EP76 The Practice Owner Journey with Dr. Dan Rogers

Dec 1 2023 • 31 mins

In this episode of Growing A Dental Practice, host Hazel Woodward interviews Dr. Dan Rogers, the owner of Bamboo Cosmetic Dentistry in Cardiff, Wales. They discuss Dr. Rogers' background and journey in the dental industry, from his early days as an associate dentist to eventually buying his own practice. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Rogers' experience and insights into growing a successful dental practice.

Timestamps

[00:03:02] Expanding private offerings.

[00:07:12] Transitioning from associate to principal.

[00:09:05] Transition to cosmetic dentistry.

[00:13:29] COVID's impact on cosmetic dentistry.

[00:19:22] Moving into wellness spaces.

[00:21:12] Working with your spouse.

[00:25:10] Balancing work and family.

[00:29:16] Work-life balance advice.

Detailed Synopsis

Being a practice owner goes beyond being a dentist, as highlighted by Dr. Dan Rogers, owner of Bamboo Cosmetic Dentistry. According to him, the key to successful practice ownership is continuous education and personal growth. This involves not only acquiring knowledge and staying motivated, but also taking the time to prioritize self-care. Dr. Rogers advises following the wellness industry's recommendations for self-care, as well as seeking guidance on business planning and investing in a coach. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in managing a dental practice, while also ensuring the well-being of employees who depend on it. Dr. Rogers suggests that being a dentist is just a small part of being a practice owner, underscoring the significance of being well-rounded and knowledgeable in various aspects of running a business.

In the episode, Dr. Dan Rogers emphasizes the importance of self-care and wellness while running a dental practice. He acknowledges that being a practice owner involves more than just being a dentist and stresses the need to be a well-rounded individual. Dr. Rogers suggests that while it is crucial to be motivated and determined in pursuing practice ownership, it is equally important to take a step back and prioritize self-care.

He mentions that the wellness industry places great emphasis on self-care and advises listeners to take care of themselves in the usual ways. This includes looking after physical health, mental well-being, and seeking advice on business planning. Dr. Rogers also recommends investing in a coach to navigate the challenges of running a practice.

Furthermore, Dr. Rogers mentions that he and his team at Bamboo Cosmetic Dentistry are investing in technology to provide high-quality services to their patients. However, they also recognize the importance of expanding into other areas of value for their patients, such as wellness spaces and coaching. This demonstrates their understanding of the significance of offering additional services and content that align with their patients' desires and needs.

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of self-care and wellness for practice owners and suggests that incorporating these elements into a dental practice can differentiate it from others in the marketplace.

In the episode, the speaker emphasizes the importance of investing in a coach and seeking advice on a business plan for practice owners. They mention that although there may be times when one questions the cost of hiring a coach, it is absolutely necessary, especially in the initial years of practice ownership. The speaker believes that being a dentist is only a small part of being a practice owner and stresses the need to be well-rounded and knowledgeable in various aspects of running a business.

By investing in a coach, practice owners can gain valuable guidance and support in navigating the challenges and complexities of owning a practice. A coach can provide insights, strategies, and expertise that can enhance the efficiency and success of the practice. They can assist with crucial decisions such as financial management, marketing strategies, team management, and growth opportunities.

Additionally, seeking advice on a business plan is highlighted as another beneficial step for practice owners. Developing a solid business plan is essential for setting goals, establishing a clear direction, and ensuring the long-term success of the practice. It involves careful consideration of financial projections, marketing strategies, operational plans, and risk management. Seeking advice from professionals or experts in the field can provide valuable insights and help refine the business plan to align with the specific goals and vision of the practice owner.

Overall, the episode emphasizes that investing in a coach and seeking advice on a business plan can greatly benefit practice owners by providing them with the necessary knowledge, guidance, and support to navigate the challenges and maximize the success of their practice.

Quotes

00:02:16 - "I'm going to do it. I'm not going to listen to anybody because there were plenty of people saying, look, it's a bad idea."
00:03:59 - "took off a little bit really, and it was out of control if I'm honest, because I just didn't have a clue how to manage the growth of it."
00:08:26 - "Yeah, I mean, I think that principle actually is transferable to lots of other businesses as well, you know, and I always say to my team, like, I'm working, but I'm not working in the business today, I'm working on the business."
00:09:05 - "Yeah, well, the irony is that we were like earning 10% profit from the NHS practice, you know, so we've moved over to the house next door, put the private squat in there."
00:14:35 - "Wow, patients used to be like super grateful and super humble about stuff because, you know, they didn't have so much choice."
00:15:01 - "small doesn't mean weak, you know, small just means you're nimble, and you take strength from in other areas."
00:18:23 - "I've got to the point now where like starting to do things for the right reasons, if you know what I mean."
00:23:35 - "It can be difficult working with your wife."
00:27:20 - "Being a dentist is probably the smallest part of being a practice owner."
00:29:11 - "Just don't be tempted to work hard and earn lots."
00:31:15 - "Bye bye bye bye bye for now."

Guest Bio

Dr. Dan Rogers is a dentist and the owner of Bamboo Cosmetic Dentistry. He started his dental practice in Cardiff, initially facing skepticism about his decision to buy a two-chair NHS practice. However, he was determined to make it work and focused on expanding private offerings. Through paid advertising and word-of-mouth, the practice quickly grew, leading him to expand into a neighbouring house and set up a private squad. Dr. Dan Rogers' ethos/philosophy is to provide value to his patients beyond just fixing their smiles. He wants to invest in technology to provide high-level services and move into wellness spaces. He also aims to provide content that his patients want to consume, offering more than just dental services and setting his practice apart from others in the same marketplace.