Trust – A Cornerstone in Your Practice

July 18, 2023 North Shetter DDS

In a world driven by media hype and often false narratives, how can we convey, and deliver, that we are a trusted resource and provider of care? The answer is worth contemplating.

Slick websites and media ads may drive patients to contact your office but they are only a tiny fraction of what is needed for someone to schedule an office visit or commit to allowing you to physically intervene with care on their behalf. A far better resource is the recommendation of an existing client. But even that is only a crack in the door to the development of trust.

Dr. L. D. Pankey often used the phrase “Know yourself. Know your patient. Know your work.” In other words, are you trustworthy? Is your patient able to express the outcome they are looking for so you can help facilitate their health? Are you the right provider, and is this the right time? Are you capable and competent to deliver the desired outcome?

Our client’s sense of trust will be built from a series of experiences. Some items we can control; others we cannot. We can’t control their prior life and dental experience. We have an impact on, but cannot really control what others say about our office or our skills. We can control our behavioral skills and level of accountability. We can create a client experience that allows for the development of a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. This will require a philosophy shared with our team that is implemented at every point of client contact. If we want our clients to trust us, we must be worthy of trust. We must have mutual trust in our team and among team members. When this situation exists there is an unspoken aura that exists within your business. We don’t have to talk about it because our clients can feel it.

Creation of a climate of trust in our office takes time and effort. The return on the investment is lower stress for everyone involved, and the elimination of having to sell dentistry or worry about third parry concerns controlling patient decisions. Cost will always be an issue for some patients. However, in a trust based relationship we can find ways to overcome that barrier. Some people will not choose to trust and should be guided to another office. For those who choose to participate in a trust-driven relationship, we will be able to provide care, skill, and judgment that will be satisfying to all involved.


Discover more of the Pankey Philosophy and learn how to build a thriving dental practice with The Essentials Series. This comprehensive 4-part course starts with Essentials 1, diving deep into the core principles that will transform your approach to patient care and practice management. Trust is a cornerstone in building strong patient relationships, and The Essentials Series will equip you with the knowledge and skills to establish trust from the very first interaction.

🌟 Trust. Transform. Thrive. The Essentials Series awaits you! 🌟
Click here for more information and to get started.

Related Course

E2: Occlusal Appliances & Equilibration

DATE: February 9 2025 @ 8:00 am - February 13 2025 @ 2:30 pm

Location: The Pankey Institute

CE HOURS: 44

Dentist Tuition: $ 7400

Single Occupancy with Ensuite Private Bath (per night): $ 345

THIS COURSE IS SOLD OUT What if you had one tool that increased comprehensive case acceptance, managed patients with moderate to high functional risk, verified centric relation and treated signs…

Learn More>

About Author

User Image
North Shetter DDS

Dr Shetter attended the University of Detroit Mercy where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1972. He then entered the U. S. Army and provided dental care at Ft Bragg, NC for the 82nd Airborne and Special Forces. In late 1975 he and his wife Jan moved to Menominee, MI and began private practice. He now is the senior doctor in a three doctor small group practice. Dr. Shetter has studied extensively at the Pankey Institute, been co-director of a Seattle Study Club branch in Green Bay WI where he has been a mentor to several dental offices. He has been a speaker for the Seattle Study Club. He has postgraduate training in orthodontics, implant restorative procedures, sedation and sleep disordered breathing. His practice is focused on fee for service, outcomes based dentistry. Marina Cove Consulting LLC is his effort to help other dentists discover emotional and economic success and deliver the highest standard of care they are capable of.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

FIND A PANKEY DENTIST OR TECHNICIAN

I AM A
I AM INTERESTED IN

VIEW COURSE CALENDAR