Thriving vs Surviving: Defining Success in Your Practice

Running a dental practice is no small feat. Whether you're an owner-dentist or a team member, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the daily grind. The challenge often lies in distinguishing between merely surviving and truly thriving. So, how do you know where your practice stands? And more importantly, how can you move from survival mode to a flourishing practice? Defining success is the way to go!

Understanding the Difference: Thriving vs. Surviving

Surviving means getting through the day-to-day tasks, meeting patient needs, and keeping the practice afloat. It might mean long hours, constant stress, and a feeling of stagnation. On the other hand, thriving involves growth, passion, and a sense of fulfillment. It's about creating a practice that not only sustains but also inspires and drives both the team and the community.

But here's the catch: thriving looks different for every practice. For some, it’s about increasing revenue to open new operatories. For others, it’s about cutting back on hours to spend more time with family while maintaining profitability.

Defining Success

To determine whether you're thriving or just surviving, you need to ask yourself: What does success look like for my practice? Start by defining your core values and vision. This isn't just about numbers—it's about purpose. Why did you become a dentist? Why did you open your own practice? What kind of life do you want your practice to support?

Once you've established your vision, communicate it clearly to your team. When everyone understands the goal, it becomes easier to work together toward thriving.

Real-Life Example

Take, for instance, a dentist and his husband who took over a rural practice. Initially, they were in survival mode—managing a team with internal conflicts and struggling to maintain motivation. After defining their success as building a community-focused, supportive practice, everything changed.

They involved their team in leadership development and instilled core values that aligned with their vision. As a result, their practice transformed into a thriving, community-centered space. They grew from a small office to a 16,000-square-foot facility, not because they needed more patients, but because they wanted to better serve their community.

How to Shift from Surviving to Thriving

1. Define Success: Clearly articulate what thriving looks like for you. Is it financial stability, community impact, or a balanced work-life environment?

2. Set Goals with Your Team: Involve your team in goal-setting and leadership development. When everyone understands the purpose, they’re more motivated to achieve it.

3. Align Core Values: Make sure your core values reflect your vision. Discuss with your team how they can live out those values in daily practice.

4. Create a Supportive Culture: Invest in leadership training and personal development. A motivated and empowered team is essential for growth.

5. Measure and Reflect: Regularly assess where you stand. Are you still aligned with your vision? Are your actions leading toward your goals?

The difference between thriving and surviving often comes down to clarity and purpose. Defining success, communicating it to your team, and setting actionable goals will make a real difference. Whether your dream is to expand into a massive facility or maintain a small, balanced practice, the key is to know what you’re aiming for and to take intentional steps toward it.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to move forward, the Dental A Team is here to help. Schedule a call!

Remember, thriving is not just about financial success—it's about building a practice that aligns with your life goals and brings fulfillment to you and your team. You deserve to thrive, and with the right mindset and strategy, you absolutely can!