dentalstudent

Are you crumbling under constant patient cancellations and under-utilized hygienists? If so, this episode is a must-listen. Michael and Sandy go into deep dialogue discussing the art of managing the oh-so precious time of hygienists during those inevitable patient drop-offs. The duo shares their insights on the crucial role of effective communication within a dental practice, with an emphasis on the mighty bearings of the front office in ensuring a bustling schedule, despite the rollercoaster of patient availability.

In this enlightening conversation, Sandy underscores the cardinal importance of forging clear-cut agreements with the hygienists about their pay during the slack periods. They dive into the labyrinth of scheduling and patient management, providing actionable steps towards mastering these often-overlooked aspects of running a dental practice. Most importantly, this episode serves as a poignant call to arms, urging dental practices to give employee well-being the attention and respect it deserves. They conclude by stressing the urgency of a proactive approach in dentistry, a surefire way to trim down on missed opportunities and turbocharge your practice's efficiency.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of maintaining a hygienist's schedule during patient cancellations
• How proper communication in a dental practice plays a crucial role
• Effective methods to deal with broken appointment issues
• The significance of establishing clear-cut agreements with hygienists regarding their pay during downtime periods
• Ways to navigate the complexities of patient scheduling and management
• The importance of prioritizing employee well-being in a dental practice
• How proactive measures can reduce missed opportunities and drastically improve practice efficiency

Don’t miss out on this power-packed episode if you wish to skyrocket your practice's efficiency and maximize your hygienist's time!

Mentions and Links:

Front Desk Pro Seminar April 19th, 2024

Dental Gumbo Group

The 3 R's for Practice Management Part 2: Recall

Are the new patient numbers in your dental practice declining? Dive into this episode, where Michael and Sandy tackle this pressing issue, shedding light on the alarming trend that many dental practitioners face of dwindling new patient numbers. Sandy brings her expertise to the table, sharing startling real-world experiences of dentists and team members who have faced and overcome the same issue. She implores dental practitioners to delve deep to unearth the root cause of the decline.

Sandy also unveils the significance of front office operations in creating a first lasting impression on your patients. She explains how accommodating requests and building healthy relationships with patients not only retains them but also encourages them to refer others.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What the declining trend in new patient numbers truly means
• The real reasons behind decreasing new patient numbers in dental practices
• The crucial role of front office operations in dental practices
• How to create a strong first impression in a professional setting
• The importance of accommodating your patients' requests
• Tactics to develop patient loyalty and drive fruitful referrals

Don’t miss this golden chance to get those patient numbers up, starting today!

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Mentions and Links:

SurveyMonkey

Crowdsignal

Front Desk Pro Seminar April 19th, 2024

Dental Gumbo Group

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention this podcast episode for a special deal! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/ (Docsites is offering $750 off their plans until the end of February, 2024, so be sure to jump on this amazing offer for our listeners!)

How does an inviting and up-to-date website impact your dental practice? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, our website wizard, Ali, joins hosts Sandy and Michael to unravel the power of a well-managed website and how it can boost a dental practice's profile. Taking you through the elements of an effective website, they share nuggets of wisdom about the significance of timely updates, patient testimonials, and professional imagery, focusing on how these components create credibility and set your dental practice apart in today's competitive landscape.

In their lively discussion, the trio point out how internal marketing, through a properly curated website, can revolutionize your practice, debunking the common misconceptions surrounding patient acquisition. They dig deep into how showcasing your team's expertise, using before-and-after images, and integrating positive patient feedback can truly enhance your online presence. Moreover, throughout the episode, they provide practical tips to optimize and breathe life into your practice's website, underlining the importance of regular checks and professional assessments.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The pivotal role that a diligently managed website plays in setting a dental practice apart.
• The necessity of regularly updating a website to mirror your dental practice's current status and improvements.
• The power and importance of testimonials and before-and-after photos in instilling trust and drawing in prospective patients.
• The potential of internal marketing through an effectively planned and executed website.
• How a professional website service can maximize your site's performance and influence.

Jumpstart your website and thereby, your dental practice by tuning into this insightful episode!

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Are you curious about how to elevate patient care and streamline processes in your dental practice? Wondering if appointing a treatment coordinator could make a remarkable difference? This episode provide insights and practical advice on the exact topic. In this engaging conversation, Sandy and Michael delve into the roles and benefits of having a dedicated treatment coordinator in a dental practice. Drawing from her personal experience with a treatment coordinator, Sandy emphasizes the critical role of patient education and effective communication in driving treatment acceptance.

In our discussion, they explore the responsibilities of a treatment coordinator and how this role can significantly contribute to your overall success. They discuss the importance of having not only a clear understanding of treatment options and financial aspects but also effective appointment coordination skills and a flair for communication. Sandy talks about the essential qualities an efficient treatment coordinator should possess and provides advice for practice owners contemplating implementing this role. To wrap up the episode, we remind everyone to focus on patient education, maintaining open channels of communication, and providing exceptional care right from the get-go.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of a treatment coordinator in your dental practice.
• How a treatment coordinator can improve patient care.
• The key responsibilities of a treatment coordinator.
• The necessary qualities a successful treatment coordinator must possess.
• Practical advice for implementing and supporting a treatment coordinator role in your practice.

So tune into this insightful episode and learn how to transform your practice through effective patient coordination!

Sponsors:

Are you looking for dental software that puts your patients first? From online scheduling to online forms, patient communication, and office coordination – Yapi simplifies every step of the patient experience. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://yapiapp.com/

Still wondering what makes a great front desk team at your dental practice? We're back this week to delve into the multifaceted world of front desk duties, shedding light on tasks that keep your favorite dental practice buzzing with organized, professional energy. We highlight how this vital team scales their workload according to patient inflow, adapting to increased pressures, and strategically splitting tasks among themselves to ensure that no detail, however minute, is overlooked.

In a world increasingly digitized, we're making a compelling argument about the unmatched importance of a human presence at the front desk, weaving in discussions about financial targets, appointment scheduling, and making the most out of open time slots. Amidst the varied roles a front desk team undertakes, we stress the paramount importance of organizational tools like procedure manuals, detailed inventories for each department, and individual statistics that help hold the team accountable and on track.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of human presence at your front desk
• How front desk teams manage increasing workload as patient inflow grows
• The significance of office goals and financial targets in managing practice operations
• The necessity for organizational tools like procedure manuals and detailed inventories
• Why keeping track of individual statistics are vital for the team’s overall productivity
• The advantages of implementing an efficient recare system and confirming patient appointments

Ready to unlock the mystery of what happens behind the dental front desk? Listen in to learn the ins and outs of keeping your schedule full!

Sponsors:

Are you looking for dental software that puts your patients first? From online scheduling to online forms, patient communication, and office coordination – Yapi simplifies every step of the patient experience. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://yapiapp.com/

Why is the front desk team so crucial to the life and health of a dental practice? How can you create a driven and dedicated team to keep the wheels of your practice rolling smoothly? Buckle up, because this episode lays out the vital behind-the-scenes work that every front office team should be performing.

We unravel how a well-coordinated front desk team extends the life of a dental practice, offering invaluable patient services that soar far beyond the confines of the office. From appointment scheduling to recalling patients, Sandy provides insight into the practices of an efficient team and the common pitfalls to avoid. Discover why front desk-less offices fall short of expectations and how personalized communication wins every time. The importance of a well-organized schedule and its direct correlation with practice income is also covered.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The wide range of responsibilities of the front desk team in a dental office.
• The impact of personalized communication and customer service on patient satisfaction and referrals.
• The downfalls of a front desk-less office structure.
• Nailing down an effective schedule to maximize appointments and income.
• The importance of recall management and patient reactivation strategies.

Put your practice on the path to success. Don’t miss a beat of this enlightening part one!

Are you ready to skyrocket your front office team? Register for the next Front Desk Pro with Sandy here! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro/

Do you have patients who refuse to take X-rays? Navigating through this sensitive space requires both empathy and skill. Michael and Sandy meticulously break down the different scenarios that dentists commonly encounter - the cost-conscious deniers, the comfort-focused decliners, and the radiation worriers. They share practical verbal techniques and strategies to engage with each category, effectively conveying the vital role X-rays play in maintaining overall dental health. As they discuss how consistent refusal despite proper communication and patient education might sometimes lead to "firing a patient," they place a spotlight on the importance of detailed note-keeping and educated refusal forms for documentation. Throughout the episode, Michael and Sandy pave the path to nurturing patient relationships through clear communication and deeper understanding.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of sympathetically addressing patient persistencies concerning X-ray refusals
• The value of role-playing within the dental team to hone their communication skills
• How to explain the importance of X-rays convincingly and clearly to patients
• Techniques to navigate and respond to varied patient objections: from cost, discomfort, to radiation
• The correct way to document the choice of patients adamant about not taking X-rays

Ready for a deep dive into patient communication? Hit play!

What to connect with like-minded dentists and learn more? Join Dental Gumbo here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentaldrillbits/members/

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Wondering what truly underpins success as we start the new year? Join us as we delve into this topic, highlighting key aspects that contribute to not just financial growth, but personal fulfillment in dentistry. We challenge the notions of success, illuminating how it can vary individually. Some dentists might find satisfaction in smaller practices with lower overhead but meeting their financial goals — the two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

As we gear up for a fresh year, we're underscoring the significance of goal setting and strategic planning in the dental industry. Exploring key practice statistics—overhead costs, fees, and profit margins—and knowing what they represent is indispensable. Understanding these parameters not only gives you a clear picture of your current standing but also unveils areas requiring improvement.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• That success in dentistry is not merely about financial numbers
• The importance of goal setting and strategic planning
• Value of knowing your practice statistics
• Role of quality dentistry and customer service in driving success
• The impact of insurance networks on profitability
• Considerations for in-house membership plans
• Significance of tracking broken appointments

Don't miss out on this enlightening episode — a path to understanding how to build a successful and satisfying dental practice this year!

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Ever wanted to hear straight from an office manager what the benefits of a membership plan might hold? Today, Heather, an office manager with 14 years of experience in the medical realm, unravels her story covering the immense benefits of dental practice membership plans. She elaborates on how regulations and protocols in dentistry may seem complex but with innovative systems like Plan Forward, keeping tabs on membership plans has never been easier.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Heather's journey into the dental industry and how she adapted to the intricacies of dental administration.
• The pivotal role of effective communication in explaining membership plans to patients.
• The importance of providing bespoke membership packages that align with a patient's needs and budget.
• The effectiveness of PlanForward's upgraded system in effortlessly tracking membership plans and their expiry dates.
• Real-life testimonies about the positive impact of membership plans on patient retention.

Are you ready to dig into the secrets of successful dental practice management with tips straight from an office manager? Tune into today!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention this podcast episode for a special deal! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Wondering how to ease the burden and stress off yourself as the doctor? In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy are exploring the universe of responsibilities that come with the role of an office manager in a dynamic and demanding dental practice. They break down the essential duties that will keep your practice running smoothly without the added headache.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Understand the scope of day-to-day activities a dental office manager oversees.
• Discover the role an office manager plays in shaping employee and patient relations.
• Uncover how essential marketing, compliance, and staff training duties fall under the office manager's purview.
• Realize the importance of clear and consistent communication between the office manager and the doctor.
• Appreciate effective strategies for cultivating excellent customer service and patient relations skills.
• Gain insights on the significance of consistency and communication in propelling the practice forward.
• Learn useful tips for avoiding burnout and strategies to find the right fit for your office manager role.

Tune in to this episode of Dental Drill Bits and boost your dental practice's effectiveness, efficiency, and overall success with an office manager!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention this podcast episode for a special deal! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Michael delve headfirst into the crucial role of an office manager in your dental practice. Listen as they unlock the job description of a successful manager and explore how imperative it is for dentists to identify potential talent hidden within their teams while filling this impactful role. Sandy and Michael dissect the cardinal role of duplication skills in a manager's toolbox and how this skill can set apart a thriving practice from a struggling one.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Understanding the crucial role and job description of an office manager in a dental practice
• Identifying and fostering talent within your team for the office manager post
• What are duplication skills and why are they important in office management?
• Strategies and tips for successful office management
• Overcoming common challenges faced by office managers.

 Tune in to today's discussion and transform your dental practice with a brilliant office manager!

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Join Sandy Pardue, Dr. James Burneson, and Michael Arias, in their conversation about the positive impact of membership plans on dental practices! Revealing the multifaceted benefits of adopting a membership plan like Plan Forward, Sandy and James dive deep into why this strategy not only attracts new patient numbers but also assures existing ones by enabling them to take control of their healthcare decisions and achieve cost-effective dental care. From the importance of presenting the plan effectively on the website, to the flexible customization potential of membership plans that cater to patient's individual needs, gain key insights from this innovative approach.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How membership plans instill a sense of security in patients.
• The role of a dental practice's website in promoting its membership plan.
• Customization possibilities in membership plans.
• The affordability factor of dental care with a membership plan.
• The impact of membership plans on patient loyalty and retention.
• Connection between famous consumer brands and dental membership plans.
• The benefits of leveraging software solutions to improve office productivity.

Tune into this episode to unlock a whole new level of patient satisfaction and practice productivity!

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention this podcast episode for a special deal! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Tune in to this value-packed episode of Dental Drill Bits as we dive into a topic that's on every employer's mind: the Christmas bonus. How necessary is it, really? And what if you've been doing it for years, but your current funds don't support it? Sandy has not only built a unique approach to the Christmas bonus dilemma but also knows how to leverage this typically seasonal reward to build a stronger, more motivated team year-round.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why a Christmas bonus might not always be the best way to reward your team.
• How to manage expectations around Christmas bonuses, especially if you can't afford it this year.
• A special system that Sandy has developed, making the "bonus" work in favor of both you and your practice.
• The effective script and formula for consistently and fairly rewarding your team.

Implementing these strategic changes could change everything about how you approach employee rewards. So go ahead, hit play and let's redefine bonuses!

(This episode originally aired Dec 07, 2022)

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of dental recruitment this week on Dental Drill Bits! Today we are tackling the common but tricky issue of sourcing exceptional employees for your  practice. From leveraging social media and content creation to utilizing the power of internal referrals - no stone is left unturned. We're also shedding light on the secrets of crafting a compelling job post guaranteed to attract quality candidates who are as committed to outstanding oral care as you are.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The effective use of social media and engaging content for recruitment.
• Tactics to bolster employee endorsements for your practice.
• Pros of hiring new staff through job fairs and internal recruitment.
• The delicate art of pinpointing exactly what to feature in a job post; from salary and benefits to workplace perks.
• Active vs. passive job seekers and who you should be searching for.

Tune in to get the low-down on finding and hiring top-tier dental talents, right here on Dental Drill Bits!

Join our free Facebook group, Dental Gumbo, to get in on the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentaldrillbits/

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're diving deeply into a dilemma most dental practices grapple with - "Should my hygienist clock out when they have free time?" An empty dental chair is definitely the stuff of nightmares for a dental practice. With a keen focus on this issue, we aim to provide a fresh perspective on handling unpredictable schedule gaps due to cancellations and no-shows. We also delve into the potential pitfalls of moving patient appointments and the unseen consequences it can have on your practice's reputation.

If you're looking to find out how to most efficiently use hygiene time in your practice, let's jump into today's episode!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Approaches to manage your hygienist's empty appointment slots caused by last-minute cancellations.
• The perilous after-effects of moving patients' appointments without their consent.
• Practical tips for filling cancelled appointments as swiftly as possible from your existing patient pool.
• The impact of scheduling chaos on the overall atmosphere and productivity of a dental practice.
• How proper scheduling can uplift the satisfaction rate among patients and staff alike.

Stay tuned for the next registration period for Front Desk Pro! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro/

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Mention this podcast episode for Docsites' special Black Friday offer during the month of November, 2023! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome back to Dental Drill Bits! This week, we're thrilled to have Ali from our sponsors, Docsites, back on the show. Ali dives deep into the  three essential steps for successful online marketing campaigns tailored specifically for your dental practice. We tackle the challenges of getting discovered by potential patients, exploring strategies to increase visibility and attract more eyeballs to your practice. Discover how to build authority and brand recognition, ensuring that potential patients not only find you but are eager to choose your services. Ali shares insights on preventing potential patients from getting lost in the mix and maximizing the impact of your marketing dollars through an effective follow-up process. Plus, uncover the power of a professional website that showcases social proof, your dental philosophy, and the welcoming atmosphere of your office.

Hit play on this episode for a healthy dose of digital marketing wisdom from Ali this week!

You Can Also Reach Out to Ali Here:

Phone: 818-416-0007

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome to this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits! In the dental world, striking the right chord with your team's appreciation can be a delicate dance. This episode dives into the eternal office debate: should you throw an epic office party or dish out those coveted cash bonuses? We've got the insights on celebrating birthdays with professionalism, navigating the holiday season to ensure genuine team joy, and the lowdown on the nuanced differences between Year End and Christmas bonuses. We'll also explore some thoughtful gift and celebration ideas that'll leave your team smiling regardless of your office budget!

Tune in this week to discover the perfect balance between celebrations and cash for team appreciation.

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Welcome to this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, where we're diving into the ins and outs of starting a membership plan for your dental practice with the brilliant Megan Lohman, founder and co-CEO of our sponsor, Plan Forward. We'll uncover the essential role of robust membership plan software in streamlining your front office operations and eliminating administrative headaches. Discover how to approach the membership conversation with patients, whether they have insurance or not, and see how your plan can actually save your patients money – the numbers don't lie! Plus, we'll explore the challenging landscape of insurance reimbursement rates and rising operating costs for practices, and discuss the perfect timing and messaging to present your membership plan option to patients. 

You won't want to miss this episode filled with invaluable insights to propel your practice forward!

Reach Out to Megan Here:

Email: mlohman@planforward.io

Phone: 833-752-7526

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Get ready for this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, the third installment of our "The 3 R's for Practice Management" series! This week, we're finishing out strong with the critical "reactivation" aspect of your practice. We'll explore the delicate balance between automation and the personal touch of sending physical cards to your patients. You'll learn how to kickstart a reactivation project and when the best time is to begin. We'll also share tips on securing the most up-to-date patient contact information and, most importantly, how to boost your retention rates to an impressive 70% and beyond!

Don't miss out on these essential insights to supercharge your retention rates!

Register for Front Desk Pro, in Dallas, TX, on December 1st, 2023: https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Instructions on How to Access
Reactivation Project:

Step 1: WEBSITE

• Go to www.classicpractice.com

Step 2: CLICK

• Scroll down to “Training Events,” select “Lecture Attendee Documents”
• Enter Information and click “Sign Up.”
• Select “Reactivation Project”
• Enter the passcode “reactivatepatients”

Going directly into private practice from dental school is less common than it used to be. Today's guest is Dr. Nicholas Bottorff and he did just that. Now he's a practice owner and one of Incisal Edge's "40 Under 40." Nicholas made some big moves early in his career and many of these moves happened after he asked the right questions. 

What are the things you need to know about an associateship? What questions really get to the heart of the matter when evaluating a potential associateship or practice purchase. Dr. Bottorff has a lot of thoughts on this as well as encouraging the use of technology to grow your practice.

Some links from the show:

• Elevated Dentistry
• Incisal Edge's 40 Under 40
• Dr. Bottorff's Instagram

Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" or "Lipscomb!"

The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you’d like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us!

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