Running a dental practice isn’t just about clinical expertise—it’s also about leadership, business strategy, patient relationships, and team management. That’s where a dental coach comes in. A great dental coach doesn’t just offer motivational speeches—they provide tailored insight into how to grow your practice, lead your team, and make your day-to-day work more efficient and fulfilling. But choosing the right one can be tricky. Your ideal coach should understand dentistry and align with your values, goals, and challenges. Here’s how to make a smart, confident choice.
Look for Industry-Specific Experience
The best dental coaches understand the nuances of the dental profession—from patient flow and case acceptance to hygiene department performance and insurance systems. While general business coaches can offer useful advice, a coach with dental-specific experience will already know the language, pain points, and daily demands of the industry. Look for someone who has either worked in dentistry themselves or has a strong track record with dental clients. Their insights will be more relevant and immediately actionable.
Assess Their Coaching Philosophy and Method
Every coach brings a unique approach. Some focus heavily on systems and efficiency, while others center on communication, leadership, or culture. Ask how they structure their coaching sessions and what kind of results they typically aim for. Do they conduct in-person visits? Offer ongoing support? Provide training materials for your team?
Make sure their philosophy matches your practice’s values. If you want to build a patient-focused, boutique-style practice, a coach who emphasizes rapid expansion might not be the right fit. Likewise, if your goal is to scale aggressively, a coach focused on slow, steady growth may not meet your needs. Their method should enhance, not clash with, your vision.
Evaluate Communication Style and Personal Fit
The best coach-client relationships are built on trust and open communication. During your initial interactions, pay attention to how they listen, respond, and adapt to your concerns. A great dental coach should challenge you—but not talk over you. They should offer honest feedback without judgment and be able to communicate clearly with you and your staff.
Since coaching involves close, long-term collaboration, personal compatibility matters. If their style feels too aggressive, passive, or formulaic, keep looking. You want someone who energizes you and feels like a true partner, not just a consultant.
Ask for Results and References
A strong dental coach should have real-world results to share—whether that’s increased revenue, reduced staff turnover, higher treatment acceptance rates, or smoother daily operations. Ask for examples of past successes and don’t hesitate to request references from other dentists they’ve worked with. Talking to those peers can give you insight into what to expect and how the coach handled challenges specific to their practices.
Look for testimonials or case studies that reflect situations similar to yours. A coach who helped a single-location practice become more efficient may not be the right fit if you’re managing a multi-location group trying to scale.
Clarify the Scope, Cost, and Commitment
Coaching can be a significant investment, so make sure you fully understand what’s included. Will you be getting one-on-one time? Group training sessions for your team? Access to tools and resources? Monthly check-ins? On-site visits?
Some coaches offer monthly packages, while others work on a retainer or project basis. Make sure the price reflects the level of access and support you’ll receive. Also, be cautious of long-term contracts with no flexibility—especially if you’re not yet sure whether the coach is the right fit. A good coach will be upfront about expectations and value.