Bulletproof Dental Practice Podcast Episode 49 Hosts: Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak Guest: Dr. Christian Coachman, founder of Digital Smile Design (DSD) Watch the full video of the interview by clicking here! Key Takeaways: The world is moving at a very rapid pace, and it’s each of our responsibility to roll with the change and grow to meet the expanding demands of our patients. Millennials aren’t looking for great products, they’re looking for great experiences. Marketing in dentistry has changed. People now expect a story of what they’re going to experience. You can no longer rely solely on being the best at doing dentistry, you’ve got to be able to connect with patients and show them what’s in it for them. Being good and doing decent dentistry is an obligation, but is not the only thing you need to do to be successful. The human brain has evolved to listen to stories. Make your patient the hero and the guide. The first step in telling your story is to open the communication channels and connect with the emotional side of people’s brains. There are 3 stages to presenting treatment plans with patients; gaining emotional permission, discussing problems, then explaining treatment plan. The DSD concept is about everything to be understood in regard to running a successful practice. DSD focuses on process within patient’s 1st and 2nd appointments; intake, analysis, smile design, treatment planning, treatment presentation, case acceptance, online marketing, and more. Dentists who want to own and operate their own practices are going to need to develop business and marketing skills, because your primary competitor will be a corporation. In order to change and grow with the business of dentistry, first we need awareness about what is coming. Then DSD educations about four moments; design, plan, sell, and perform.   References: Digital Smile Design Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller   Tweetables: “The good guys in dentistry are focused on adding value for patients.” Dr. Craig Spodak “Change is always a constant, growth is optional.” Dr. Craig Spodak “This is a great moment for ambitious people.” Dr. Christian Coachman “Millennials aren’t looking for great products, they’re looking for great experiences.” Dr. Christian Coachman “Storytelling is the biggest skill for this new era.” Dr. Christian Coachman “There’s a point of diminishing returns when it comes to just learning the clinical.” Dr. Peter Boulden “If the patient doesn’t see what’s in it for them – you lose.” Dr. Peter Boulden “When we do dentistry right, we’re helping people.” Dr. Craig Spodak “Everything happens slowly until it’s sudden.” Dr. Craig Spodak