to rush into solutions. It’s to pause and evaluate.

Just as you advise patients to attend regular six-monthly check-ups to monitor their oral health, your practice deserves the same attention.

The Brilliant Practice Evaluation was designed with this in mind. It provides a clear framework and a series of structured questions that any member of your practice can use to:

• Review performance across key areas
• Identify gaps, glitches, and opportunities
• Track progress over time
• Build the foundations for a high-performing, sustainable practice

Before you decide on your next move, take this opportunity to step back, reflect, and assess.

👉 Complete your Brilliant Practice Evaluation here

 

Closing Thought

Change isn’t just about knowing why and what — it’s about mastering the how, and continuing to ask what next?. If you’re struggling to know how to move beyond broad brush advice and craft a development plan that fits your practice perfectly, it starts with taking that first honest look.

 

If you would like to know more about how I work with my clients and the bespoke range of services I offer visit my website www.IODB.co.uk

If you are fed up with feeling stuck and want to have a conversation about becoming the practice you always dreamed of, in the first instance, there are three ways you can book a conversation.

 

1. Free Call Friday – Coaching Session
   A one-hour coaching session designed to help you start overcoming the challenges you’re facing. This is a fully complimentary session, available between 06:00 and 14:00 on Fridays. It’s a safe and confidential space to think, reflect and begin moving forward.- I guarantee there is no up-sell this is pure coaching and NOT a sales pitch masquerading as a free coaching session.
2. Speak with Jane
   Think of this like a dental examination – not treatment, but an essential diagnostic conversation. During this complimentary 30-minute call. To ensure you get access to the most appropriate coaching , training or workshops, it is essential that we both have a shared and clear understanding of your current situation, the results you want to create. In a SPEAK WITH JANE call, we’ll explore your situation, identify your goals, and co-design a personalised plan for moving forward.
   No coaching is done during this session – the focus is on understanding what you need and how I may support you, personally or professionally.

We will schedule a second call to discuss the proposal and any options that are important to you.

 

You are welcome to book both a FREE CALL FRIDAY and a SPEAK WITH JANE CALL.

3. Paid-for Coaching
   If Fridays don’t suit your schedule for a taster session, you can book paid sessions on other days of the week, early mornings and some evenings. You can bring any area of focus that you want to change to a coaching conversation, professional, practice management, career coaching, communication, overcoming blocks, anxiety, fear, changing unwanted habits, mental health issues etc. Coaching Is a safe place to make the changes you want.

 

How to Book
To choose the option that best suits you and to book directly online, please visit: www.iodb.co.uk   Use the SPEAK WITH JANE button to access our appointment diary.

We use Software of Excellence as our client management software so just please book as a new patient.

A guide to booking appointments online can be found here.

https://iodb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/How-to-book-an-online-appointment-Oct-2025.pdf

 

 

If you have any questions before booking, feel free to reply to this email.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.