In this episode of The Best Practices Show, Kirk and the ACT Dental team speak with one of their favorite clients, Dr. Kevin Groth. Kevin talks about his time working with ACT Dental and how they have coached him as a young dentist. Over the course of the conversation, Kevin describes what it is like being fresh in private practice, the growing pains of a newbie, and how to leverage your connections into mentors to grow as an individual.

Only newly into his thirties, Kevin displays great character and resolve for someone so young. Having spent time with the ACT team, Kevin talks about how each of them contributed to his development as a dentist in meaningful ways. But all of them, he says, exhibit a few like traits that any young professional can take heed to model for themselves. Kevin lists a fearlessness, a passion for continuing to learn, and a desire to work hard as key motivators.

But perhaps most valuable to the young dentist is the power and magnitude of being mentored by great people. It’s by being coachable—and being determined about it—that you can access the kind of teaching that’s most consistent with the goals and vision for your practice and your life.

Finally, Kevin cannot harp on this enough, you need to understand what it is you want out of your career. Without a grasp on this, it is impossible to chart a path forward. But in all of the striving there are two key things to keep in mind, and they are lessons that Kevin has held onto dearly. The first is a poignant quote from Kirk, that "the happiest people have the simplest lives". And the second is that "having the freedom to do what you want with your time is the greatest luxury, and we should not forsake that in the moment". Kevin shares a brief story of walking up a path with his daughter and how he didn’t want that moment to end. It’s a profound discovery to find meaning in the small things, but Kevin and the team urge a sense of purpose, and for that purpose to drive you in everything you do.

Main Takeaways:

The older generation needs to know that millennials are jaded.

Millennials don’t want to kill themselves for a retirement life: they want to enjoy their lives now.

Five characteristics of the dentists at the top of their game:

1) They started their careers out of dental school without anything.

2) They are all passionate about continuing education.

3) They actually apply knowledge learned.

4) They all have had amazing mentors.

5) They all have an amazing work ethic.

Do not let fear dictate your ability to be the best and provide the best care.

You don’t have to start out being great—look for lessons and be willing to learn.

Get as much experience—from a variety of sources—as you possibly can.

You have to make the hard decisions that will allow your practice to sync up with your vision.

Engage in discussions where you promote vulnerability, so that people can learn.

Emphasize what you want to spell out the direction going forward.

There isn’t a mentorship booth—you have to seek them out.

You can inspire people with small gestures, like a thank you note or a beloved book.

You have to pursue the mentors.

Quotes:

“My main concern was my team.” (5:30)

“I think millennials are going to change the way we do things.” (11:00)

“I was really intentional about picking up as much as possible from all these different practices.” (14:30)

“Just take the action and start—don’t be afraid to fail.” (17:45)

“It’s okay to let a toddler fall. The best teachers allow those moments to happen.” (20:15)

“Education is everything, but you have to structure what you want to learn, too.” (25:00)

“The happiest people I know have the simplest lives.” (26:20)

“Falling in love with perfection is dangerous. The important thing is excellence.” (30:30)

“Ask a...