What if we told you that how fast and how big your dental practice grows is directly proportional to the strength of your CSR function? Tune into the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show as host Mike Huffaker welcomes Kyle Guerin, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Henry Schein, for an invigorating conversation on the critical need for a philanthropic approach to dentistry in today’s day and age.

How many dentists remember why they got into this profession in the first place? Note enough; and that has to change.

Kyle shares the essential principle that while businesses should strive to make a positive impact, they must maintain financial sustainability to continue their mission. And, the key lies in finding the right balance between profitability and purpose, integrating giving into the core business model rather than treating it as an optional or nice-to-have. Kyle suggests starting with initiatives that align with your culture and brand, emphasizing that when CSR becomes ingrained in company culture, it can withstand economic challenges while continuing to serve the community.

In the road to making CSR a cultural driver within the organization, Kyle emphasizes the importance of identifying causes that genuinely resonate with leadership and team members, creating authentic connections that drive lasting engagement. Building a culture of giving requires consistent commitment over time, not jumping between different causes each month. The impact grows naturally as the program becomes an integral part of the organization's identity rather than just another corporate initiative.

The positive effects of CSR stretch far beyond practice growth; Kyle discusses how younger generations actively seek employers whose values align with their own, making CSR programs powerful recruiting tools. Purpose-driven organizations attract candidates looking for meaning beyond just a paycheck, creating stronger cultural alignment from the start. This translates into improved employee engagement and retention as people feel connected to something larger than themselves.

Kyle highlights the massive opportunity in dentistry, with roughly 50% of people still not regularly seeing a dentist. Modern diagnostic technologies enable dental professionals to identify systemic health issues early, positioning them as crucial healthcare partners. As preventive care and whole-body health become priorities, dentistry's role in healthcare will only grow more vital, presenting opportunities for practices to expand their impact while improving patient outcomes.

Inspired by Kyle’s story? Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of purpose and practice.

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