Scaling the heights of your dentistry career – Advice from multi-award-winning Marc Montgomery DDS

Meet Marc Montgomery. Marc owns Montgomery Dental Care, a Minnesota-based practice now into its third decade of practice. Specialising in cosmetic dentistry, this flourishing surgery is renowned for patient results in complex cases, yet is equally well-known for its friendly, family-focused approach.

Marc graduated from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1986, following in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in dentistry; which he has done with vigour and dedication.

17 awards, a 12-year board membership of the MACD and tens of national lectures later, and Marc is a respected voice within the industry, and serves as only one of 66 in the world to act as an AACD fellow. Here he shares his thoughts on climbing the career ladder in the world of dentistry, providing six tips that have helped drive and define his own career.

Be clear on your goals

Being a dentist is hugely rewarding, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Goals can help keep you focused and committed, even through the more challenging days or periods in your career.

“From day zero goal setting and evaluation has formed the backbone of my career.

I’ve always had short-, medium- and long-term goals that I work towards; each day and every week, I identify yardsticks to measure my efforts against – all of which feeds my motivation and focus.”

Continue your education

Marc stresses just how important continuing training and education is, regardless as to the degree you’ve earned.

In his own career he has average 4-5 times the amount of continuing education required by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.

“Continuing in my professional education is central to my career.

As the field of dentistry progresses with the rapid pace of technology, ongoing learning is critical to keeping up.

Ultimately the bottom line of this education is better results and cutting-edge expertise for your patients”.

Focus on becoming published

As a natural extension of continuing your education in dentistry, becoming a recognised published doctor could and should pave the way to career progression, speaking opportunities and research with your fellow peers.

“Among the elements of my career that I can say I’m most proud of, becoming published in several international dental journals ranks among my top accomplishments.

While any piece of research demands time and commitment, in my experience it is equally as rewarding and as much about stoking a passion for dentistry, as it is about progressing the field for others’ benefit.”

Nurture your connections

“I’m an Accredited Fellow Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), as well as one of 80 Accredited Fellows in the world. I’ve also served on the board of the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for 12 years as its president and board member.

Serving on these boards has given me invaluable experience and provided for a wealth of industry connections that I would never otherwise have made.”

Strive for awards

In 2018, Dr. Montgomery was voted a Minneapolis and St. Paul Magazine Top Cosmetic Dentist for the ninth consecutive year, adding to his awards shelf.

Awards within any industry can serve as a powerful career booster, they increase team morale, provide invaluable local and industry PR opportunities, and lend independent credibility to the claims you make about your expertise.

However, in medical fields, where professionals are entrusted with their patients’ health and well-being, awards become an even more important marker of skill, trustworthiness and professionalism.

“Both my team and I are proud of the recognition we’ve achieved through the awards we’ve won and those that we’ve been nominated for.

As for standalone awards, I’ve been voted Top Dentist by Mpls/St Paul magazine 7 times in a row (2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013), as well as in 2016, 2018, and 2019.

Given that this award involves a survey of my Twin City Metro area peers, this particular accolade is one that I’m especially honoured by.”

Share the words of your happy patients and their success stories

Ensuring that there are positive words and successes stories to consume is critical if your practice is to grow. After all, patients take great care in choosing their provider, and in a world where 88% of consumers read reviews before purchasing a product, it’s logical to presume that this figure increases further when seeking healthcare services.

“As a dentist, you are your reputation. At Montgomery Dental Care, we are forever reviewing the way we do things and how we can improve, and we actively seek out the opinions and insight of those best placed to guide us – our patients.

As you’re about to read, it seems that our hard work pays off.”

Testimonials for Montgomery Dental Care

“I trust them and know they will provide truly excellent care. I recommend them to all of my friends and family.”

– Todd C.

“Dr. Montgomery’s office has always been more than five-star experience for me. Him and all of the dental assistants are always friendly and accommodating to all of your dental needs, questions and more.”

– Emily Wohlberg

“Very top-notch high-quality service Dr Montgomery is extremely pleasant person to work with.”

– Mona T