Log In
Join Today

Unlock Your Potential: Why Personal Development for Dentists Matters as Much as Practice Growth

There is an old anecdote that goes like this. A man is riding a horse at full gallop down the road. He looks as though he is on an urgent mission, headed somewhere very important. A bystander calls out, “Where are you going?” The rider shouts back, “I don’t know. Ask the horse!”

It is a simple story, but it raises an uncomfortable question for anyone who owns or works in a dental practice.

The Question Behind the Question

Practice owners spend countless hours intentionally designing the business they want to build. They think about growth, systems, culture, profitability, surgery, orthodontics, cosmetics, and the future direction of the practice. They develop a vision, create a plan, and move deliberately toward that destination.

But even more important than the question “Where are you going?” is this one: Who are you becoming?

How intentional are you about designing your life, strengthening your relationships, and becoming the person you truly want to be? Most dentists can answer detailed questions about their overhead percentage faster than they can articulate a vision for their own life outside the operatory. That gap is worth paying attention to, because a thriving practice run by a depleted, directionless owner is not really success. It is just a faster horse.

A Course About Growing Yourself, Not Your Practice

That question became one of the driving forces in the life of Dr. Matt Slivka, DSI Blackbelt Coach and founder of Rockside Reach International. It is also the reason he developed Unlock Your Potential, a new course offered through the Dental Success family.

This is not a course about growing your practice. It is about growing yourself.

Participants step away from the daily demands of work and intentionally design the person they want to become. Through reflection, meaningful discussion, and practical application, you will:

If you have ever felt the pull toward a more intentional life but were not sure where to start, this kind of structured reflection is the starting point. It pairs naturally with the peer support and mentorship that help dentists grow throughout their careers, and with the emotional regulation skills that make sustainable leadership possible.

Who This Course Is For

Unlock Your Potential is for anyone who wants to live with greater purpose, balance, and intention. Dr. Slivka designed it not just for doctors or leadership teams, but for every member of your team that you care about and want to invest in.

That distinction matters. Personal development for dentists often stops at the doctor’s office door, but the strongest practices are built by whole teams of people who are growing on purpose. Investing in your team’s growth as people, not just as employees, is one of the most durable culture moves a practice owner can make. And as we have written before, wisdom gained earlier in your career compounds. The same is true for intentional living. The earlier you start designing your life on purpose, the more years you have to enjoy the results.

Space Is Limited to 50 Participants

To facilitate meaningful conversation, the course is limited to 50 participants. If you want to be part of the discussion and leave with a clear vision for the person you want to become, along with renewed energy to live an intentional life, register soon.

Register for Unlock Your Potential

Your practice has a plan. Make sure your life does too.

Dental Success Summit 2026 Recap: Three Days That Showed What a Dental Community Can Do

The 13th Annual Dental Success Summit brought more than 600 dentists to the Omni PGA in Frisco, Texas, on June 12 and 13 for three days of leadership, growth, and connection. Between the main stage, the breakout rooms, and the conversations that filled every hallway in between, the event delivered the kind of momentum that is hard to capture in a single recap. This is a look at what made it memorable, and why it matters for any practice owner thinking about what their next chapter could look like.

Most practices do not stall because the dentist lacks clinical skill. They stall because the business side drifts out of alignment, often slowly and quietly. The Summit exists to interrupt that drift, surrounding owners with people who have already solved the problems they are facing now.

A Keynote Built Around Clarity and Leadership

A highlight of the weekend was a fireside chat with keynote speaker Gino Wickman, the mind behind Traction and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Wickman delivered a masterclass on clarity, leadership, and what it actually takes to scale, the same operating principles that thousands of businesses use to get their teams rowing in one direction. For dental practice owners, the message landed hard: growth follows structure, not the other way around.

23 Presenters With One Through-Line

Across the main stage and breakout rooms, 23 presenters took the stage, and the through-line was consistent. The goal was not motivation for its own sake. It was real tools, real insight, and the kind of practical leadership that changes how a practice runs on Monday morning. Four transformation contest participants added to that energy by putting their own journeys on full display, showing the room what focused effort looks like over time.

That blend of high-level strategy and ground-level execution is the same philosophy behind the Dental Success Network community, where practice owners trade systems, scripts, and hard-won lessons every day.

Celebrating the Doctors Who Did the Work

Recognition at the Summit is earned, not handed out. This year the community celebrated several milestones:

These are not abstract awards. They reflect the measurable changes that happen when a practice owner commits to a clear plan and a community that holds them to it.

An Unforgettable Surprise

Not every memorable moment was on the agenda. Maverick Dental Labs gave away a brand new Corvette, a surprise that brought the room to its feet and a reminder of how the Summit’s partners continue to show up big for the dental community.

The Moment That Mattered Most

The heart of the weekend came at the 4th Annual Smile Outreach International Gala. Together, the community raised an incredible $387,000 to expand access to dental care for people around the world who need it most. The Gatsby-themed evening was a celebration, but the number is the real story. Smile Outreach International is a nonprofit that provides dental surgeries and services to underserved populations through volunteer mission trips, and that total represents thousands of smiles changed because of the generosity in one room.

What the Summit Says About the DSN Community

The relationships built, the breakthroughs had, and the lives that will change because of one weekend point to something larger than an annual event. Every doctor in that room started where many practice owners are right now, curious about what their practice and their life could look like with the right people in their corner.

The good news is that the work does not have to wait until next year. A practice owner can start by getting an honest read on where the business stands today. The DSN Practice Benchmark Assessment is a quick way to see how a practice measures up across the fundamentals that drive profitability and growth. From there, the Dental Success Network gives owners year-round access to the same community, coaching, and resources that make the Summit what it is.

Until next year, Frisco. Mission matters most.

Does Desperate Scheduling Hurt More Than Help?

I was in a call recently with an office manager who was genuinely trying to help her scheduler feel confident. She said something that stopped me: “She made 60 phone calls in a day and only scheduled two appointments. She’s frustrated. I’m frustrated. What are we doing wrong?”

We dug into it. The list she was using wasn’t targeted. The message to patients wasn’t landing. The team was focused on keeping the schedule full, not keeping it intentional.

That’s when I realized something: We’re scheduling out of desperation. And it’s costing us.

Busy is Not Productive

Some teams still believe that if the schedule looks full, everything must be fine. But here’s the truth:

What Desperate Scheduling Sounds Like

You’ve probably heard it or maybe even said it:


These are polite and safe. But, they’re not strategic. They’re often rooted in fear. Patients can hear that fear, too.

Scheduling with Intention: What It Looks Like

Here’s what I told the Office Manager: “You may call 60 patients and only schedule two. That’s normal. But, make sure those two are the right two.”

Start with your daily goal. If you need to hit $2,000 in production, ask: Which two patients can get us closest to that number? Use your treatment finder. Filter by high-value codes like crowns, implants, or root canals. Look at patients who were seen in the last 30–60 days. Then call those patients.

Use verbiage that creates urgency and connection:

“Hi, this is Sydney from Dr. Robin’s office. She was reviewing your upcoming appointment and asked me to give you a call. She has time this Thursday at 2 PM to take care of that crown. Would that time work for you?”


Don’t ask if they want to schedule. Offer a specific time. Give them a reason to say yes.

The “Full” Schedule Trap

When doctors say, “Why isn’t my schedule full?” what they’re really asking is: “Why don’t I feel productive?”

The answer? Because busy is not profitable. And a busy schedule without intention just leads to burnout. Instead, focus on:


If your schedule has a few holes but you still hit your goals? That’s a win. That’s sustainability.

What to Do Next

If your team’s scheduling feels frantic or frustrating, pause and reset:

  1. Align with your doctor on what a successful day looks like, not just a full day.
  2. Pull smart lists using your treatment finder or unscheduled treatment reports.
  3. Track dollars scheduled, not just calls made.
  4. Train your team on verbiage that’s confident, helpful, and patient-focused.
  5. Listen to calls together, not to criticize, to coach.


You’re not just filling a calendar. You’re building a business.

Desperate scheduling is a symptom not the problem. The real issue is a lack of alignment. No clear target and no shared definition of success between doctor and team. What do you do once you do align? You stop calling just to call! You stop filling time just to look busy! Start scheduling with purpose and everything starts to feel a whole lot better.

Many thanks, 

Sydney Robinson
Founder and CEO Clarity


P.S.: Looking to talk with other professionals about how to improve scheduling? Join Dental Success Network, a community of dentists with real practice experience! Sign up today and get a FREE 7-day trial!

Is Your Practice Serving You or Draining You?

If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or like you’re running on fumes chasing numbers with no real fulfillment—you’re not alone.

In our recent DSN Webinar, Dr. Mark Costes and Dr. Taher Dhoon shared a deeply personal and tactical session on building profit with purpose. And, the message was clear: chasing dollars without a deeper “why” will lead you straight to burnout.

Key Takeaways:

 
 

Action Steps:

  1. Write down your non-negotiables for the next 12 months—personally and professionally.
  2. Identify one high-yield clinical skill you want to master in the next 90 days. Build your CE plan around that skill!
  3. Map your 12-month production goals based on your desired schedule (not a default one).
  4. Share your “Financial Why” with your team. Let them in on the mission—they’ll surprise you.

 

You Don’t Have to Build Purpose Alone

Inside DSN, doctors are redefining success with intention every day—scaling production, reclaiming time, and showing up better at home.

With over 200 hours of CE, 750+ practice-building resources, and real-time support from more than 1,400 dentists who understand the journey, DSN is where purpose-driven practices thrive.

When you join, you gain access to our Digital Operations Manual, exclusive vendor discounts (up to $20,500 per year), and a community that truly has your back. Take the next step toward a more intentional, profitable, and fulfilling career. Join Dental Success Network today and receive a 7-day free trial!

For your success,

The Dental Success Network Team

Do You Have a Mentor?

One of the biggest themes in my upcoming book, The Shift: A Leadership Fable, is the importance of mentors. If I could point to one factor that’s had the greatest impact on my growth, both in dentistry and in leadership, it would be the people who walked the path before me and were willing to guide me along the way. Whether it was a clinical technique, a tough business decision, or just how to handle a really bad day, my mentors were the difference-makers.

 

In The Shift, I talk about how mentorship doesn’t always have to look like a formal program. Sometimes it’s a short phone call. Other times it’s a podcast, a book, or a passing conversation that sticks with you. What matters most is that we stay open to learning—and humble enough to ask for help. We grow faster when we surround ourselves with people who challenge and inspire us.

Two Things to Consider This Week:

First, make sure you’re surrounding yourself with great mentors. Of course, Dental Success Network is the ideal place for this. There are tons of wonderful doctors who are more than willing to help, share, and mentor. But of course, we find mentors everywhere—even remotely through podcasts or books. 


So, a second thing to consider this week: reach out to someone who’s helped you get where you are. Thank them! Maybe even go old-school and send a written card or letter. And if you’re in a place to give back, look around your practice or your community—who could use a hand, an ear, or some encouragement? Being a mentor is just as powerful as having one.

The Shift dives deep into these kinds of practical, real-world insights, and it’s packed with stories that I think will resonate with every dental professional out there. It’s officially out August 5th, but you can preorder now on Barnes & Noble—just search for The Shift by Addison Killeen or hit the link.

Let’s keep learning and growing together. That’s what this journey is all about.

Be well and do well,

Addison Killeen

What’s the Legacy You’ll Leave?

Dr. Mark Costes has been a dentist for over two decades. He’s owned practices, mentored colleagues, and built organizations—but he tells us that nothing has touched him more deeply than the moments he’s spent providing dental care on the dirt floors of a remote clinic in the developing world.

According to the World Health Organization, 3.5 billion people lack basic dental care. Let that sink in. We live in an era of innovation, comfort, and precision dentistry, and yet more than half the planet can’t see a dentist in their lifetime. That’s why Smile Outreach International was founded. Because Mark couldn’t ignore the truth: billions of people are suffering silently from oral disease.

He believes that as experts trained to heal, you all carry a responsibility—and a profound opportunity—to extend your hands beyond your practices and into the world.

What Service Really Means

When we talk about “service,” it’s easy to think of charity as a one-way street. But we can tell you firsthand that after every mission trip, it’s our volunteers who leave changed.

We’ve held the hands of patients who walked for hours just to be seen. We’ve worked side by side with volunteers who gave up PTO and time with family to serve complete strangers. We’ve watched kids smile after years of hiding their teeth in shame. And every time we see it, we’re all reminded: this is why we do what we do.

What We’ve Done, and Where We’re Going

Last year, Smile Outreach International delivered over $1 million in free dental care to underserved communities across Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, Fiji, and most recently, Roatán, Honduras. On our last trip, we treated over 500 patients in just five days, performing extractions, fillings, cleanings, and more.
These missions are exhausting. But, they’re real; they’re raw; and, they’re filled with meaning. We average 100 patients a day, often in makeshift clinics with basic equipment, but what we provide is far more than treatment. We provide dignity, relief, and hope!

None of it would be possible without people like you.

Your Skills Are Needed

If you’re a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or anyone connected to our profession, know this: your skills are uniquely powerful. You don’t have to change your whole life to make a difference. One week, one trip, one donation can change theirs.

SOI believes in legacy: not just in what we build, but in the lives we touch. This organization, and the people it serves, is part of Dr. Costes’ legacy. We invite you to make it part of yours.

Join Us at the Casino Royale!

Next month, we’re hosting a very special event: the Smile Outreach International Gala in Frisco, Texas on June 14th. It’s more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of purpose, generosity, and the impact we can make when we come together as a profession.

Expect a night of casino games, good food, and meaningful connections. But more than that, it’s a chance to support something truly transformative! Every dollar raised through ticket sales and auctions will go directly to mission logistics: dental supplies, equipment, mobile units, and facilities in underserved communities around the world.

Let’s Keep Showing Up

We may not be able to fix the entire world. But we can show up for a part of it. And when we do, when we serve with our hands, our hearts, and our resources, we become part of something that endures long after we’re gone.

This is the SOI legacy. We are honored to be a part of it. We hope you’ll be part of it, too.

See you there!

The DSN Team

How Far Would You Go to Make a Difference?

We’re thrilled to share a powerful story of service, leadership, and the true spirit of dentistry.

Earlier this month, DSN Founder, Dr. Mark Costes and an extraordinary team of volunteers partnered with Smile Outreach International (SOI) to deliver free dental care in Roatán, Honduras.

Over five transformative days, the team served 519 patients, providing:

The total treatment value delivered? $335,068!

But, numbers only tell part of the story. The real magic was in the gratitude of the patients, the camaraderie of the volunteers, and the fulfillment from giving back.

Each day was filled with laughter, sweat, and service. From mobile vans handling extractions, to the restorative ops where over 100 fillings were completed in just two days, the energy was electric. The team came from all over Canada, the U.S., and local Honduran doctors working side by side.

Dr. Costes summed it up best:

“We are all completely exhausted, but our hearts are full. The people here have greeted us with open arms. This experience has been unforgettable.”

Want to hear more incredible stories like this—and celebrate the mission-driven work we do together? Join us at the 3rd Annual Smile Outreach Gala!

It’s an evening dedicated to service, connection, and impact. Come celebrate with us and help fuel future mission trips that change lives.

Together, we’re not just building better practices—we’re building a better world.

See you there!

The DSN Team

How to Ask for Reviews Without Making It Weird

Let’s be real for a second—asking for a Google review can feel weird. That moment where you’re trying to be genuine but not pushy? It’s kind of like asking someone on a date and immediately questioning your entire vibe. What if they say “no”? What if they didn’t like us as much as we thought? What if they say “yes” and we forget how to speak words?

The point is: it’s totally normal for your team to feel a little uncomfortable. So instead of pretending that awkwardness doesn’t exist, let’s just name it, normalize it, and move on—because there are ways to ask for reviews that feel natural and actually work.

Here’s How We Get Reviews

One of the simplest shifts is timing. Start by asking everyone how their visit went. Every. Single. Person. When a patient says something kind like, “This was the best cleaning I’ve had in years,” or “Y’all are always so friendly,” that’s your moment. That’s when you casually, confidently say, “We love hearing that! If you don’t mind sharing that in a Google review, it really helps people who are looking for a place like this.”

Listen, we’ve all blanked on what to say in the moment. So give your team a few go-to phrases they can pull out without hesitation. Things like, “Would you mind sharing that online?” or “You’d make our day if you’d leave a quick review,” help break the ice and take the pressure off. The more they say it, the less weird it feels. Pinky promise.

Also, this is not just a front desk thing. Reviews are everyone’s responsibility. That assistant who calmed a nervous patient? The hygienist who explained everything with clarity and kindness? The doctor who actually listened? Those are review-worthy moments, and anyone on the team can help capture them. If you’ve made a connection or are vibing with a patient, you can extend the invitation. Team effort, always.

Confidence doesn’t come from a script—it comes from practice, support, and a little bit of “hey, we’re in this together.” Set aside time to role-play or talk through what’s working. And, when someone on the team gets a shoutout in a review? Celebrate it! Print it out. Frame it. Do a slow clap if the moment feels right. Recognition fuels confidence, and confident teams create better experiences. Period.

Now, let’s talk tools. Make it easy. Keep a printed sign with your QR code (like these) in several spots—front desk, op rooms, checkout, wherever patients naturally pause. For folks who are in a rush (hello, real life), have little cards or handouts they can take with them and scan later. Make it convenient. Make it low-pressure. Make it visible.

If you’re a pediatric office, you’ve got a special challenge (and a fun opportunity). Your patients are adorable but not exactly old enough to type out a five-star review. So turn it into a moment. Create a cute sign—something like “I Was Brave Today” or “Cavity-Free Club”—and snap a photo of the kiddo (with parent permission, of course). Text the picture to the parent with your review link. It’s sweet, personal, and a natural way to invite feedback.

Still getting some polite (or not-so-polite) no’s? That’s okay. Just because someone isn’t tech-savvy or doesn’t have a Google account doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. There’s always an Option C. Ask if they’d be open to texting you a quick testimonial or writing something down. You can use it on your website, social, or even on a testimonial wall in the office. These little moments of storytelling are often more powerful than stars.

Quick tech tip before we wrap: If a patient is trying to leave a review in the office, have them disconnect from your Wi-Fi. Google flags reviews from the same IP address, so if ten people post from your front desk Wi-Fi, only two or three might actually show up. Switching to their own mobile data helps ensure the review sticks.

At the end of the day, asking for reviews is really about building a culture of connection and confidence. When your team understands why reviews matter and feels equipped to ask with confidence, it’s no longer an awkward task. It’s an invitation—to share a great experience, to build your reputation, and to make sure more amazing patients walk through your doors.

Cheers,

Sydney Robinson
DSN Director of Operations
FOA Coaching Founder and CEO

P.S. Looking to level up leadership and systemization in your front office? Schedule a discovery call with me HERE.

Are You in Control of Your Attention?

Let’s be honest—we prefer distractions. Notifications, alerts, vibrations…they pull us away from being fully present. And if we’re being really real, part of us wants that escape. Because the more distracted we are, the less we have to sit with our own thoughts—the boredom, the disappointments, the stress.

But, here’s the problem: every time we give our attention to something outside our control, we give up control. We trade deep focus for quick dopamine hits. We swap presence for digital noise. Worst of all, we let our phones dictate our attention 24/7—which, when you think about it, is its own kind of insanity.

Today’s Goal: Take Back Control


I feel like I’m becoming more of a nut job about this, but the more I think about it, the clearer it gets: a phone controlling our actions, mind, and attention all day? That’s the real insanity.

I hope this gives you something to think about today.

Of course, you still need places for information, guidance, and staying up to date on all that the dental world has to offer. Where should you go for this? Dental Success Network is your answer. It’s your walled-off space for all things dental, leadership, and systemization. It’s nice—no jerks. It’s informational—tons of sharing and documents. And, it’s profitable—we’re here to save you money on supplies and services so you can keep more profit in your pocket. So ditch social media, choose DSN. Join DSN today and enjoy a 7-day free trial!

Be well and do well,
Addison Killeen

Now on WorkVivo!

We are thrilled to announce that Dental Success Network will soon transition from Workplace by Meta to Workvivo, our new private community platform. This exciting change will officially launch on Monday, March 10th, and we can’t wait for you to experience the enhanced collaboration and connectivity it offers!

Workvivo retains all the features you love but adds new tools to improve how we share knowledge, collaborate across the community, and support one another.

What can you expect?

  • Personalized news feeds and instant sharing capabilities
  • Real-time collaboration with your peers
  • Interactive spaces for discussing clinical cases and practice management
  • Collective intelligence from high-performing dentists across the DSN community


Not a DSN Member yet? Now is the perfect time to join with a 7-day free trial as we launch our newest iteration!

See you inside WorkVivo!

For your success,
The Dental Success Network Team