Yes, You Need a Personal Brand in Dentistry

The phrase “personal brand” gets thrown around a lot, but many people don’t understand what it really means and what a coherent, conscious approach to branding can do for your career or practice. Your personal brand is the overall perception others have of you as an individual. It’s based on your experiences, your expertise, your opinions, your choices, your behaviors, your look and style, and your impact within your community. It’s everything that you are and, most important, everything that others think you are.

Developing an Authentic Brand

Defining and consciously working with your personal brand is a process that allows you to present a coherent self to your patients and colleagues. Intentionally and consistently communicating a well-defined personal and professional brand will amplify your credibility and authority. (E.g., She’s reliable and provides excellent care, or he’s a recognized expert in X.)

Over time, the various aspects of your brand will distinguish you from others. For example, compare Lady Gaga to Brene Brown. Each has a different but immediately recognizable, strong personal brand identity.

You already have a personal brand, although you might not be fully conscious of it. The trick is to be aware of what others think that brand is, change anything you don’t like (e.g., constantly late), and be more deliberate about using that brand in your daily professional and personal life.

As we head into Q2 of 2023, it’s time to clearly, and consciously define your brand and position yourself and your practice for success. What does your brand include? How does it help you stand out? Please share. If you’re not sure, we can help.

Kelly Duggan, RDH, AICI CIC

Kelly Duggan is a registered dental hygienist (RDH), executive presence consultant, and personal brand strategist, with combined expertise from more than 30 years in the dental and image industries. Her certified company KELLY DUGGAN Image Consulting, LLC (KDIC) is an award-winning member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). With a focus on helping practitioners, teams, and individuals in the dental and healthcare sector, KDIC is committed to elevating the experience and care that patients receive while helping practices gain in performance, productivity, and profitability.

Executive Presence Coach – Personal Brand Strategist – Inspiring Speaker & Consultant