10 Books Every Dentist Should Read

Everyone wants a break from numbers and analytics, so let’s talk books! You might review this list and wonder what cooking, Russian history, and parenting have to do with dentistry. That’s valid. But our team has compiled this list intentionally, hoping to inspiring to  you — as a dentist, as a business owner, and as someone who interacts with everyday people hoping to have a memorable impact.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are our team’s recommended must-reads for dentists! 🥁🥁🥁

1. Be Ready When the Luck Happens, by Ina Garten

MEMOIR

Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa) has written many cookbooks, but this is the story of her personal journey of turning her passion into a successful career. The leaps, twists, turns, and setbacks, are what made Garten so good at making things that take a lot of work look effortless. Inspiration for dental entrepreneurs and anyone trying to create something unique and different in the world.

“Stand up for yourself, even when it’s hard, even when it means taking a risk. And in any endeavor, find just one person who really believes in you.”

Recommended by: Liz Pound, Growth Strategist

2. Where’d You Go Bernadette?, by Maria Semple

FICTION

Bernadette is a revolutionary woman: opinionated, fearless, and fed up with the daily grind. This novel is for anyone who feels like they’ve outgrown their current life and is ready to start something fresh and focused on fulfilling their purpose.

“People like you must create. If you don't create, Bernadette, you will become a menace to society.”

Recommended by: Hanna Osterwyk, Lead Copy Editor

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3. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know, by Malcom Gladwell

NONFICTION

A good book for anyone trying to understand others better — mainly people you do not already have a relationship with. This work is filled with interesting, varied research about why our interactions with strangers don’t live up to our expectations.

"A really good book on personal perspective and assuming best intent. Anyone regularly having big conversations (like ones about finances or big dental decisions) could benefit from it.” — Jake Olson, Lead Photographer

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4. The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig

FICTION

Nora finds the Midnight Library, where she is able to choose a different life story for herself as easily as pulling a book from a shelf. She can now erase regret, guilt, mistakes — and create a perfect life. But what does that really mean? What makes a life well-lived?

“Even though it's a bit dark sometimes, the core message could be really grounding and inspiring to dentists and business owners. You are exactly where you need to be.” —Tanya Y., SEO Specialist

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5. Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, by Will Guidara

NONFICTION

In 2017 Eleven Madison Park in NYC was named the Best Restaurant in the world. This is the story of how that happened, from the man at the helm. It’s no spoiler that what ended up setting them apart was Guidara’s philosophy of “unreasonable hospitality.” This book is a staple of Studio 8E8 culture. We read it together, learning how the teams rose to meet challenges and feeling inspired.

“I love this book and feel like it has impacted me far outside of work. Plus the story is cool, and who doesn't love stories from the  New York food scene?”
—Liz Pound, Growth Strategist

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6. The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea, by Bob Burg and John David Mann

FICTION

This quick and engaging parable follows a young professional who learns that the businesses (and people) who thrive in the long run are the ones focused on giving value, rather than chasing it. For dentists, it’s a refreshing reframe of the day-to-day: every patient interaction, referral, and follow-up call is an opportunity to give value and build a practice people want to return to.

“Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.”

Recommended by: Ariel Kuhn, Lead Creative Strategist

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7. The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success, by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

NONFICTION

The “gap” and the “gain” refer to two different perspectives: measuring success against an ideal, and measuring success against where you were before you started trying. Ideals are moving targets that are always out of reach, but the gain between where you once were and where you area now is measurable evidence of how far you’ve come.

“Everything in life happens for you, not to you.”

Recommended by: Mike Sula, Sales Director

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8. A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles

FICTION

Count Alexander Rostov, the protagonist of this highly-rated novel, is a political prisoner in Communist Russia, confined to a hotel where he lives out his days. Despite his immobility, the congenial and enigmatic Count touches the lives of others who pass through, leaving a profound and lasting impact. The Metropol Hotel might be grander than a dental practice, but if you’re losing faith that you can make a difference in your small space, let this one inspire you think differently.

“What matters in life is not whether we receive a round of applause; what matters is whether we have the courage to venture forth despite the uncertainty of acclaim.”

Recommended by: Hanna Osterwyk, Lead Copy Editor

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9. The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin

NONFICTION

Rubin is a music producer known for drawing out what’s unique and special about each artists he works with. In his book he talks about how creativity is more about how we live than a specific output, and simplifies larger themes in a way that can engage even people who don’t think of themselves as creative. Straightforward and split into digestible chapters, this book may be helpful for startup dentists needing to engage with their own creativity as they build their brand.

“The goal is not to fit in. If anything, it’s to amplify the differences, what doesn’t fit, the special characteristics unique to how you see the world. Instead of sounding like others, value your own voice. Develop it.”

Recommended by: Jake Olson, Lead Photographer

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10. Good Inside, by Dr. Becky Kennedy

NONFICTION

Written by a widely popular parenting expert, the premise (and Dr. Kennedy’s core belief) that everyone is good at their core can be ground-shifting, influencing the way you relate to children, adults, and even yourself. Recommended for anyone who wants to see the good, and especially pediatric dentists.

“I’m not a parent, but reading this book got me into a place of deep thought and reflection that was so beneficial. It's impacted how I relate to everyone, including myself.” —Hanna Osterwyk, Lead Copy Editor

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We hope you enjoy these suggestions, and we’d love to know if you read any of these and caught some inspiration. Reach out to us with your own review!