A Journey from Prosthodontist to Dental Coach: Sharing 53 Years of Wisdom
After dedicating 53 years to the art and science of dentistry, I’ve transitioned from clinical practice to dental coaching and mentoring. Yet, my passion for the field remains as strong as ever. My journey began humbly as a general dentist, eventually leading me to Boston for three transformative years of specialist prosthodontist training. Upon returning to South Africa, I opened a private prosthodontic practice—a chapter of my life that fills me with immense pride. The fine dentistry I offered helped countless patients achieve better dental health.
Beyond the chair, I was deeply involved in teaching at universities and lecturing at dental meetings. This work earned me recognition from my peers for competence, expertise, and knowledge. My career allowed me to change many lives by focusing on long-term dental health. By offering personalized care and educating patients on maintaining healthy habits, I helped them achieve lasting results—often transforming their confidence and overall well-being.
As I reflect on my career, I sometimes wish I had the mentorship and coaching that I now offer when I first started over 50 years ago. My journey was one of trial and error, but those experiences became the foundation of my success. Fresh from training, I was filled with knowledge and enthusiasm but lacked the practical wisdom needed to navigate the complexities of starting a practice. There was no mentor to guide me through those early critical decisions. As a result, I made countless mistakes—mistakes that could have been avoided with the right support. That experience drives my passion today: to be the guide for others, helping them avoid the pitfalls I encountered and set themselves up for success from day one.
In dental school, we were taught to master the technical aspects of our profession—to diagnose and treat with competence. However, very little emphasis was placed on the business side of dentistry:
– Effective patient communication
– Financial management
– Strategic business planning
Dentistry is not just about clinical skill—it’s also a business. We have to make a living, provide for retirement, and stay updated with modern technology and instruments. The ability to build strong relationships with patients, manage a practice efficiently, and make informed business decisions are just as vital to a thriving career. This realization came to me through experience, and it’s a lesson I wish I had learned earlier. It’s now a cornerstone of what I teach as a coach—helping others balance the art and science of dentistry with the practicalities of running a successful practice.
There came a point in my career when I realized that despite my technical proficiency and years of experience, I had reached a plateau. I recognized that to truly excel, I had to raise my level both as a clinician and as a business owner. This realization led me to seek out coaching and mentorship to push past my limitations and expand my skills. Embracing this growth mindset transformed my career, and it’s what drives me now to help others do the same.
If you’re ready to elevate your practice, overcome obstacles, and unlock your full potential, I invite you to reach out. Let’s embark on this journey together with personalized coaching and mentorship tailored to your unique needs. Contact me today, and let’s begin transforming your practice and your career.
Contact Information
– Email: info@prodentalcoach.com
– WhatsApp: 0833912281