Unlocking Dental Practice Success - Good vs Bad Write-Offs!
Patients Hate Bad Surprises
Some people will say, “I love surprises!” You know who does NOT love surprises? Your patients! Imagine this: you go in to get your oil changed. You know exactly how much an oil change costs, and that’s what you expect to pay. When they hand you the bill, you’re surprised to see all these extra charges—a fixed headlight, fresh wiper blades, maybe even a new battery. You didn’t ask for all that. You just wanted an oil change! This is how patients can feel after a procedure. They go in for a cleaning, and on their way out, they get charged for all these extra things. Not the kind of surprise people want! The solution is simple: communication. When you notice a problem, tell the patient right away. Explain what you found, then ask if you can fix it. Go over the procedure beforehand so patients aren’t surprised when they see the bill. You’ll earn their trust and make them want to come back! Some things just shouldn’t be a surprise. If you can relate to the oil change conundrum, you’ll definitely want to share this quick funny video with your team members. You’re in for a good laugh!
3 Strategies to Help You Say NO!
For all dentists and leaders, there will come a time when conflict arises, and you have to say the word that’s so difficult for so many of us: “No!” We’ve been conditioned to think that always saying “Yes” is a good thing, and while it’s certainly important, agreeing to everything will cause the dam to burst and flood your life with stress. Instead of fearing the “No,” we must learn to embrace it, and in doing so, create a container for the factors that threaten to overwhelm us.
Why You Have To Let Your Core Values Bake
You ever try a new recipe, and it doesn’t turn out quite right? Maybe you added too much baking soda. Or not enough vanilla extract. Or WAY too many chocolate chips. Recipes take time to perfect—and so does your practice.
Weed The Garden Or The Weeds Take The Garden
Do you have a garden at home? If you’re like most people, you’re always comparing it to what’s on the other side of the fence. The grass is greener. There are more flowers. And, most importantly, there are no weeds. Just like a garden, there are weeds in your practice.
5 Strategies To Encourage Dental Hygienists To Diagnose Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other more serious health complications, and it’s a problem over half the population has.
WAIT: Why Am I Talking?
A lot of people talk just to talk. You might be talking a bunch, but are you contributing to the conversation? Talking and contributing are two different things. Not everyone who talks is a contributor! Do you ever catch team members having side conversations at morning huddles?
What You Focus On Grows!
Sometimes, you can’t help but focus on all the negatives. You had two cancellations today. One of your patients refused to pay. And someone “forgot” to take out the trash! What you focus on grows and multiplies. If you focus on garbage, all you’ll see is garbage.
Why Patients Make Terrible Historians
Every dentist has that patient who thinks they’re always right. You know who I’m talking about! They say things like, “Ten o’clock? I thought my appointment started at eleven.” Or, “I’m pretty sure I paid that off last time.” Patients get details wrong all the time.
Win Over Patients With Perceived Value
You know the value of your practice. Your patient care is incredible, your procedures are professionally done, and you have the best team you could ask for. Sadly, patients don’t care about all that stuff. Crowns and fillings are all the same to them.