DR. ACE GOERIG
OWNER & CO-FOUNDER DDS, MS, ABE Diplomate
Dental school trains us to be clinicians, not entrepreneurs. Yet nearly every dentist also becomes a business owner by necessity. Too often, doctors focus primarily on the clinical side of practice while leaving business opportunities untapped. The result? Many end up working in their own practices like employees instead of owners—missing out on the freedom and rewards true ownership can bring.
Why the ownership mindset matters
The key shift begins with recognizing that your practice is more than a place for patient care—it’s a business engine. This engine transforms the expertise and energy of you and your team into profitability. Importantly, profitability is not at odds with quality care. In fact, financial health enables clinical excellence. A stressed, distracted, and burned-out doctor cannot deliver their best. A profitable practice, on the other hand, creates stability, focus, and longevity.
Building a practice that works for you
When structured correctly, an endodontic practice can deliver an extraordinary life—professionally and personally. Owners who embrace both the art and science of business management unlock powerful advantages:
- The freedom to design your work schedule and lifestyle.
- The ability to continually grow the value of your time.
- The opportunity to build wealth that extends well beyond the chair.
Think of your practice like a long-term investment. Just as real estate owners don’t sell their properties when they retire, practice owners can create a lasting financial asset. Over time, more of the clinical work can be delegated to associates, while the owner continues to benefit from the business with minimal hands-on involvement.
Taking the next step
For many doctors, the idea of bringing on associates is the biggest hurdle. Concerns about control, patient trust, referral relationships, and team dynamics often hold them back. But just like any other business decision, success comes from having the right systems and a long-term plan in place.
If you’ve been considering whether it’s time to take this step, remember that ownership is a journey and every stage opens new possibilities. With guidance, planning, and proven strategies, you can expand your practice while protecting your values—and set yourself up for the kind of professional freedom that makes dentistry deeply rewarding.
At Endo Mastery, our coaches specialize in helping doctors navigate this journey, ensuring you grow not only as a clinician but also as a confident, thriving practice owner.