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Books on dental practice management offer essential strategies for decision-making, team coordination, and optimizing operations. As a medical practice owner who has implemented these insights, I recommend them to any dental professional aiming to improve their practice's success.

17 Best Books on Dental Practice Management

Having explored and assessed numerous books, I've handpicked a selection best suited to address the various challenges in dental practice management.

  1. Dental Practice Hero by Dr. Paul Etchison
  2. The E-Myth Dentist by Michael G. Gerber
  3. The Ultimate Guide to Dental Marketing by Sean Daily and Zach Anderson
  4. Dentistry's Business Secrets by Edward M. Logan DDS
  5. Growing Your Dental Business by Penny Reed
  6. The Owner’s Guide to a Productive Dental Practice by Tyler Williams DDS
  7. How to Buy a Dental Practice by Brian D Hanks
  8. Dental Reception and Practice Management by Glenys Bridges
  9. Start Here - Path To A Profitable Dental Practice by Dr. Jeanette Kern
  10. Profitable Dental Practice by Philip Newsome and Chris Barrow
  11. The Entrepreneur Dentist by Dr. Jerry Lanier DDS, Exec. MBA
  12. The Foundation of Profitable Dentistry by Bita Saleh DDS
  13. Secrets of the Wealthy Dentist by Mike Lakhani
  14. Dental Practice Transition by David G. Dunning and Brian M. Lange
  15. Dental Patient Communication by Dr. German Gomez
  16. ADA Practical Guide to Leading and Managing the Dental Team by American Dental Association
  17. Profit First for Dentists by Barbara Stackhouse and Drew Hinrichs, with a foreword by Mike Michalowicz

Overviews Of The 17 Best Books on Dental Practice Management

Here’s a quick summary of each book, what you’ll learn, and why you should read it, plus a quote I like from the book. I added the author’s LinkedIn and other places to connect with them online.

1. Dental Practice Hero by Dr. Paul Etchison

Dental Practice Hero: From Ordinary Practice to Extraordinary Experience book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Etchison dives deep into the transformational journey from a standard dental practice to one that stands out, offering memorable patient experiences. He combines research with real-world examples, highlighting actionable strategies every dental practitioner can employ.

What You'll Learn:

Dive into effective team-building for your dental practice, patient-centric approaches that yield results, and strategic marketing tactics tailored for dental professionals.

Why You Should Read It:

Experience firsthand how Dr. Etchison transformed his practice and gain insights into replicating his success in your own establishment.

Quote From The Book:

"Dentistry isn't just about fixing teeth; it's about enhancing the entirety of a patient's experience."

About The Author:

Dr. Paul Etchison is a renowned dental practitioner with years of experience. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

2. The E-Myth Dentist by Michael G. Gerber

The E-Myth Dentist book on dental practice management

Summary:

The E-Myth Dentist combines the principles of Gerber's legendary E-Myth methodology with dental practice specifics, providing readers with a road map to entrepreneurial success in dentistry.

What You'll Learn:

Discover how to apply E-Myth principles to a dental practice, strategies for efficient practice management, and innovations in patient communication and care.

Why You Should Read It:

Unlock the entrepreneur within and reshape your dental practice, achieving growth and sustainable and impactful success.

Quote From The Book:

"Your dental practice is a business, and like every business, it needs a visionary at its helm."

About The Author:

Michael G. Gerber is a globally acclaimed author and business guru. Explore more about Michael on his official website.

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3. The Ultimate Guide to Dental Marketing by Sean Daily and Zach Anderson

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Marketing: A Concise, No-Nonsense Guide to Marketing Your Practice Online (Kindle Edition) book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dive into the world of online marketing tailored specifically for dental practices. Daily and Anderson provide a step-by-step guide to enhance your online presence and attract new patients.

What You'll Learn:

Delve into the foundations of dental online marketing, social media strategies for dental practices, and SEO and content marketing tailored for dentistry.

Why You Should Read It:

Stay ahead of the competition by mastering online marketing techniques that bring in new patients and keep existing ones engaged.

Quote From The Book:

"In the digital age, your dental practice's online presence is its first impression."

About The Author:

Sean Daily and Zach Anderson are seasoned digital marketers passionate about healthcare marketing. Find Sean on LinkedIn and Zach on his Amazon portfolio.

4. Dentistry's Business Secrets by Edward M. Logan DDS

Dentistry's Business Secrets: Proven Growth Strategies for Your New or Existing Practice book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Logan reveals the behind-the-scenes strategies that successful dental practices employ. By blending business acumen with clinical expertise, this book offers a comprehensive guide to setting up, running, and growing a thriving dental practice.

What You'll Learn:

Understand the intricacies of dental practice management, gain insights into patient relationship management, and implement modern marketing strategies tailored for dental professionals.

Why You Should Read It:

If you seek to combine your dental expertise with robust business strategies, Dr. Logan provides the blueprint to navigate today's competitive landscape.

Quote From The Book:

"Success in dentistry extends beyond the chair; it's a fusion of patient care and business acumen."

About The Author:

Dr. Edward M. Logan is a seasoned dentist with a knack for business. Engage with him on his LinkedIn profile.

5. Growing Your Dental Business by Penny Reed

Growing Your Dental Business: Market Yourself Effectively and Accelerate Your Results book on dental practice management

Summary:

Penny Reed unravels the formula for effective marketing in the dental sector. She emphasizes authentic connections, strategic promotions, and leveraging digital platforms to magnify your reach.

What You'll Learn:

Dive into cutting-edge marketing strategies, understand the importance of branding in dentistry, and explore digital avenues to connect with potential patients.

Why You Should Read It:

For those looking to expand their patient base and enhance their reputation, Penny's insights pave the way for effective and sustained growth.

Quote From The Book:

"In the realm of dentistry, marketing isn't about selling; it's about connecting."

About The Author:

Penny Reed is a marketing maven with a passion for the dental industry. Find her on LinkedIn, Twitter, and her professional website.

6. The Owner’s Guide to a Productive Dental Practice by Tyler Williams DDS

The Owner’s Guide to a Productive Dental Practice: 7 Pillars Every Dentist Needs to Grow in the Economy book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Williams lays out a structured approach to dental practice growth. By focusing on seven pivotal pillars, he presents a roadmap to profitability and productivity, regardless of economic fluctuations.

What You'll Learn:

Grasp the seven foundational pillars essential for a dental practice's growth, from financial management to team dynamics and advanced patient care.

Why You Should Read It:

In an ever-evolving economic landscape, Dr. Williams provides the tools to remain resilient, productive, and on a trajectory of growth.

Quote From The Book:

"A successful dental practice is like a well-oiled machine, where every component, no matter how small, plays a crucial role."

About The Author:

Dr. Tyler Williams is a dental expert with vast experience in practice management. Connect with him on his LinkedIn profile.

7. How to Buy a Dental Practice by Brian D. Hanks

How to Buy a Dental Practice: A Step-by-step Guide to Finding, Analyzing, and Purchasing the Right Practice For You book on dental practice management

Summary:

Brian D. Hanks delves into the complexities of purchasing a dental practice. From financial analysis to evaluating potential fits, this guide sheds light on each phase of the buying journey.

What You'll Learn:

The intricacies of practice valuation, strategic methods to analyze potential practices, and negotiation techniques tailored for the dental industry.

Why You Should Read It:

Hanks offers a pragmatic approach to one of the most pivotal decisions in a dentist's career – buying a practice.

Quote From The Book:

"Buying a dental practice isn't just a financial decision; it's a commitment to a legacy."

About The Author:

Brian D. Hanks is a seasoned expert in dental practice acquisition. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio and engage with him on LinkedIn.

8. Dental Reception and Practice Management by Glenys Bridges

Dental Reception and Practice Management book on dental practice management

Summary:

Glenys Bridges crafts a comprehensive guide focusing on the front lines of dental practice – reception and management. She underscores the importance of these roles in enhancing patient experience and driving practice growth.

What You'll Learn:

Effective reception management techniques, strategies for patient-centric care, and operational efficiencies to streamline practice administration.

Why You Should Read It:

Bridges brings to the fore the unsung heroes of a dental practice and emphasizes their role in fostering growth and patient loyalty.

Quote From The Book:

"The reception is the gateway to your practice; ensure it radiates warmth, efficiency, and professionalism."

About The Author:

Glenys Bridges is an authority on dental practice administration. Connect with her on LinkedIn and her personal website.

9. Start Here - Path To A Profitable Dental Practiceby Dr. Jeanette Kern

Start Here - Path To A Profitable Dental Practice: Lead Your Dental Practice, Manage Your Team Efficiently, and Use Smart Systems for Clinical and Communication Success book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Jeanette Kern lays out a foundational guide for dental professionals seeking to elevate their practice. Emphasizing leadership, team management, and intelligent systems, she provides a roadmap to both clinical and communication success.

What You'll Learn:

Advanced leadership tactics tailored for dentistry, effective team management methodologies, and innovative systems, like dental software, to optimize both clinical operations and patient communication.

Why You Should Read It:

Dr. Kern offers a holistic approach, ensuring your dental practice excels in patient care, operational efficiency, and team harmony.

Quote From The Book:

"The heart of a dental practice lies not just in the tools but in the systems and souls that wield them."

About The Author:

Dr. Jeanette Kern is a renowned dental expert with a passion for practice optimization. Find her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

10. Profitable Dental Practice by Philip Newsome and Chris Barrow

Profitable Dental Practice: 8 Strategies for Building a Practice That Everyone Loves to Visit book on dental practice management

Summary:

Newsome and Barrow unite to craft a comprehensive guide that shares eight powerful strategies to transform your dental practice into an admired and lucrative venture.

What You'll Learn:

Explore eight crucial pillars of a profitable dental practice, understand patient psychology, and implement strategies to make your practice a preferred destination.

Why You Should Read It:

Dive deep into actionable insights that amalgamate profitability with unparalleled patient experience.

Quote From The Book:

"Profitability is a symphony where patient care, operational excellence, and business acumen play in harmony."

About The Author:

Philip Newsome and Chris Barrow are stalwarts in the dental business world. Engage with Philip on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

11. The Entrepreneur Dentist by Dr. Jerry Lanier DDS, Exec. MBA

The Entrepreneur Dentist: How to Exit Your Dental Business Rich book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Lanier imparts wisdom on transitioning from a practicing dentist to a successful dental entrepreneur. This book serves as a manual for dentists aiming to make a profitable exit from their practices.

What You'll Learn:

Navigate the complexities of the dental business world, devise exit strategies, and understand valuation techniques for your practice.

Why You Should Read It:

For those envisioning a rich exit from their dental practice, Dr. Lanier offers a goldmine of knowledge.

Quote From The Book:

"The entrepreneurial journey in dentistry is about crafting a legacy while securing a prosperous exit."

About The Author:

Dr. Jerry Lanier, with an Exec. MBA has seamlessly blended dentistry with business. Engage with him on his LinkedIn profile.

12. The Foundation of Profitable Dentistry by Bita Saleh DDS

The Foundation of Profitable Dentistry: A Complete Guide to Building & Sustaining Profitability Through Any Crisis book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Saleh curates a masterclass on resilience in the dental industry. She provides a comprehensive guide to ensure profitability, even amidst unforeseen challenges and crises.

What You'll Learn:

Develop crisis management strategies, enhance financial resilience, and foster team dynamics that can weather any storm.

Why You Should Read It:

Dr. Saleh’s insights are invaluable for dental practices aiming to thrive irrespective of external challenges.

Quote From The Book:

"The cornerstone of profitable dentistry is the ability to adapt, evolve, and persevere."

About The Author:

Dr. Bita Saleh is an authority on sustainable dental practice management. Connect with her on her personal website.

13. Secrets of the Wealthy Dentist by Mike Lakhani

Secrets of the Wealthy Dentist: A Business Parable for Dental Professionals book on dental practice management

Summary:

Lakhani unfolds a captivating parable that reveals the business secrets of some of the most affluent dentists. Dive into a narrative that blends life lessons with practical business advice.

What You'll Learn:

Discover key business strategies through engaging storytelling, uncover financial planning techniques, and grasp the power of networking in the dental profession.

Why You Should Read It:

Experience a unique blend of a gripping narrative with actionable business insights tailored for dental professionals.

Quote From The Book:

"In the world of dentistry, success is a blend of skill, network, and the untold business secrets."

About The Author:

Mike Lakhani is a renowned author and business consultant in the dental industry. Engage with him on LinkedIn.

14. Dental Practice Transition by David G. Dunning and Brian M. Lange

Dental Practice Transition: A Practical Guide to Management 2nd Edition book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dunning and Lange present a comprehensive guide to effectively transitioning and managing dental practices. The second edition comes enriched with contemporary strategies and real-world examples.

What You'll Learn:

Techniques for smooth practice transition, management strategies for new practice owners, and best practices to ensure sustained growth after transition.

Why You Should Read It:

For dental professionals at the cusp of practice transition, this guide offers invaluable insights and practical tools for success.

Quote From The Book:

"Transitioning a dental practice is an art; mastering it ensures the legacy continues."

About The Author:

David G. Dunning and Brian M. Lange are authorities in dental practice management and transition.

15. Dental Patient Communication by Dr. German Gomez

Dental Patient Communication: Boosting Treatment Acceptance book on dental practice management

Summary:

Dr. Gomez delves into the heart of patient communication, providing a guide that ensures higher treatment acceptance and fosters patient trust.

What You'll Learn:

Techniques to effectively communicate treatments, strategies to build patient rapport, and methods to handle objections and ensure treatment acceptance.

Why You Should Read It:

For dental professionals seeking to elevate patient communication and boost practice growth, Dr. Gomez offers a treasure trove of knowledge.

Quote From The Book:

"Communication is the bridge between a patient's apprehension and their acceptance."

About The Author:

Dr. German Gomez is a seasoned dentist with a passion for patient-centric communication. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his official website.

16. ADA Practical Guide to Leading and Managing the Dental Team by American Dental Association

ADA Practical Guide to Leading and Managing the Dental Team book on dental practice management

Summary:

Coming straight from the revered American Dental Association, this guide is a reservoir of wisdom on effective leadership and management practices tailored for dental professionals.

What You'll Learn:

Gain insights on leadership philosophies, understand team dynamics in dental practices, and grasp the nuances of effective practice management.

Why You Should Read It:

With ADA's stamp of expertise, this guide becomes an essential read for anyone looking to step up their leadership game in the world of dentistry.

Quote From The Book:

"Leadership in dentistry is about guiding with empathy, leading with vision, and managing with precision."

About The Author:

The American Dental Association is the leading authority in dentistry, renowned for its research, standards, and educational resources. Engage with them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and their website.

17. Profit First for Dentists by Barbara Stackhouse and Drew Hinrichs, with a foreword by Mike Michalowicz

Profit First for Dentists: Proven Cash Flow Strategies for Financial Freedom book on dental practice management

Summary:

A transformative guide that reshapes how dental professionals view and handle finances. Stackhouse, Hinrichs, and Michalowicz developed a groundbreaking approach to achieving financial freedom in the dental industry.

What You'll Learn:

Dive into the Profit First methodology tailored for dentists, uncover cash flow strategies, and learn how to prioritize profitability in practice operations.

Why You Should Read It:

For dentists striving for not just clinical excellence but also financial prosperity, this book paves the path to both.

Quote From The Book:

"Financial freedom in dentistry starts with a mindset shift; profit isn't an afterthought, it's the first priority."

About The Author:

Barbara Stackhouse, Drew Hinrichs, and Mike Michalowicz are pioneers in dental finance and business strategies. Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn, engage with Drew's expertise on LinkedIn, and delve into Mike's contributions on his LinkedIn.

Which Books on Dental Practice Management Do You Recommend?

I value your insights and recommendations. If there are books on dental practice management that you believe should be on this list, please share them with me. Your input will enrich our collective knowledge.

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John Payne

John Payne is the co-founder and company director of Symphony Health. With over 20 years of management experience John is working alongside his wife, Dr. Kate Payne to build a multi-site Medical Practice where staff work collaboratively for the good of their patients. John is passionate about improving access to quality Healthcare in North Vancouver and sharing best practice with other people managing medical practices.