We recently connected with Sharon Dickerson and have shared our conversation below.

Sharon, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I grew up in Battle Creek, MI, where my father was a dentist. My very first job in the field I practice today was working for him. He was a wonderful dentist with a natural gift for connecting with people—everyone loved him. He welcomed everyone into his practice without judgment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that made his patients feel truly cared for.

Even though holistic dentistry wasn’t really a concept back then, my father was already questioning the standard practices in the field. He was always looking for better, safer ways to help his patients, which left a lasting impression on me. In those early years, I learned so much from him, not just about dentistry but about the importance of giving people your time, attention, and care. I assisted him in procedures, helped out in the front office, and absorbed everything I could.

Looking back, it was such a gift to work with him. Those small-town, one-on-one interactions and the dedication to truly understanding and helping people are what still fuel me today. Eventually, I took over his practice, which felt like a natural progression. If it weren’t for that early introduction to the field, I might not have discovered my passion for dentistry so early in life. I’m incredibly grateful for that experience, and I carry the lessons I learned from him with me every day in my own practice.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Battle Creek, MI, where my journey into dentistry began at a very young age. My father was a dedicated and compassionate dentist who had a profound influence on my life and career. Working alongside him in his practice, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how he connected with his patients on a deep, personal level. He welcomed everyone into his office without judgment and made each person feel genuinely cared for and heard. Even before holistic dentistry was a recognized concept, my father was already questioning traditional dental standards and seeking better, more comprehensive ways to care for his patients’ overall health.

Those early experiences working in my father’s office, assisting with procedures, and helping out at the front desk instilled in me a profound appreciation for the art and science of dentistry, as well as the importance of treating the whole person, not just their teeth. I knew early on that this was my calling, and I pursued my dental education with a passion for continuing my father’s legacy of compassionate, patient-centered care.

Today, my practice is dedicated to holistic and biological dentistry, focusing on minimally invasive and trauma-informed care that supports not only oral health but also the overall well-being of my patients. We offer a wide range of services that prioritize the use of biocompatible materials and techniques designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural processes. Our approach addresses the root causes of dental issues, integrating nutritional guidance, stress management, and other wellness practices to promote full-body health.

What truly sets our practice apart is our unwavering commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for our patients. We understand that dental care can be intimidating for many people, so we take the time to build trust, listen to concerns, and tailor our treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual. Education and open communication are at the heart of what we do, ensuring that our patients feel informed and involved in every step of their care journey.

The aspect of my work that I am most proud of is the profound impact we have on our patients’ lives. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing stories of transformation and healing that stem from their experiences in our office. We often have patients who come to us overwhelmed by dental challenges they’ve been facing for years, sometimes even in tears, expressing immense gratitude after finding the relief and support they thought was out of reach. Witnessing someone regain their confidence, health, and vitality because of the care and dedication my team and I provide is truly a gift and reinforces why I am so passionate about this work.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Yes, I did make a big decision to sell my practice in Michigan and move to Colorado, where there was a greater demand for biological dental services. It wasn’t easy convincing banks that a niche dental practice without accepting insurance could succeed. I had to put everything into my pitch, and by the end of those meetings, I had connected deeply with some of the bankers, even bringing them to tears.

Starting my practice in Cherry Creek required a lot of hard work. I was building out the office space from scratch while working full-time at another office in Denver. It took every bit of energy I had, but I was fortunate to have supportive vendors who believed in my vision and encouraged me along the way.

Now, five years later, I can honestly say that moving to Cherry Creek was the best decision I’ve ever made. The journey was challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come and to continue serving a community that values holistic care.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine, trust-based relationships with my patients. Word-of-mouth referrals have been incredibly powerful because people appreciate the care and attention they receive at our office. We focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected, which naturally leads to them recommending our services to friends and family.

In addition to building trust with patients, having a strong online presence has been crucial for growing my clientele. A well-designed website, optimized for SEO, ensures that people can find us when searching for holistic dental care. Social media also plays a big role in connecting with potential patients and sharing our philosophy. Since digital marketing isn’t my specialty, I hired talented contractors who excel in these areas. Their expertise has made a huge difference in reaching a wider audience and establishing our practice as a leader in biological dentistry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sharondickersondds.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sharondickerson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DickersonDDS/reviews/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-sharon-dickerson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.sharondickerso
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.sharondickerson

Image Credits

Nicolette Bardos
https://www.instagram.com/nicolettebardos/