Because my training in dentistry was so specific, I have no other skills.

Have you thought that before? I have, and I hear that all the time from other dentists! I thought it for much of my career. This thinking kept me stuck for years. It made me believe that I had no creativity and no options. Over time, I learned that this belief wasn’t true at all. After working with a career coach, getting therapy, and doing a lot of personal development, one day it hit me like a ton of bricks! I suddenly realized the truth:

Dentistry is hard. Most people can’t do what we do. If I can do this, I can do anything!

We have a lot of skills that we learn in school and in practice. We must become great communicators, team leaders, customer service representatives, time management experts, and more. We do so much that builds skills that we can transfer to other work. Though we don’t often see it, many of us are entrepreneurs. I know owning or running a dental practice doesn’t feel very entrepreneurial, but it is. We may not feel like Mark Cuban or Elon Musk, but we are running a business. Just because it seems so standard and straightforward, does not make it less entrepreneurial.

We have the skills. We just need to use our creativity and love for solving problems and apply it elsewhere.

We can look around and notice what problems we want to solve or what services people need. This mindset is exactly what helps dentists get into action. Some of us can naturally transfer our creativity, and others need a little encouragement.

My friend, Len Tau, is a natural.

You probably know him, but if you don’t, Len is known as “The Reviews Doctor.” He saw a need, and he went for it. He built a business around marketing and Google reviews! Len developed a business that helps practices maximize their online reputation, marketing, and social media strategies. Along the way, he also discovered a love for public speaking. He regularly travels the country sharing his marketing brilliance and passion for practice growth with others. You might be wondering what other super powers Len has. Well, he also has a popular podcast!

And guess what? He still enjoys practicing dentistry too. Len has used his creativity and his skills to design his career on his terms.

Edit July 18, 2023: Dr. Len Teu has since left clinical dentistry behind and exclusively works in non-clinical dentistry roles.

If you don’t feel like you have the natural creativity to tap into your great skill and experience, don’t worry. The more you surround yourself with others who have this opportunity mindset, the more you’ll see it. Trust me. It’s contagious. I look forward to interviewing Len on my blog someday soon, so you can learn from him. But for now, you’ll have to find him on his podcast.

Oh, and you’ve probably figured out by now that he interviewed me recently, so go have a listen!

Check out our discussion for more inspiration and the knowledge that you can design your career too.