"I feel like a fraud - that I’m a failure at business and will never make this practice grow"

Ever felt your dental practice won’t grow, despite your best efforts? You're not alone—here's how to move from self-doubt to success

What's concerning about my title for this post is that I've heard variations from 3 different Principals in the last 4 days - different dental practices, postcodes, people.

But one common sense of quiet desperation.

I wonder how many of the 8,500 Principals in the UK would admit to having had that conversation this year, either with themselves or others?

Here's my reply.....

"Firstly, thank you for sharing - I really do encourage people to connect when they are down - it’s a very important part of my service to be there in those moments.

 Feeling the way you do shows your strength, not failure. You’re not a fraud; you’re experiencing what every successful business owner feels at some point: doubt and vulnerability.

I've been there many times myself. I've always asked for help, both practical and psychological.

Let's put some perspective on where you are:

• Think about the areas in which you are even slightly ahead compared to last year. Progress, even modest, is progress;

• Your sense of frustration comes from wanting to achieve more quickly, not because you’re going backwards. That's a positive trait—you have ambition and passion for your business;

• You are also making that most common of mistakes - comparing your inside to everybody else’s outside - all that social media bollocks about everyone living their best life, picking up awards, going to swanky dinners, being KOLs, blah blah bullshit;

• July being quiet isn't an indicator of overall business failure. Seasonal variations are common—it's what you do next that counts.

  
  

Practical steps right now:

1. Leverage Existing Patients:

   • Create a targeted follow-up list to contact existing patients for overdue hygiene or check-up appointments;

   • Consider special offers, amnesties or incentives to reactivate dormant patients quickly;

2. Last-minute Marketing Push:

   • Consider launching a brief, targeted social media campaign around short-notice availability;

   • Personal outreach (phone/email) to referral sources and patients for higher-value cases (implants, aligners, aesthetic treatments);

3. Quick Revenue Generators:

   • Offer complimentary virtual consultations, especially for cosmetic procedures, to fill diary slots and boost future bookings;

   • Target patients who've been quoted treatment but have not yet scheduled.

     
     

On Mindset:

• Feeling doubt is human and normal; it is not a permanent condition. You’re not a fraud; you’re a high-achiever going through a tough moment;

• Share your worries with someone who is not a pessimist - a friend or mentor you trust, someone who will lift you rather than drain you. Me included!

• Remember to reflect on your incredible achievements, including the awards you’ve won. Success is not accidental — you have it in abundance.

  
  

Long-term Outlook:

• Stay focused on the systems you're building. Short-term fluctuations are always part of the journey, and they never define your long-term trajectory;

• Use this quieter period to review and refine your business systems, marketing, and patient journey. If you are unable to work IN your business, work ON it.

  
  

Take a deep breath, take action on immediate steps, and remember: your track record is strong, your drive is evident, and I’m here to support you fully."

Maybe this reply would work for you (or someone you know) this morning as well?