Dr. Joy McDaniel graduated from dental school knowing how to make beautiful and clinically ideal crowns, bridges and dentures. She could also fill and extract teeth as well as anyone.

But she had no clue how to manage and run a dental practice-that was something she had to learn on her own.

This guide for dental students and dentists who want to open their own practice provides a blueprint for tackling the tasks they don't teach you in school. Learn how to:

determine if you should remain an employee or strike out on your own; hire the right office manager and other key personnel; pick the right dental equipment and work with the right vendors; and motivate and empower your team. Dr. McDaniel also highlights the importance of rewarding staff with continuing education opportunities, ways to provide excellent customer service, and how to connect with potential customers.

No matter what you do, there will be some things you learn by trial and error, but you'll get actionable insights on how to open and operate a successful dental practice in Just Wish I Had Known.