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

Episode 172 May 09, 2025 00:13:20
172. Profitability Mindset: Procedural vs. Business Growth in Dentistry
The Millennial Dentist
172. Profitability Mindset: Procedural vs. Business Growth in Dentistry

May 09 2025 | 00:13:20

/

Show Notes

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/

Other Episodes

Episode

May 01, 2018 00:56:22
Episode Cover

053 Occlusion and Spear Education with Dr. Jim Mckee

As some of you may know I am in the middle of going through the workshops at Spear Education. I really wanted to bolster...

Listen

Episode

February 10, 2017 00:29:14
Episode Cover

001 Who are we and what the heck are we doing?

Welcome everyone to the Millennial Dentist Podcast inaugural episode! My name is Dr. Sully Sullivan and I am a general dentist in Brentwood, Tn....

Listen

Episode

March 15, 2017 00:38:10
Episode Cover

005 Dentist Metrics takes being a practice CPA to a whole new level

Check out this interview I just had with Jonathon Van Horn. He is a Dental specific CPA who I feel like really does provide...

Listen