Episode #99: Dr. Erick Block Discusses Innovation and Practice Growth in Dentistry

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Erick Block: Dr. Erick Block is a seasoned dentist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has authored five books, including "The Stress-Free Dentist," "Stress-Free Dental Implants," and "Stress-Free Entrepreneur," focusing on overcoming burnout, dental implantology, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Block has built a reputation for embracing innovative treatments and technologies such as low-level laser therapy. He also runs a coaching organization called the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches, connecting dental professionals with life coaches. In his spare time, Dr. Block enjoys family life with his wife, two children, and their new puppy, Bandit.

Episode Summary:

In this exciting episode of the Laser Light Show, hosts Dr. Chad Woolner and Dr. Andrew Wells sit down for a third time with the dynamic Dr. Erick Block. Known for his innovative approach in dentistry and his enlightening books, Dr. Block dives deep into how he has revitalized his practice and professional joy. Boasting 20 years of dental experience, he shares his journey of transitioning to a fully fee-for-service practice, the hurdles and triumphs that came with it, and how it has positively impacted both patient care and his own career satisfaction.

Dr. Block further discusses the adoption of low-level laser therapy in his practice. He emphasizes its benefits, not only in reducing postoperative pain and aiding in conditions like TMJ but also in its innovative application within veterinary concerns, such as his own puppy's post-surgery recovery. Through his lens, Dr. Block also highlights the pervasive challenge of burnout in dentistry and shares profound strategies he uses to keep his practice exciting and patient-focused.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition to Fee-for-Service: Dr. Block discusses the leap to a fully fee-for-service practice and its financial and personal benefits.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy Integration: Insight into the varied applications of low-level lasers, from dental uses to unique veterinary cases.
• Overcoming Burnout: Strategies on how stepping away from insurance-driven models and embracing innovation can stave off professional burnout.
• Continuous Learning & Innovation: The significance of continually adopting new technologies and techniques in keeping a practice both profitable and personally fulfilling.
• Professional and Personal Balance: Dr. Block’s methods of balancing a full-time dental career with family life and multiple entrepreneurial ventures.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The stress won't break me, that it's a marathon, not a sprint, is really the mantra." - Dr. Erick Block
2. "Using low-level laser, you know, you're not going to hurt anyone. You can't even feel it if it's, you know, if it's on your hand." - Dr. Erick Block
3. "I'm always looking for problems to solve. And if it's something I'm interested in, I invest in dental companies, innovative startups." - Dr. Erick Block
4. "As long as you're using it, then, and you're looking forward to using it, it makes you enjoy going to work every day." - Dr. Erick Block
5. "I understood that this is just kind of how I'm wired, I'm more introverted… Team extroverted introvert." - Dr. Erick Block

Resources:

• Books by Dr. Erick Block:
• The Stress-Free Dentist
• Stress-Free Dental Implants
• Stress-Free Entrepreneur
• My Leftover Dino Nuggets
• Stress-Free Next Level Dentistry
• International Academy of Dental Life Coaches: A platform connecting dental professionals to life coaches, founded by Dr. Erick Block.

Listeners, we hope you enjoyed this insightful discussion with Dr. Erick Block. For more thought-provoking conversations and expert insights, be sure to tune into future episodes of the Laser Light Show. Don't forget to subscribe, review, and share the podcast!