Abstract
Dream, Believe, Achieve is a must-read for dentists seeking to advance their careers while managing the stresses of practice ownership.
Written by Dr. Mervyn Druian, a pioneer in general and cosmetic dentistry, and co-authored by dental hygienist and life coach Bernita Shelley, this book provides a roadmap for professional growth through relationship-building, inspiration, goal-setting, and team development.
Designed to optimise both clinical skills and mindset, this book distils decades of experience into practical strategies that help dentists believe in themselves and achieve success.
There are four key themes in the book:
Building a career with less stress
Dentistry can be overwhelming, especially for those starting or expanding their practice. The book offers guidance on navigating challenges, maintaining balance, and reducing stress through better organisation, strong professional relationships, and clear goal-setting.
The power of relationships and teamwork
Success in dentistry isn’t just about clinical skills – it’s about the people around you. The book emphasises the importance of networking and mentorship; how to build a motivated and reliable dental team; and effective communication for strong patient relationships.
Setting goals and staying inspired
A central theme of the book is the role of inspiration in driving success. By setting clear goals and believing in oneself, dentists can push past self-doubt and take control of their careers.
Mindset and skills optimisation
Drawing from decades of experience, the authors focus on how to cultivate confidence in clinical and business decisions; adapt to challenges with a growth mindset; and balance technical skills with strong leadership abilities.
Nevertheless, there is some room for improvement in this book. While the avoidance of complex statistics makes it highly accessible, simple references to data or case studies would reinforce key messages. Additionally, the provision of solid guidance on career development could have been advanced with a deeper dive into financial planning and business management strategies, which would have been beneficial to the reader.
Overall, Dream, Believe, Achieve is an engaging, practical, and motivational guide for any dentist looking to build a fulfilling career. It provides valuable insights into career growth, stress management, and personal development – all key factors in achieving long-term success.
I highly recommend this title to dental professionals at any stage, whether they are just starting out or looking to enhance their skills and mindset.