Will it EVER get better? Dr. Joel Chenosky, owner-dentist from the Denver area, ponders the question glumly as the annual meeting of the American Dental Association begins in San Francisco. In this business parable, Joel struggles coming to grips with his failing practice. He knows he has issues, but is undecided and almost paralyzed about what action to take.

Then Joel meets fellow attendee Dr. Davis Avalon, a dentist from Long Island with an exuberant, almost triumphant appreciation for good food, and a quickly-formed friendship offers Joel a window of opportunity. Over a series of meals at legendary San Francisco restaurants, Davis shares his perspective with Joel on how his dental office team generates revenue for the practice.

By the time their gastronomic tour of The City by the Bay ends, Joel sees a new perspective and a glimmer of real hope for the future. Author and senior business advisor Gary Lim, with input from collaborator Dr. Bruce Stewart, maps out a methodology embodied in the acronym SMILE, on how owner-dentists can motivate their office teams to become active contributors to growing the revenues of the practice.

An enjoyable read with just the right touch of humor and entertainment to emphasize the concepts put forth in the book. Even after 27 years in business, I took away some important pearls that will help me provide for a better experience within my practice.

–David M. Konys, DDS, MS