Dr Sagar Shah

Q: Can you start by telling us about your background and what led you to seek coaching?

Dr Sagar Shah: Absolutely. I've worked as an associate dentist for several years, with a primary focus on implants and cosmetic dentistry. My career path has always been driven by a desire to excel clinically. Still, I reached a point where I realised that my professional growth needed to be matched with business acumen. I was constantly pursuing further education and advanced training, but I lacked a clear direction for where I wanted to take my career. That's when I had a conversation with Drs Bhavna and Rahul Doshi. They helped me realise that, while I had gained a lot of clinical knowledge, I hadn't defined my long-term vision or outlined how to achieve it. That conversation was the catalyst that led me to join the Dental Wealth Builder (DWB) program.

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Q: What were your initial goals, and how did you achieve them?

Dr Sagar Shah: Initially, my goals were somewhat vague—I knew I wanted to excel in cosmetic and implant dentistry, but I didn't have a concrete plan for how to achieve that. At the time, I was transitioning between practices and felt a bit lost in terms of where I wanted to go next. The DWB program provided a structured approach to setting and achieving goals, giving me a clearer vision for my career. The program helped me define what success looks like for me and provided a roadmap to get there.

One of the first things we did was map out a 20-year, 10-year, and 5-year plan. This exercise helped me focus on where I wanted to be and how to get there. I've learned to be more adaptable, adjusting my goals as life circumstances change while still keeping my long-term vision in focus. For example, while I initially focused heavily on cosmetic dentistry, I've since shifted more of my energy toward implants as I've developed a passion for that area. The program has equipped me with the tools to continue growing and evolving in my career, regardless of the direction I choose to take.

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Q: How did you excel in your learning process?

Dr Sagar Shah: The combination of online video learning modules and one-on-one coaching was incredibly effective. The online modules provided a solid foundation, giving me the tools and techniques I needed to implement right away. However, I found the one-on-one sessions with Drs Bhavna and Rahul Doshi are to be the most impactful. These sessions allowed us to dive deeper into the content from the modules and apply it directly to my specific patient cases. Whenever I encountered challenges or felt I was losing momentum, the personal coaching sessions provided the accountability and guidance I needed to stay on track. The Doshis would help me summarise what I had learned, answer any questions, and work through practical applications together. This combination ensured that I not only understood the concepts but also knew how to implement them effectively in my practice.

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Q: Can you describe a specific moment or lesson that had a significant impact on how you worked?

Dr Sagar Shah: One of my most significant moments was during a session where we discussed how to navigate complex treatment plans using a comprehensive approach. We worked through a mind map that broke down the patient consultation process, and it was a real breakthrough. Before this, I struggled with how to communicate large, complex treatment plans to patients, especially when it came to higher-value services like implants and full-mouth reconstructions. The mind map provided a clear structure for presenting these plans in a way that made sense to the patient. It wasn't just about selling a service—it was about making sure the patient fully understood the value and necessity of the treatment. This approach has dramatically improved patient satisfaction and case acceptance in my practice.

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Q: How did the communication tools you learned influence your interactions with patients?

Dr Sagar Shah: Those communication tools were transformative. Techniques like active listening, using solution-oriented questions, and summarising what the patient has said were crucial in building trust and understanding. For example, I learned how to probe deeper into a patient's concerns by asking the right questions, which helped me get to the root of what they truly wanted to achieve. This not only made the consultation more effective but also allowed me to tailor my treatment plans to the patient's specific needs and desires. Another technique, the "Domino Effect," taught me how to link different aspects of the treatment plan together, so the patient could see how each part contributed to their overall health and aesthetic goals. As a result, I noticed a significant increase in patient engagement and a higher rate of treatment acceptance.

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Q: Can you share an example of how these tools helped you in a real patient scenario?

Dr Sagar Shah: Certainly. I recall a recent case where a patient came in with multiple dental issues—fractured roots, failing dentition, and a history of unsuccessful treatments. She had seen several dentists before me and was understandably frustrated. Using the communication techniques I had learned, I focused on active listening and delved deeply into her concerns during our consultation. Instead of rushing to propose a treatment plan, I took the time to understand her immediate needs and long-term goals. This approach allowed me to build a comprehensive, phased treatment plan that addressed both her functional and aesthetic concerns. The patient was impressed with the thoroughness of the consultation and felt confident in the proposed plan. As a result, she committed to a full-mouth rehabilitation, which included implants and other advanced procedures. This would not have been possible without the communication skills I developed through the DWB program.

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Q: What were the key concepts that were major standouts for you?

Dr Sagar Shah: One of the most transformational experiences was learning how to differentiate myself as a clinician. We focused on how to effectively market my skills and promote my work, which helped me attract more high-value patients. A key part of this process was developing ten Unique Selling Propositions (USPs). Previously, I didn't have a clear idea of how to stand out, but after the training, I gained a methodology that enabled me to maintain a distinctive presence in the field.

Another crucial concept was mastering the financial management of my practice as an associate. I learned to identify the most critical key performance indicators, which enabled me to consistently increase my case acceptance rates—both in terms of quantity and value. Navigating complex treatment plans through structured consultations was a breakthrough in this regard. The mind map we created has become an essential tool in my practice, allowing me to communicate more effectively with patients and ensuring they fully grasp the scope and value of their treatment.

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Q: How have you impacted your work-life balance?

Dr Sagar Shah: I have worked hard to create a better work-life balance. Before DWB, I worked six days a week and still felt like I wasn't achieving my full potential. Bhavna taught me to work smarter, not harder. Subsequently, I reduced my working days to three and a half per week, which allowed me to spend more time with my young family while still achieving my professional goals. What surprised me was that my income increased despite working fewer days, which speaks to the effectiveness of the strategies I implemented. This shift has also allowed me to focus on personal growth and maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

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Q: If another associate dentist were considering a coaching program, what advice would you give them?

Dr Sagar Shah: Whether you're just starting or have been in practice for years, the DWB program offers invaluable insights and strategies that can help you grow both professionally and personally. The return on investment is not just financial—although that is significant—but also in terms of personal development and work-life balance. The program helps you see your career from a broader perspective, ensuring that you don't waste time on things that don't align with your ultimate goals. It's about maximising your potential and creating a fulfilling, successful career. The personalised approach means that you receive tailored advice that suits your specific situation, which is something you won't find in more generic coaching programs. If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, whether you're an associate or a practice owner, this program offers the guidance and tools you need to succeed. It's an investment that will pay dividends for years to come!

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Q: How do you see yourself applying what you've learned as you move forward in your career?

Dr Sagar Shah: The ability to adapt my vision and goals as my life changes is something I value greatly. For instance, while I'm currently focused on implants and cosmetic dentistry, I am aware that as my family grows and my priorities shift, I can adjust my approach while still making progress toward my long-term goals. The DWB program has equipped me with a mindset and a set of strategies that will serve me throughout my career. Whether it's improving patient communication, managing my time more effectively, or setting new goals, I am confident that I can continue to grow and succeed in the ever-evolving field of dentistry.

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Q: Reflecting on your journey, what are your thoughts on the support and customisation of the program?

Dr Sagar Shah: Drs. Bhavna and Rahul really took the time to understand my specific needs and challenges, and they tailored the program to fit my situation perfectly as we progressed. The mentoring was dynamic and tailored to my situation at the time as it evolved. The 80/20 rule that we worked on was beneficial—it taught me to focus on the most essential tasks that would yield the most outstanding results, rather than getting bogged down in trying to do everything haphazardly. This personalised approach made all the difference in my progress. Without it, I might have continued spinning my wheels, trying to achieve 100% in areas that didn't really matter. I learned to focus my energy where it would have the most impact, which has been crucial to my success.

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Q: What are your plans for the future?

Dr Sagar Shah: Looking to the future, I plan to continue building on the foundation that the DWB program has helped me establish. My goal is to become a highly skilled, multidisciplinary cosmetic and implant dentist. The strategies I've learned have already put me on that path, and I'm excited to see where it leads. I also know the importance of being adaptable as life changes. Whether it's prioritising family time or shifting my focus within my practice, I now have the tools to make those adjustments while staying true to my overall vision. The program prepared me to face future challenges with confidence, knowing that I have a clear roadmap and the ability to navigate whatever comes my way.

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Q: If another associated dentist were considering a coaching program, what advice would you give them?

Dr Sagar Shah: Whether you're just starting or have been in practice for years, the DWB program offers invaluable insights and strategies that can help you grow both professionally and personally. The return on investment is not just financial—although that is significant—but also in terms of personal development and work-life balance. The program helps you see your career from a broader perspective, ensuring that you don't waste time on things that don't align with your ultimate goals. It's about maximising your potential and creating a fulfilling, successful career. The personalised approach means that you receive tailored advice that suits your specific situation, which is something you won't find in more generic coaching programs. If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, whether you're an associate or a practice owner, this program offers the guidance and tools you need to succeed. It's an investment that will pay dividends for years to come!