Michael Sawaf

Dr. Michael Sawaf, D.M.D., is a renowned orthodontist based in Franklin, Tennessee, celebrated for his meticulous approach to orthodontic care and his unwavering commitment to enhancing smiles. With a foundation in dental medicine from Boston University, Dr. Sawaf’s journey in dentistry began with honor as a Naval Officer before advancing into specialized orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at Jacksonville University. His profound dedication to his craft is evidenced by his board certification through The American Board of Orthodontics and his active memberships in several prestigious dental associations. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Sawaf’s practice, Cool Springs Orthodontics, is a testament to his philosophy of precision care, where he leverages the latest technological advancements to achieve the best outcomes for his patients. A respected figure in his community, Dr. Sawaf’s interests extend to soccer, running, and philanthropy, reflecting a well-rounded individual who values both professional excellence and community engagement.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

At the office, I start by reviewing patient schedules and case files, ensuring each team member is aligned with the day’s goals. Productivity stems from a structured schedule, clear communication with my team, and setting aside time for patient consultations, treatment planning, and ongoing education.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Ideas come to life through collaboration. Whether it’s a new technique in orthodontics or an innovative patient care approach, I discuss these with my team and colleagues, refining the concept through feedback. Implementation involves thorough planning and often, a pilot phase within the practice to assess viability and impact.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The integration of digital technology in orthodontics, such as 3D imaging and printing, excites me. This advancement allows for more precise diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and efficient outcomes, enhancing the patient’s experience and results.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Prioritizing tasks and focusing on one task at a time have been crucial. This approach, combined with regular breaks to clear my mind, has significantly enhanced my productivity and quality of work.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d advise my younger self to embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth and not to fear taking risks. The experiences and lessons learned from those risks have been invaluable in shaping my career and life.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe in the profound impact of minor adjustments in orthodontic care, not just for aesthetic improvement but for overall health and wellness. While many focus on the cosmetic benefits, the broader health implications are often underappreciated.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Continuous learning and professional development. The field of orthodontics is ever-evolving, and staying informed on the latest research, techniques, and technology is crucial for providing the best care.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I step away from the immediate environment, preferably outdoors for a quick run or walk. This physical activity helps reset my focus and provides clarity on prioritizing tasks.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Building strong relationships with patients, referring dentists, and the community has been instrumental. These relationships, based on trust and excellence in care, have led to referrals and a positive reputation in the community.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I experienced a challenging case that did not progress as planned. I learned the importance of humility, seeking advice from more experienced colleagues, and the value of transparent communication with patients. It was a lesson in resilience and continuous improvement.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A mobile app that provides orthodontic care follow-up and patient education, enhancing engagement and compliance with treatment plans, which in turn could improve outcomes and patient satisfaction.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Project management software, which we use for scheduling, task assignment, and monitoring progress on various projects within the practice. It streamlines operations and ensures we stay on track.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande. It emphasizes the power of checklists in complex processes, a principle I’ve applied in my practice to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

Recently, I’ve been really into “Chef’s Table” on Netflix.

Key learnings:

• Continuous Improvement and Education
• Collaboration and Communication
• Personal Well-being and Community Engagement