When you signed up to be a dentist, you probably didn’t picture late-night leadership dilemmas, hiring headaches, or wondering how to motivate your team after yet another Monday filled with no-shows.
But here you are, not just a clinician, but a CEO.
Running a dental practice means wearing all the hats: technician, manager, leader, and vision-caster. And let’s be honest, leadership can feel like the heaviest crown of all.
That’s where this list comes in.
I’ve curated five TED Talks that I believe every dental practice owner should watch. They’re bite-sized, actionable, and packed with insight—especially if you’re craving growth, clarity, or a little inspiration to reboot your leadership style.
Think of it as a mini masterclass in dental business coaching, delivered in less time than it takes to finish a hygiene check.
1. “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” by Simon Sinek
The idea: Start with why, because people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.
Why it matters to dentists: If your team isn’t rallying behind your vision or your patients aren’t sticking around, it could be that your “why” has gotten fuzzy. Sinek’s talk is a masterclass in clarifying purpose and igniting passion.
Key takeaway: Clarify the purpose of your dental practice (beyond fillings and floss). When your team believes in your mission, they’ll show up more engaged, and so will your patients.
2. “Lead in an Era of Constant Change” by Jim Hemerling
The idea: Change doesn’t have to be exhausting if it’s people-centered.
Why it matters to dentists: From shifts in insurance to new technology and post-pandemic expectations, the dental world is constantly evolving. Hemerling outlines five strategies to lead through change without exhausting everyone.
Key takeaway: Your practice culture needs to be as adaptable as your treatment plans. Great dental leaders don’t just react to change; they plan for it, lead through it, and keep people at the center.
3. “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown
The idea: Vulnerability is not weakness, it’s the birthplace of trust and innovation.
Why it matters to dentists: Dental coaching clients often tell me, “I have to have all the answers.” Spoiler alert: You don’t. Pretending erodes trust. Brown’s talk invites us to lead from authenticity, not perfection.
Key takeaway: When you model openness and courage, your team will follow suit. Vulnerability fosters loyalty and breaks the fear-based silence that stifles accountability.
4. “What It Takes to Be a Great Leader” by Roselinde Torres
The idea: The leadership skills of yesterday won’t cut it tomorrow.
Why it matters to dentists: If your idea of leadership is still “be the smartest person in the room,” you’re not leading—you’re managing. Torres lays out what modern leadership really requires: vision, courage, and a willingness to rethink everything.
Key takeaway: The best dental leaders anticipate, challenge convention, and surround themselves with people who think differently. Leadership is a muscle—this talk will help you train it.
5. “Dare to Disagree” by Margaret Heffernan
The idea: Conflict isn’t the enemy; silence is.
Why it matters to dentists: Ever sat through a passive-aggressive staff meeting where no one says what they mean? Heffernan’s talk demonstrates how healthy conflict fosters stronger ideas, more thoughtful decisions, and braver teams.
Key takeaway: Encourage debate in your practice. It’s not about creating chaos—it’s about building a culture where your team can think critically, solve problems together, and innovate instead of imitate.
Ready to Lead Your Dental Practice with Clarity, Confidence, and Purpose?
Watching these TED Talks is a great start, but fundamental transformation happens when insight meets implementation. That’s where I come in. As a dental business coach, I help private practice owners like you become the kind of leader people want to follow, without sacrificing your sanity or your standards.
Let’s discuss how we can translate these leadership lessons into tangible growth in your practice.
👉 Book a call and let’s unlock the full potential of your practice—together.
The idea: Vulnerability is not weakness, it's the birthplace of trust and innovation.
Why it matters to dentists: Dental coaching clients often tell me, 'I have to have all the answers.' Spoiler alert: You don't. Pretending erodes trust. Brown's talk invites us to lead from authenticity, not perfection.
Key takeaway: When you model openness and courage, your team will follow suit. Vulnerability fosters loyalty and breaks the fear-based silence that stifles accountability.
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is 'What It Takes to Be a Great Leader' by Roselinde Torres Good for Dentists to Watch?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
The idea: The leadership skills of yesterday won't cut it tomorrow.
Why it matters to dentists: If your idea of leadership is still 'be the smartest person in the room,' you're not leading—you're managing. Torres lays out what modern leadership really requires: vision, courage, and a willingness to rethink everything.
Key takeaway: The best dental leaders anticipate, challenge convention, and surround themselves with people who think differently. Leadership is a muscle—this talk will help you train it.
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is 'Dare to Disagree' by Margaret Heffernan Good for Dentists to Watch?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
The idea: Conflict isn't the enemy; silence is.
Why it matters to dentists: Ever sat through a passive-aggressive staff meeting where no one says what they mean? Heffernan's talk demonstrates how healthy conflict fosters stronger ideas, more thoughtful decisions, and braver teams.
Key takeaway: Encourage debate in your practice. It's not about creating chaos—it's about building a culture where your team can think critically, solve problems together, and innovate instead of imitate.
" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Ready to Lead Your Dental Practice with Clarity, Confidence, and Purpose?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "
Watching these TED Talks is a great start, but fundamental transformation happens when insight meets implementation. That's where I come in. As a dental business coach, I help private practice owners like you become the kind of leader people want to follow, without sacrificing your sanity or your standards.
Let's discuss how we can translate these leadership lessons into tangible growth in your practice.
" } }]}
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