172. Profitability Mindset: Procedural vs. Business Growth in Dentistry

In this episode of the Millennial Dentist Podcast, I’m talking about something that I think trips up a lot of dentists—the difference between procedural profitability and overall business profitability. Early on in my career, I got obsessed with the per-procedure margins, but I’ve since learned that running a profitable practice is about so much more than that.

Sharing how placing implants completely changed my trajectory as a dentist—not just clinically, but from a business perspective too. I dig into how practices can grow more profitably by understanding fixed vs. variable costs, and why it’s okay (and even smart) to do procedures that aren’t super profitable on their own.

@01:17 – Why dentists should learn to place implants

@02:27 – Shifting from procedural to business profitability

@03:37 – The grocery store analogy: how low-margin services fit in

@05:22 – The value of being a one-stop shop for patients

@07:33 – High-cost vs. high-margin procedures: why the difference matters

@10:07 – Fixed vs. variable costs: the real key to profitability

Who is Dr. Sully Sullivan?

Dr. Sully is a fourth-generation dentist from Nashville, Tn. After receiving his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Tennessee, he moved back to Nashville to practice with his father. By continuing to invest in his education through adult orthodontics, soft tissue grafting, dental implants, third molar extractions, and obstructive sleep apnea, he helped double his practice in just 24 months.

As a millennial, he truly believes in working smarter not harder, which has led him to utilize technology to not only deliver better patient care but more efficient care. Dr. Sullivan regularly uses CEREC, 3D imaging with Galileos, 3D printing, and multiple lasers. In addition to his practice, he started the Millennial Dentist Podcast in February of 2017 to help push his fellow colleagues to take their dental careers to the next level. Dr. Sully lectures around the country on cone beam technology, cad/cam dentistry, obstructive sleep apnea, and practice management. He is also an ambassador for the 3D-Dentist teaching facility in Raleigh, NC.

As always, thanks so much for listening! If you like the show, we would love for you to review the show on Apple Podcasts as well as spread the word! If you have any questions or want to get in touch, shoot me an email at [email protected] 

Links and Resources

Email: [email protected] 

The Millennial Dentist Website: http://millennialdentist.com/ 

Millennial Dentist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MillennialDentist 

Millennial Dentist Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/millennialdentist/