Dental Leadership Development: Skills They Didn't Teach in Dental School

In dental school, the curriculum is rich in anatomy, pharmacology, clinical technique, and diagnosis—but what’s often missing are the leadership skills required to run a thriving practice. Dr. James McKee, a respected educator and member of the Seattle Study Club faculty, reflects on this gap in training and shares how developing leadership, communication, and team-building abilities transformed his practice and career.

This blog explores key takeaways from Dr. McKee’s journey and uncovers the "non-clinical" skills that are just as critical to long-term success as clinical excellence.

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The Clinical Catalyst: A Deeper Understanding of Occlusion

Like many dentists, Dr. McKee started with a small, neighborhood practice. What shifted his professional trajectory wasn’t more fillings or faster crown preps—it was a deeper understanding of occlusion and its relationship to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health. As he learned how joint structure influenced bite patterns, he began offering more comprehensive, evidence-based care.

This new lens didn’t just improve outcomes—it opened doors. “It really took my practice to a different place,” McKee reflects. But acquiring this knowledge alone wasn’t enough. The game-changer was applying it in practice—and that’s where leadership came in.

From Student to Educator: Why Leadership Is Essential

Dr. McKee’s evolution from practitioner to educator helped crystallize what many dental professionals experience but rarely articulate: the technical skills are just one piece of the puzzle. To successfully apply what you learn—especially with complex topics like occlusion and TMD—you must lead both patients and your team through change.

“Study clubs helped me implement the clinical concepts I learned,” he explains. By learning from pioneers like Pete Dawson, Frank Spear, and John Kois, he gained advanced knowledge. But the smaller, interactive nature of a study club provided the environment to practice implementation, ask questions, and get feedback. This experiential learning nurtured not only his clinical confidence, but his ability to lead conversations, teach others, and guide change.

Communicating With Patients: Turning Knowledge Into Understanding

Leadership in dentistry often begins with communication—especially when patients face complex treatment plans. “One of the biggest frustrations,” McKee notes, “is that while the treatment plan might be technically correct, patients don’t always understand the problem.” If they don’t understand the problem, they won’t value the solution.

Dr. McKee learned to meet patients where they are. Instead of pushing them toward care they’re not ready for, he focused on listening first, then educating clearly and simply. This is where clinical knowledge meets emotional intelligence.

“Sometimes patients will never be ready to hear the message,” he says. “We have to recognize that—and adapt.”

Understanding when and how to communicate treatment plans is a vital leadership skill—one that builds trust, boosts case acceptance, and leads to better long-term outcomes.

Team Development: Leading Beyond the Operatory

Many dentists feel overwhelmed—not from the dentistry itself, but from trying to manage it all. Dr. McKee sees a solution in a place often overlooked: the team.

“When dentists say, ‘I’m burnt out,’ it’s usually because they’re trying to do everything themselves.”

By investing in his team—through training, communication, and shared responsibility—he created a practice that ran efficiently and gave him better work-life balance. Staff were paid well, trained thoroughly, and empowered to communicate effectively with patients.

His philosophy is simple: your team isn’t an expense; they’re an investment. And that investment pays off in patient satisfaction, increased efficiency, and dentist well-being.

The Confidence Factor: A Hidden Leadership Asset

According to McKee, the greatest transformation from clinical and leadership development is confidence—not just in dentistry, but in how you carry yourself, speak to patients, and lead your practice.

“As I recognized more issues dentally and addressed them with success, my confidence grew. It changed how I talked to patients—and how they responded to me.”

Confidence breeds clarity. When a dentist speaks with authority and compassion, patients listen. When a leader trusts their team, staff step up. Confidence is a core leadership skill—and it’s often developed after dental school through mentorship, continuing education, and real-world practice.

Bridging the Gap: Why Study Clubs Develop Leaders

One of the most effective environments for building these leadership muscles is the study club format—particularly programs like Seattle Study Club. Unlike traditional CE lectures, study clubs emphasize interactive learning, collaboration, and application.

“You’ll hear different perspectives across specialties,” McKee explains. “It’s not one philosophy—it’s a multidisciplinary conversation. And it reflects what we see in practice every day.”

What makes this approach so powerful is that it builds well-rounded clinicians—dentists who understand not just the procedure, but the person in the chair, the needs of the team, and the business behind the dentistry.

Leadership as a Long-Term Vision

In reflecting on his own journey, Dr. McKee encourages dentists to think long term—not just about procedures, but about legacy. Being a great dentist isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about developing the capacity to keep learning, leading, and growing.

That means developing:

• Communication skills to educate and connect with patients
  
  
• Team-building strategies to retain and empower staff
  
  
• Confidence and clarity when facing complex clinical cases
  
  
• Vision to guide the future of your practice
  
  

These skills weren’t taught in dental school—but they’re critical for success in today’s evolving dental landscape.

Redefining What It Means to Lead in Dentistry

Dentistry is no longer just about technique—it’s about connection. To thrive, dentists must step into the role of leader: educator, mentor, strategist, and visionary. As Dr. McKee’s journey shows, leadership isn’t a title—it’s a skill set, and one that can be developed.

Through intentional learning environments like Seattle Study Club, dentists have the opportunity to gain the tools dental school didn’t offer—and the confidence to use them effectively.

Whether you’re facing burnout, striving to offer more comprehensive care, or looking to build a more balanced and fulfilling practice, leadership development could be the missing link.

Because when you grow as a leader, your team grows. Your patients grow. And ultimately—your practice thrives.

Interested in developing your own leadership skills and joining a thriving community of dental professionals?‍

Reach out to learn more about the Seattle Study Club and how its programs—led by experts like Dr. James McKee—can help you unlock new levels of clinical confidence, communication, and career satisfaction.