Same old message

The reason for my writing is the Viewpoint by William Oakes in the November issue. Dr. Oakes points out that there are successful $12,000 per month practices and unsuccessful $150,000 per month practices. "The numbers alone don`t tell the story." Woody knows how to cover his bases.

But the same old message comes out later when he tells us, "Well, 10 years later, I have that car and it`s the exact model and color of the one in my book, and I paid cash for it." Dr. Oakes, I am really glad you finally got that car! Thank heavens all of us who attend practice-management seminars have all your successful mentors, endowed from on high to lecture us, groveling at your feet, on why "most dentists will never be successful."

Two of your colleagues, "Dental Maniac" and "Leaner and Meanest IV," further illustrate my point.

"Dental Maniac" was quoted in Las Vegas: "If you`re a dentist and you don`t have this information, just tattoo the word `loser` across your forehead." In-your-face preaching and you better take it to the bank, you no-good loser!

"Leaner and Meanest IV" says: "There are whiners and there are winners." Get off your sniveling duff and produce $1,000,000, or don`t come whining to me!

Yes, I know. They have their right to give seminars and mail their unsolicited sales pitches to me. But that was my name on their letter and I have a right to respond. I hope I don`t come across as overly sensitive.

I have a successful practice. How did I do it?

- Warm laughter and warmer anesthetic carpules.

- Continuing education on clinical topics, not mega-bottom-line, practice-management sermons.

- An intraoral camera to educate, not sell.

- Hard work! It`s always been easier to earn money preaching the gospel losers and whiners must hear for their own salvation, than to ethically practice wet-gloved, real-world dentistry and remain with a clear conscience.

- The Golden Rule.

L. Wayne Ross, DDS, FAGD

Bastrop, TX