Dentistry is changing, and with more pressure, comparison, and noise in the profession, it can be easy for dentists to lose sight of what they actually want from their careers. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Dr. Mitch Hopkins, a Kansas City dentist and mentor, about building a practice around your own definition of success. They discuss finding fulfillment in everyday dentistry, creating a schedule that supports your life, building the right team and culture, connecting with the right patients, and developing the skills and confidence needed for a long career.
If you want to create a practice that reflects who you are without getting caught up in what everyone else is doing, listen to Episode 1107 of The Best Practices Show!
Main Takeaways:
- Dentists need to define the kind of practice, schedule, dentistry, and lifestyle they want instead of allowing outside expectations to define success for them.
- Becoming highly skilled at everyday dentistry can build confidence, increase professional satisfaction, and create a foundation for more complex treatment.
- A practice schedule can be designed around personal priorities when the dentist is willing to establish boundaries and operate efficiently.
- A strong practice culture depends on hiring people who fit the desired environment and developing a team that understands and supports the dentist’s philosophy of care.
- Marketing should communicate the practice’s expertise, personality, patient relationships, and ability to provide meaningful solutions rather than focusing primarily on technology.
- Dentists should continually reevaluate their priorities as their careers and lives change, including how they approach health, stress, time, and professional longevity.
- Younger dentists can benefit from slowing down, improving their clinical skills, learning to communicate effectively with patients, and allowing their careers to develop over time.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Dentistry is changing and writing your own ticket
01:17 Introducing Dr. Mitch Hopkins
02:47 Finding fulfillment and confidence in dentistry
05:47 Defining the practice and lifestyle you actually want
09:01 Building a schedule around your priorities
11:39 Reassessing goals and creating career longevity
14:00 Keeping the team small and protecting practice culture
18:40 Differentiating your practice through better marketing
23:24 Building a new practice space and entering the next chapter
25:35 Advice for frustrated and uncertain younger dentists
28:28 Final thoughts and how to connect with Dr. Hopkins
Guest Bio:
Dr. Mitchell R. Hopkins earned his DDS from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2008 after completing his bachelor’s degree in biological science at Kansas State University. He has owned private practices in Colorado and Kansas City and is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.
Committed to advanced restorative, esthetic, and implant dentistry, Dr. Hopkins invests extensively in continuing education and collaboration with leading clinicians. He also serves as resident faculty with Clinical Mastery in Dallas, where he teaches and mentors dentists in cosmetic and comprehensive restorative dentistry.
Dr. Hopkins lives in the Kansas City area with his wife, Hillary, and their three children. Outside the office, he enjoys staying active and anything that gets him moving.
Episode Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhopkinsdds
https://www.hopkinsdentalhealth.com/
More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:
