Many students have been deeply affected by their experience at the Institute, and want to tell everyone they know about it. Here is what a few of our students have told us.
A Better Dentist and Person
"Open your mind and your heart to what The Pankey Institute has to offer. I know that if you do, the Institute will not only show you how to be a better dentist, but more importantly a better person in all other aspects of your life."
J. Dan Patterson, DDS
Holly Springs, GA
Near Burn Out
"When I came to the Institute, I had been practicing for fifteen years. My practice was a busy practice with a high number of active patients. My employees and I were running from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm every day. I was certain that this was the way dentistry was to be practiced because I had learned from what I thought to be a "master" dentist, my father. Turns out that I didn't have a clue, and frankly neither did he.
What I heard at C1 was that I was not alone. There was an entire room full of dentists with the same frustrations that I had. I also heard that I had choices. I didn't have to practice under the insurance-driven model. There was no "right" practice style. Smaller might be better - this was the first time I had that thought! The Institute unveiled a whole realm of possibilities that I could now ponder and address one by one.
The Institute has transformed me into a better person. My thinking continues to improve. I now have a team rather than a group of employees. I care about them like I care about members of my family. They support me in ways that I never dreamed possible.
Dentistry has become more than my profession. It is a journey which allows me to be the best person that I can be while serving people in a way that I love. My practice is an expression of my character.
We do a formatted block scheduling at the practice these days. We see an average of six people per day on my schedule, plus the seven or so seen by the hygienist. We are doing larger cases with regularity. My fee structures have increased to reflect the networking of fine laboratories that I am privilileged to be associated with. My hourly production is no longer "minimum wage" but more in keeping with my skill level."
Gayle Reardon
Sioux Falls, SD
Eyes Opened
"Thank you for a stimulating C6 week. As I went back to work today, energized and ready to fine-tune many little things, what struck me most was how much my eyes had been opened in treatment planning my patients.
I had two new patients today and did the same initial exam that we've been doing over the past year. But this time, I had a new comprehension of my data collection - one that I didn't even dream was possible.
The Continuum levels have truly been a journey - a process and there are many more areas to grow into. I feel I've been given the tools and firm foundation to become the "best dentist" I can possibly be.
I hope I can give back to the Institute as much as I've received in the years to come. Thanks again for your caring to make The Pankey Institute a special place - for it truly is."
Dianne Bridgeman
Bedford, MA
Beyond Comparison
"Having now completed my eighth course, I can truly say that the Institute is beyond comparison. Every course has been highly professional and brilliant in its content. I have found every visit worthwhile, extremely informative and challenging.
The Pankey Institute has completely changed my attitude towards my chosen career and has placed me on a rewarding journey of excellence."
Neil J. Chapman
Weston-Super-Mare, England
Many Positive Changes
"There have been many positive changes in my professional and personal life through my education at The Pankey Institute.
My understanding of diagnostic competence, technical excellence, and a philosophy of truly taking care of people, has allowed me to grow a practice in which I can be proud."
Roger Solow, DDS
Mill Valley, CA
A Satisfying Adventure
"The Pankey experience is one of the most satisfying adventures in my many years of existence. It provided me with the tools to diagnose and manage patients with simple to very complex dental reconstructive problems.
This experience took place in the most pleasant, comfortable, effective, and friendly environment that one can possibly imagine. The instructors were knowledgeable and had vast clinical experience.
They all had one goal in mind, and that was to make all of us the best dental practitioners that we could possibly be."
David E. Grauer, DDS
Park Ridge, IL
Change Beyond Imagining
"Simply stated, my journey through The Pankey Institute changed and enriched my life beyond anything I ever imagined. I became a much better dentist, able to understand, articulate and deliver optimal care to my family of patients.
I became a better boss, role model and inspiration in the lives of my team and their families. Most importantly, I feel I became a better father, husband and son, as I understood the need and learned pathways towards achieving balance in my life.
Would I do it over again? In a heartbeat! Get ready to be astounded."
Mark E. Hyman, DDS
Greensboro, NC
More Than Technical Skill
"Like many, when I embarked on my career I thought I only needed to know the technical aspects of dentistry to be a good and successful dentist. After I had created a busy, growing, financially sound practice, I became aware that it was controlling me.
I realized I didn't have all the answers and registered for Continuum One, but even then, moaned and groaned about the potential of wasting my time. "What could I possibly learn down there?"
Well, not only did I learn that I didn't know the technical aspects of dentistry but I also learned that what I really needed was a philosophy on which to recreate my practice.
The components of the Pankey Philosophy nurtured and applied to dentistry by L.D. Pankey and taught at the Institute are centuries old and presented to give us direction. It is totally up to us as individuals to figure out how to apply these philosophical principles to our own lives and practices."
Kenneth E. Myers, DDS
Falmouth, ME
