Nothing ever gets done without committing first. Whether you're pursuing a career in

dentistry, training for a marathon, or simply getting to the gym in the

morning, commitment is always the first step. However, this surprised me: in

all my years as a periodontist, I realized that doctors rarely ask their

patients for commitment to their own health. That realization changed

everything about how I practice dentistry, and it has dramatically improved my

patients' long-term outcomes.

In this episode, I share a powerful story about how my mentor, Dr. P.D. Miller, the

Father of periodontal plastic surgery—taught me the true meaning of commitment.

About fifteen years ago, after I gave a lecture on maintaining teeth with

severe periodontal disease for thirty years, Dr. Miller approached me and

suggested I write an article about my findings. I casually said

"sure," but I had no real intention of following through. Two weeks

later, he called me on a Sunday morning and did something that would transform

not just that article, but my entire approach to patient care. He asked me to

make a formal commitment: "I, Michael Sonick, commit to you, Dr. P.D.

Miller, to write an article within the next four weeks and have it delivered to

your office." I said those words, and two weeks later, the article was

done. Without that commitment, it never would have been written.

How I Use the Commitment Method with Every Patient

That experience inspired me to become what I now call an "oral hygiene

coach" for my patients. At every new patient's initial visit, after I

complete their examination and present their treatment plan, I ask them to

commit to getting their teeth cleaned every three months for the rest of their lives. But I

don't just ask them if they'll do it—I require them to make a

formal, verbal commitment: "I, [patient name], commit to you, Dr. Michael

Sonick, to get my teeth cleaned every three months for the rest of my life,

whether it's in your office or in the office of another competent periodontist

or restorative dentist."

At first, patients are often surprised. They'll say "yes," and I'll respond,

"That's not a commitment." Then they ask, "What do you want from

me?" That's when I explain exactly what I need them to say. When they

finally speak those words, something remarkable happens. It becomes a

significant emotional event for them—perhaps the first time in their lives that

a doctor has asked them to take personal responsibility for their long-term

health. And they remember it. When they return for their re-evaluation and

recall appointments, they often smile and laugh because that moment of

commitment stays with them.

The Four C's: From Commitment to Confidence

My mentor, Dan Sullivan, teaches a powerful framework called the Four C's: Commitment

leads to Courage, which builds Capability, and ultimately creates Confidence.

This applies to everything we do in life, from professional achievements to

personal health goals. When patients make that verbal commitment in my office,

they're taking the first step in this transformational process. They're not

just agreeing to show up for cleanings—they're committing to being partners in

their own long-term dental health. This simple but profound practice has

dramatically improved patient compliance, treatment outcomes, and the longevity

of the dental work I perform.

I apply this coaching approach in every area of my life, with my children, friends, and

colleagues. Whether you're a dental professional looking to improve patient

outcomes or someone who wants to take better care of your own health, the

principle remains the same: without commitment, you're never going to achieve

your goals. It requires courage on both sides—for patients to commit, and for

doctors to ask for that commitment. But when we do, we create lasting change.

Remember: be the gift to your patients and to everyone in your life.

Mentioned in this episode:

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