Additional
Resources


Elite Practice Resources


Use the link below get your resources, including:

  • DSS 2024 Jocko Willink Fireside Chat
  • Elite Practice Blueprint PDF
  • Digital Copy of Pillars of Dental Success by Dr. Mark Costes
  • DSI Recommended Reading List
Acquire Free Resources

The Black Belt Practice System
A categorization framework for practice growth and evolution.


Belt White Belt Blue Belt Brown Belt Black Belt Black Belt+
Phase Phase 0 Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4
Ideal Expense Ratios
Payroll - Expenses - Dr. Pay - Profit
> 60% OH 30-30-30-10 30-25-30-15 25-25-30-20 < 50% OH
Systemization % < 40% 40% - 60% 61% - 79% 80% - 100% 80% - 100%
Overhead % > 60% 60% 55% 50% < 50%
Leadership < 40% 40% - 60% 61% - 79% 80% - 100% 80% - 100%
Culture < 40% 40% - 60% 61% - 79% 80% - 100% 80% - 100%
Focus Foundation Growth Scale Scale Scale

HOW TO USE THIS SYSTEM BREAKDOWN

This system is designed to help you clearly identify your current belt and phase level of practice ownership. By referencing your key metrics—such as overhead percentage, systemization, leadership, and culture scores—you can determine your placement within the framework.

Once you know your current belt level:

  • Use the corresponding guidelines to identify what to prioritize at this stage.
  • Focus your efforts on the most impactful improvements across expenses, leadership, culture, and systems.
  • Revisit this breakdown regularly as your metrics evolve to stay aligned with your growth path.

System Tools:

Elite Practice Manifesto Scorecard, Leadership Assessment, Cultural Assessment, Analytics