Toolbox Tuesday – Elements of Production Success – Interview with Dr. Sten Ericson

In the latest episode of Toolbox Tuesday, we kicked off our new series, “Elements of Production Success,” with a deep dive into the mindset shifts and inflection points that define a doctor’s career path. Our guest, Dr. Sten Ericson, shared his personal journey from being a solo practitioner to becoming an influential leader capable of guiding associates towards excellence in patient care and production.

From Technician to Practice Leader

Sten’s story is one of remarkable transformation. Like many dental professionals, he began his career focusing intensely on clinical skills, eager to become the best technician he could be. However, he eventually realized that pure technical prowess isn’t enough to propel a practice forward. To truly succeed, one must balance clinical efficiency with effective patient communication and rapport-building.

By shifting his focus and adopting an owner’s mindset, Sten learned how to maximize the potential of every patient interaction, ensuring that his clinical skills could be fully utilized. This transformation laid the foundation for the practice’s growth, allowing him to not only improve his own performance but also create a supportive environment for his associates.

Beyond Social Connections: Expanding Patient Reach

Another key insight Sten shared is the importance of expanding patient reach beyond personal networks. While social connections and word-of-mouth referrals can certainly contribute to a practice’s initial growth, they can also become limiting factors over time.

Sten emphasized the need to reach out to the broader community and create rapport with patients who might have only just heard about the practice. This approach not only attracts a wider range of patients but also supports the integration of higher-value specialty procedures that require a larger pool of potential candidates.

Cultivating an Ownership Mindset in Associates

Central to the success of a growing practice is the development of an ownership mindset among associates. Dr. Sten discussed the importance of setting clear expectations and aligning associates’ personal and professional goals with the practice’s objectives. By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility, associates are encouraged to take initiative, improve their patient interactions, and drive their own production.

This shift in mindset is crucial, especially as practices expand and require more team members to step up and contribute to overall productivity. Encouraging associates to adopt this perspective ensures they are motivated to achieve their potential and support the practice’s broader success.

Conclusion

Our latest episode of Toolbox Tuesday provided invaluable insights into the journey from a solo practitioner to a leader within a dynamic practice. From mastering the balance between clinical skills and communication to broadening patient reach and cultivating a proactive mindset in associates, these elements are key to achieving sustainable growth.

As we continue the “Elements of Production Success” series, we invite dental professionals to reflect on their own journey and explore how these insights might apply to their practice. Embracing these strategies can transform not only individual careers but entire dental teams, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions and actionable tips in the coming weeks!