Today’s insights are brought to you by my colleague, Jude Foulston – who survived her visit to the dentist this week:
I hate the dentist.
It’s not so much the fear of getting hurt, I think it’s more about the unknown. Will I need fillings? Have I flossed enough? Am I going to be judged? Will I need to sell a kidney to pay for the appointment?
And then you sit in the chair, mouth wide open, eyes tightly closed, and shoulders up to your ears – and then it’s the jargon: “occlusal this” and “mesial that.” Can’t we just call it a good clean instead of “Prophylaxis”- all the words that make me assume I’m leaving with dentures!
So that was me yesterday, first time back at the dentist after many years. I know, you can judge me if you want….
But here’s the thing…. Dr Ristow didn’t judge me. He held the space for me because he knew I was afraid.
This dentist totally flipped the script.
He used my new‑patient form to understand my anxieties, explained every step, and checked in on me throughout the appointment. That’s true human‑tech synergy right there, and what our team at TomorrowToday calls “Bionic.”
It’s Not the Gadgets, It’s the People
Sure, this dental practice boasts 3D‑printing solutions, digital impressions and bespoke orthodontic plans. But it wasn’t the cutting‑edge dental technology, or the certificates on the wall that won me over. (Neither was it the dent in my bank balance or the promise of whiter teeth.)
It was:
- A genuine welcome and smile from the receptionist, as well as the ability to WhatsApp to book the appointments.
- Empathy when I confessed years without a check‑up.
- Clear explanations and options in plain English.
3 Simple Ways to Make Your Services “Bionic”
- Collect & Use Real Insights.
Ask questions that matter – and actually act on the answers. Whether that’s for your team, your clients or your dental patients. - Embrace Tech in Human Terms.
Swap “UL3 and LL7” for “your lower left molar” when you can. Use the Google Form to collect data – data that lets the dentist knows his patient is petrified or has had a bad experience in the past. Let your clients communicate with your practice via WhatsApp because sometimes that’s just easier than making a phone call! - Check In, Always
A quick “Are you OK?” or a genuine “Thanks for your business “goes further than any certificate on the wall.
Why Human Connection Drives Results
For all the AI, data and robotics your organisation invests in, remember:
Technology amplifies, but people deliver.
A kind word from a manager can spark a breakthrough. Genuine feedback from a client fuels innovation. And yes, even a dentist’s empathy can change your day.
Ready to Supercharge Your Team?
We all have the capacity to be bionic.
Seriously, if I can write an entire article on my dentist who I’m supposed to hate… We can all be bionic.
And yes, at TomorrowToday, our bionic leadership framework shows how to fuse people and technology – to drive extraordinary results, uplift your team, and make a lasting impact on your business and the planet.
You’re welcome to get in touch to find out more. I promise there’s a human looking forward to connecting with you here.