Author: Dr. David Goerig

Even in the best practices, there are times when a patient becomes upset. Sometimes it’s because treatment is more complex than anticipated, leading to longer appointments, follow-ups, or additional costs. While many patients accept these changes, others may react strongly to the unexpected.

There are also factors outside our control that can trigger frustration. Patients may be unhappy with insurance limitations, unclear about the reason for referral, or simply overwhelmed by the stress of pain and treatment. Whatever the cause, emotions can run high.

When this happens, I make it a priority to connect directly with the referring doctor. My goal is to ensure they are never caught off guard by a patient’s negative experience. I explain the situation clearly and share what steps I am taking next—whether it’s placing a follow-up call to the patient, scheduling them for additional care, or simply offering reassurance.

The way this message is delivered matters. I always keep the tone calm, factual, and supportive. Blame has no place in these conversations—not toward our practice, the referring doctor, or the patient. Often what appears like difficult behavior in our office may simply be heightened anxiety; meanwhile, that same patient could be one of the referring doctor’s most trusted and loyal patients.

Open and professional communication is more than a courtesy—it’s a trust-building practice. By keeping referrers fully informed and demonstrating care for both their patients and their relationships, we strengthen confidence in our partnership. Patients may face surprises in their treatment journey, but our referring doctors should never be surprised by how we handle them. 

Most endodontists average around four cases completed per day. When I tell them it’s possible to complete six, eight, or more cases in a single day without compromising quality, the first reaction is often one of doubt. “Maybe six,” they might suggest tentatively.

But doctors who have experienced this level of performance know the truth: once you’re doing six cases efficiently and predictably, eight becomes realistic. And when eight becomes your new norm, more than eight no longer feels out of reach. 

For most people, there’s an invisible limit that defines what you believe is possible based entirely on where you’re currently standing. Your systems, habits, mindset, and past experiences all shape that view. But as your capabilities grow, your perspective expands—and suddenly, what once seemed impossible becomes visible, within reach, and eventually a natural part of your daily reality.

The key is that this isn’t about working harder or longer. It’s about building a smarter, more optimized practice. With the right clinical systems, refined scheduling strategies, a well-trained team, and a commitment to efficient workflows, you can elevate both your productivity and the patient experience. A high-performance practice isn’t just about numbers—it’s about delivering great care productively with less stress and greater satisfaction.

It’s also sustainable. In fact, doctors who make this shift often find themselves with more energy, more time for leadership, and a renewed passion for the specialty. The growth of the practice becomes aligned with the growth of the doctor—professionally and personally.

But growth doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vision. At least once a year, you should ask yourself: Where do I want to be in five years? What do I want my practice and my life to look like? What specific goals will I pursue in the next year to get there? These questions are essential for intentional, meaningful progress.

To answer them powerfully, you need to step out of your current daily routine and into a journey filled with clarity, inspiration, and support to reach your next level. That’s the great advantage that Endo Mastery gives our coaching clients: Your next level is not only possible, but also achievable when you believe it and commit to it.