M. E. Gerber, A. K. Hing, C. Barrow. Michael E. Gerber Companies price £14.84; pp 220 ISBN

9781618350251

The E-myth dentist – why most practices don't work and what to do about it by Michael E. Gerber, undertakes to fill the knowledge gap created by universities where dentists are left with no formal training in business. It aims to give the reader a complete toolkit for either starting a successful practice or maximising an existing practice's financial performance. Thus, the target audience are principal dentists or anyone looking to become a principal dentist.

The beginning of the book makes it clear that although the average dentist may well possess the resources to provide a great dental service, they rarely possess the ability to run a successful small business from the outset.

The main theme of the book was introduced early on: developing the ability to shift ones thinking from tactical thinking (working 'in' your business) to strategic thinking (working 'on' your business). The eventual goal of strategic thinking was to create a 'turn-key' system, where the principal does not need to be present for continual growth and financial success.

At last, here was the book that was about to deliver the dream!

The middle chapters of the book were all very informative but I found the chapter dealing with money the most useful. Plain language and simple scenarios were used to explain ıncome, profit, flow and equity. The book retains engagement by including chapters written by co-authors Alan Kwong Hing and Chris Barrow. Their experiences and ideas are very insightful.

The book took a fascinating turn towards the end. The psychology behind the development of leadership and the different types of leadership was examined before being developed into the psychology behind taking action, confronting fear and implementing changes to produce consistent success. Creating a story about your practice was something I had never really considered. The idea that this can then become the heart of the practice and then a unique selling point to patients I thought was very interesting.

In conclusion, this book provides all the necessary tools for success in practice. It helps make you take the sanctity of time seriously, blocking time for entrepreneurial work yet still enjoy a life-work balance. It gives refreshing, ethical and relevant advice and is loaded with innovative ways to create a thriving dental business.