5 Traits of Exceptional Dental Practices

Darrell's Insights from Over 30 Years in the Industry

After working closely with dental practices for decades, I’ve had the unique opportunity to observe what makes some dental practices not just good but truly exceptional. It’s the little things that often make the biggest difference — the daily habits and practices that set the best offices apart.

I began my career here at Berkeley Dental Laboratory in 1992. Looking back now, I'm so grateful that I started in an entry level position, because it gave me the chance to do the daily pickup and deliveries. Today, I still regularly visit our dental offices. Having our daily face to face interactions with my doctors and their teams, has given me a firsthand look at what contributes to a successful practice. I want to share five traits that I’ve seen in the most successful and patient-focused dental practices.

1. A Culture of Caring for the Patient

At the heart of every great practice is a genuine culture of care. These practices go beyond just treating dental issues — they truly care for the well-being of their patients. The doctors and staff consistently make patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable. This culture of care is what creates a loyal patient base and sets the tone for every interaction in the office. When patients feel cared for, they are more likely to stay loyal and recommend the practice to others.

2. A Positive and Professional Front Office

Having visited so many dental practices throughout my career, I've always believed that you can tell a lot about a dental practice based on how you are greeted when you walk in. The front office sets the stage for the patient experience. Practices with warm, welcoming, and professional front office staff create an atmosphere where patients feel valued and at ease. A friendly face and helpful attitude can alleviate a lot of anxiety that patients might feel when visiting the dentist. It’s no surprise that the practices with the best front office teams are the ones that keep patients coming back.

3. Doctors Who Are Involved and In Touch with Their Practice

The most successful dental practices I’ve worked with have doctors who are actively involved in their team and their patients. These doctors don’t just hide in their offices or rush between appointments — they are engaged with their staff, taking the time to mentor, support and build rapport with their patients, their team and their lab partners. A doctor who is truly in touch with their practice sets the standard for patient care and creates a cohesive, motivated team and maintains a great relationship with their dental lab.

4. Organized Scheduling

I’ve noticed that dental practices with well-organized schedules are the ones that run the smoothest. These practices ensure that they are considerate when scheduling patient appointments and with the working time of the cases they send to the lab. They allow enough time for the lab to do quality work, ensure timely follow-ups, and avoid last-minute rushes that can disrupt both the lab and the practice. Organization on the schedule side of things translates into better patient care, fewer errors, and a much calmer environment in the office.

5. Attention to Detail

Finally, exceptional dental practices pay attention to every detail. From the quality of their impressions to the way they communicate with their lab, detail-oriented practices always get the best results. When we receive high-quality impressions with complete and accurate Rx instructions, it allows us to craft restorations that results in the best possible outcome for our patients. 

These are the five traits I’ve seen consistently in practices that really stand out. These may seem like small things, but they make all the difference when it comes to building trust, creating lasting relationships with patients, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside such dedicated professionals. If there’s anything we can do to support your practice, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you deliver the best care possible for your patients.

Thanks for being part of our family here at Berkeley Dental Laboratory, and I look forward to continuing our partnership!