"It's Showtime." That’s how we begin every day in our office, and I’ve done it for over 40 years. I learned this from Dr. Myon Finley, a restorative dentist on the Upper East Side, back in 1980. Myon was an excellent dentist practicing in a townhouse, and I met him when I was only 27 years old.

After a car accident, he needed rehabilitation and ended up working alongside me for six months. Every day, he would say, “Michael, there’s no time for personal problems; it’s all about the patient. The patient doesn’t want to hear about you unless it relates to them. When we come to the office, it’s showtime."

In those days, we often saw people in show business on the Upper East Side of Manhattan—Broadway actors, models, and other well-known personalities. As a young dentist, it was an amazing experience. Myon would start each day with the same words, “Showtime, Mike.” Now, over 42 years later, I carry on his legacy. Each day, I think of Myon and say to myself, “It’s showtime.” I’ve even added my twist: “Let me be the gift.”

I wrote about this in my book Treating People, Not Patients, and the first chapter is titled “Showtime.” What does “Showtime” mean? It’s about providing a meticulously crafted experience for our patients. Everything we do is designed for their comfort and trust—from how our office looks and how we answer the phone to our website and team members. Every detail counts. We follow a dress code; everyone wears the same uniform and white sneakers, and we uphold high standards of cleanliness and appearance. We’re all part of the same team, and we aim to present a coordinated and professional “show” for our patients.

This approach fosters trust. Patients feel that everyone is on the same page and focused on their experience. We avoid discussing personal problems in the office because our attention is on creating the best experience possible for each patient. If I ever overhear personal conversations, I’ll discreetly remind the team to keep things professional and patient-centered.

We want to make it as easy as possible for our patients to go through treatment. Let’s face it—being in a dental office is one of the most uncomfortable places for anyone. Many of my patients are divorce attorneys, and I often tell them that they see clients much like we do. Their clients, like our patients, are vulnerable, anxious, and uncertain about the financial and emotional costs ahead. Our job is to make them feel comfortable and understood.

This focus on comfort and compassion isn’t something every dentist or doctor prioritizes. I’ve experienced both sides, as a professional and a patient, and I know what a difference it makes. Recently, I called a doctor’s office for my daughter and waited 18 minutes only to be told they couldn’t see her. The experience was frustrating and impersonal. I went through it as any other patient would, and it reminded me how important it is to make people feel valued. In our practice, we strive to make each patient feel special, and when we do, they often tell us it was the best experience they’ve ever had in a medical office.

So, the next time you’re in your practice, take a moment to see it from the patient’s perspective. Sit in the reception area and ask yourself, “What would it feel like to be a patient here?” If you visit another office, go in as an ordinary person and observe the experience. Often, it’s not positive, but when you receive excellent service, it’s memorable, and you’ll share it with others. Isn’t that what we want for our patients? We want them to recommend us not just because we’re skilled at procedures but because we make them feel heard, valued, and respected.

Each day is an opportunity to elevate the patient experience, and I consider it a privilege to serve in this way. Remember, as you go into your practice, “It’s showtime.” Be a gift.