By Dr. Rumit Desai, Principal Dentist & Owner at Belmont Park Dental Care
Ten years ago, I took over a small dental practice in Belmont. At the time, I thought I was stepping into a clinical role with a bit more responsibility. In reality, I was stepping into dental practice leadership, entrepreneurship, and a decade of unexpected lessons. Here’s what I’ve learned about people, dentistry, and the quiet complexities of managing dental practice growth and building a successful dental business.
1. Culture Shapes Everything
Building a strong team culture in dentistry is just as important as clinical skills. A dental practice isn’t defined solely by its equipment or procedures—but by how people feel when they walk through the door. A patient-focused dental careenvironment sets the tone for success—from the front desk to the dental chair.
2. Creating a Learning Culture Uplifts Everyone
When continuous learning for dentists and teamwork are woven into the daily rhythm, everyone grows—from the newest trainee to the most experienced clinician. Sharing knowledge, encouraging questions, and celebrating each other’s wins raises the dental care standards for our patients and strengthens the team bond.
3. Trust Is Everything
Doing the right thing for patients, every time, is non-negotiable. Patients appreciate honesty and integrity, and this ethical dental practice builds loyalty and retention—ultimately growing a reputation that money can’t buy. Building trust in dental care is the foundation of success.
4. You Can’t Please Everyone
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in dental practice management is that leadership often means making tough decisions—and not everyone will agree with them. That’s okay. My responsibility is to grow the practice in line with our vision and values, even if that means not every team member will always be on board.
5. Mentorship Accelerates Success
Although I never had a formal mentor myself, I’ve realised—especially while growing the dentists at the practice—that having someone to look up to and learn from makes the path to success much faster. Mentorship in dentistry helps you see what’s possible, navigate challenges, and gain invaluable insights.
6. Continuous Learning: Business and Clinical
Over the last 10 years, I’ve advanced my clinical skills—especially in implant dentistry training—but the biggest learning curve has been shifting from being “just a dentist” to a true dental business management role. Understanding numbers, managing growth, leading a team, and building systems has taken more time (and energy) than learning any new clinical technique.
7. The Power of a Peer Group
One of the key factors in my growth—clinical, business, and personal—has been surrounding myself with people who also want to grow, or who are further ahead than me. A supportive dental peer group not only shows you what’s possible but also actively encourages you to aim higher. It’s a place to bounce ideas, share challenges, and genuinely help each other grow.
8. Investment in the Practice Is Key
Modernising the practice—investing in the latest dental technology like iTero scanners and CBCT scanners—has been crucial to staying ahead of the curve and delivering the best possible patient care. Technology is an investment, not a cost, and is essential for running a modern dental practice.
9. Burnout is Real: You Can’t Work 24/7
For years, I was afraid to take holidays, worried the practice might slip. This led to two episodes of dentist burnout—far worse for both the business and my personal life. Now, I prioritise work-life balance for dentists by planning and blocking time off in my diary for the following year.
10. Don’t Wait to Show Up Online
Embracing social media for dental practices is new for me and I used to avoid it. It felt awkward, unnecessary. But the truth is: our patients are there, and our future team members are there too. Online marketing for dentists is an essential part of building a dental brand in today’s world.
Final Thoughts
These ten lessons have shaped who I am as a dentist, a leader, and a business owner. They’ve also shaped Belmont Park Dental Care into the practice it is today—a place where patients feel valued, staff feel supported, and innovation is constant. Whether you’re building team culture in a dental practice, investing in dental technology, or learning to navigate dental practice leadership.
