Brush: proven strategies to make you and your dental business shine

  • J. Goolnik
UK: Bow Lane Limited price £12.99; pp 210 ISBN 9780956833204 | ISBN: 978-0-9568-3320-4

I first read this book over two different sittings at a leisurely pace. It is by no means a difficult read and is packed with lots of different tips and hints. It is insightful, full of practical wisdom, perhaps giving the reader a different perspective on how they might adapt their own dental practice or equally, if a performer, to think to the future about the type of dentistry they might offer.

The author is open enough to talk about both his personal and professional life; his time as an associate initially and about how this has led him to becoming the founder and CEO of Bow Lane Dental Group in the City of London.

Any business faces challenges, not always predictable, and the author certainly shows in his book that it is important to be able to adapt to the situation that presents.

He is innovative and not afraid to think outside the box but is also honest enough to share with the reader not only his successes but also the few failures he has had. I find this commendable, as in my own personal experience I have certainly learnt more from my failures than my triumphs.

The structure of the book is such that it is laid out in a logical format, the reader can easily dip in and out with clear headings at the start of each chapter and 'Brush strokes' at the end. These 'Brush strokes' are brilliant and do really try to encourage the reader to engage.

The book is current and at the time of writing, 2011, even talks about the potential impact of CQC in this ever increasing regulatory environment. It takes into account advances in technology and the importance of using the internet for advertising, through websites and social networking sites, in this modern era which is ever more competitive.

Goolnik talks through his philosophy on recruitment retention and reward of staff; after all this is an important aspect in a business which is so heavily dependent on relationships both with staff and patients.

I particularly enjoyed reading the chapters on clinical trends and what the future holds. In both of these chapters the author talks about what is currently happening within dentistry and how he feels different aspects of dentistry will transpire moving forward.

In short, I feel this book caters to clinicians wherever they are in their career, and is a welcome addition to the library.