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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!

Orthopedic injuries might seem more straightforward than your average undifferentiated weak-and-dizzy presentation in the emergency department. But don't be fooled! Learn some key sports medicine tips from Washington Capitals physician Landon Mueller, MD, and EMRA*Cast's Will Smith, MD.

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:

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:

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/

Welcome back to Dental Drill Bits! In this week's episode, the second installment of our "The 3 R's for Practice Management" series, we're diving deep into the crucial "recall process" in your dental practice. Without a solid recall process, there's a good chance your patients won't return on their own. We'll explore the fact that only 39.85% of people make it to the dentist every year, putting the responsibility on us to bring them back for those essential appointments. We reveal how a simple report reaching back 18 months could unveil a surprising number of patients in need of re-care – ranging from hundreds to even 2,000+ who haven't been rescheduled. But don't worry; we've got exciting tips and tricks up our sleeves to engage your patients beyond the mundane email reminders.

Tune in as we uncover how to leverage the power of phone, text, and email for maximum recall effectiveness!

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

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 Dental Drill Bits episode as we delve deep into the world of crafting a trustworthy dental website that actually converts! Our special guest, Ali, an expert from our sponsor: Docsites, joins us to explore the most common mistakes and strategies for website success. Discover the top elements to feature on your website to attract both patients and exceptional team members. Learn the art of creating a personal walk-through video on a budget (Hint: you can even turn iPhone footage into a personal and professional shoot.) Uncover the secrets of leveraging your existing original content and crafting a high-converting home page. Plus, gain insights on optimizing landing pages for ad campaigns.

Tune in this week to transform your dental website into a conversion powerhouse!

You Can Reach Out to Ali Here:

Phone: 818-416-0007

Email: ali@docsites.com

In this episode, Tommy and Alex talk through the first steps of a start up and what Tommy is going through with his Pedo/Ortho start up

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/

Have you or your team ever felt frantic or too busy to properly lead patients from back to front office? This week we're covering just that! We're running through how you can perfect the patient hand-off and increase treatment acceptance significantly in your practice.

Discover the secrets to boosting your communication skills, raising profits for your practice, and putting a smile on a patient's face all at once! Learn why using patient-friendly language is crucial – forget jargon like "third party financing" and connect with your patients on a personal level. We'll also share tips on having backup employees ready for a seamless check-out experience and the importance of educating patients upfront. Plus, find out how sending patients home with photos and a beautifully laid-out treatment plan can make all the difference.

Dive into this episode to learn how to turn your patient hand-offs from unorganized and frantic, to seamless and smooth!

Register for the Front Desk Pro Seminar September 29th, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/