Imagine this: You’re a freshly minted orthodontist, brimming with the confidence that comes from clinical excellence. You think, “I can run my own practice—no marketing, no coach, just skill and hustle.” Welcome to what’s known as the Dunning-Kruger effect—that peak of overconfidence before reality hits. In Dr. Goldberg’s case, reality didn’t just hit: it knocked him flat.
The Story That Resonates
Dr. Goldberg bought a multi-million-dollar practice and thought the transition would be easy. Instead, he watched revenue drop by about 20% in year one. It was a massive wake-up call. Overconfidence had masked the gaps in his business knowledge—especially in marketing and building referral networks. The lesson? Skill in dentistry doesn’t automatically translate into business savvy.
But here’s the twist: He buckled down. He embraced education. He leaned into coaching, marketing, and team-building. Today? His practice has more than doubled, and he’s leading a thriving, multi-location operation with a remarkable 10,000 sq ft flagship facility, consistent 20% annual growth, and an inspired team of 35—all because he went from overconfident rookie to humble learner.
“You don’t realize what you don’t know until you’re the last man standing and the business depends on you.” — Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg
Why Dunning-Kruger Matters in Dentistry
- The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where individuals with limited competence overestimate their own abilities—because they lack the awareness to see their blind spots.1
- Studies show that even dental students suffer from it—unable to accurately assess their own performance.2
- This isn’t limited to novices; even experienced clinicians can fall prey, particularly when they step into unfamiliar territory—like running a business.
In short: Ignorance about your knowledge is just as dangerous as ignorance. Without acknowledging what you don’t know, you can’t improve.
The Antidote: Coaching, Metrics & Marketing That Works
In the podcast, Dr. Goldberg points to how coaching—specifically through Scheduling Institute—was a total game-changer. But it’s not just about motivation; it’s about systems:
- Measure marketing ROI properly. As marketing expert Dr. Leon Klempner puts it, expect 6–10x return over time if you track both quantitative (consult starts) and qualitative (lead quality) metrics—and give it 9–12 months to mature.3
- Profit margins in orthodontics typically range from 25–35%. With smart SEO, practices can pull in significant profits—$238k to $550k in year one alone.4
- Smart resource allocation: Consider investing about 2–4% of gross revenue on marketing, adjusting based on your practice’s stage and growth goals.5
Dr. Goldberg’s success directly mirrors these principles: he measured, invested, trusted a process, and committed to action.
“Being in a community of people making big moves gives you confidence. Alone on the internet, you’ll never make the same decisions.” — Jay Geier
Your Roadmap, Inspired by Dr. Goldberg
| Step | Action |
| 1⃣ | Admit that business success isn’t just about clinical skill. |
| 2⃣ | Enlist a coach or mastermind—learn what you don’t know. |
| 3⃣ | Track your marketing metrics—start with baseline, funnel, ROI. |
| 4⃣ | Invest in marketing strategically (2–4% of revenue). |
| 5⃣ | Build your team, delegate, and grow beyond yourself. |
| 6⃣ | Stay committed—success compounds with focused effort. |
The result? A practice that’s not just “good,” but unstoppable.
Your Next Move: Discovery Call → Discovery Day
Feeling that itch—the one that whispers “What if I could be more?” It’s real. You’re ready for the next level.
Here’s what to do:
- Schedule a Discovery Call—no fluff, no obligation. We’ll explore what’s working, what’s not, and your big-picture vision.
- If there’s a fit, go deeper with a Discovery Day, where we’ll lay out your growth blueprint: practice math, marketing ROI, team strategy, expansion planning—the whole playbook.
Just like Dr. Goldberg did: he started with a call, embraced coaching, and transformed his life and business.
Final Word (Jay Geier Style)
Be coachable. Be hungry. Be bold.
Because the truth is, being a great clinician is just the start. The real win comes when you build a practice that serves your life, elevates your team, and leaves a legacy—without burning you out.
Let’s make that happen. Schedule your Discovery Call now and start moving from overconfident rookie to confident, capable leader.
Sign up today, and let’s turn what’s possible into what’s promised.
Sources:
(1)Wikipedia
(2)PMC Journal
(3)Orthodontic Products Online
(4)Direction.com
(5)Fortune Management
