Dental Business With Jaco Smith

In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, success is not merely defined by the number of patients treated or the revenue generated. Instead, it’s rooted in the values that guide a practice and the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team. To shed light on what it takes to run a thriving dental business in the Middle East, Charismatic Dental Laboratory sat down with Jaco Smith, founder and CEO of The Dental Studio, a chain of premium luxury dental clinics across the UAE.

Smith offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing the importance of values as the cornerstone of his business philosophy. "We live by values, and as we live by values, our businesses are run by these values. So we try to make this work on a whole team level," he explains. This approach is deeply influenced by his father’s wisdom: “It should never be about making money. See, my focus has been about making my people happy. Why? Because when you make your people happy – the money will come. Patients will come and business will run.”

During our interview, Smith shared insights that are vital for both novice and veteran dental professionals looking to succeed in this region. He emphasizes that the business of dentistry is not about outshining competitors but about fostering a culture of collaboration. He advises dental professionals to embrace the role of a businessperson, learn to sell, and deeply understand the culture of their practice. "Learn how to treat other people right," he stresses, highlighting the importance of humility and continuous learning in the industry.

Smith also acknowledges the limitations of individual expertise, advising that no one can know or excel at everything. "Find your niche and specialize in it," he says. This, combined with the power of teamwork, is what drives success. "Bet your colleagues to come and work with you as a team – and together you get the right result."

Through this interview, Charismatic Dental Laboratory hopes to encourage dental professionals across the Middle East to adopt a collaborative approach in their practices. By focusing on values, team happiness, and continuous learning, both new and experienced practitioners can build successful, patient-centric businesses in this competitive yet rewarding industry.