Want to know how to turn your dental practice schedule from stress-inducing to productivity-boosting? In this episode, Sandy and Michael tackle this very challenge. Drawing upon Sandy's extensive experience in training dental teams nationwide, they delve into the integral role of scheduling in balancing efficiency and patient satisfaction. Common issues like late appointments and broken down technology are recognized as catalysts for stress that many practices fall victim to, leading to a discussion on the necessity of a tailor-made scheduling system for every dentist. As the discussion deepens, Michael highlights the importance of team involvement to ensure the success of a productivity-driven schedule. Defining clear-cut goals for each provider and striving for team alignment is emphasized, underscored by Sandy's belief in celebrating victories - no matter how small - and viewing setbacks as opportunities for reassessment and growth. Furthermore, they illuminate the need for tracking key stats like call numbers, appointment bookings, and time utilization, thereby cultivating an understanding of effective scheduling from an analytical perspective. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The significance of customizing your practice's schedule for improved efficiency and patient contentment.
• Identifying and rectifying common stress inducers within dental practice scheduling.
• The necessity of goal-setting for every provider and ensuring team alignment with these goals.
• How to use setbacks as a learning curve and the importance of celebrating victories.
• The effectiveness of monitoring key stats and how they contribute to achieving productivity goals.
• How approaching scheduling as you would a game increases motivation and makes goal achievement a collaborative effort.

Don't miss this episode and streamline your practice schedule for maximized productivity and minimized stress!

Sponsors:

Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/

  Mentions and Links: Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

• Front Desk Pro

People:

• Dr. Westerman

Brands:

• Energizer Bunny

What really makes or breaks a well-functioning team? Buzzing with insights and real-world advice, we lay bare an indispensable component of business success – Regular one-on-one meetings. Dive into this episode with Sandy and Michael as they unfold the multiple layers of importance these interactions hold. From honing effective communication, fostering deeper relationships, to inciting recognition and personal growth among employees, the effectiveness of these conversations shapes the dynamics of your business. We delve into the significance of timely issue resolution, personalized training initiatives, and making room for these indispensable meetings. Discover how the simple act of note-taking and regular, thoughtful interactions, pave the way for a more harmonic and productive work environment. You’ll want to take notes as we dissect the critical role one-on-one sessions play in cultivating a positive practice culture and perpetuating employee satisfaction. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why one-on-one meetings are crucial and how they can build stronger relationships
• Importance of addressing issues promptly
• The impact of regular interactions on the productivity
• How personalized training can enhance employee satisfaction
• Ways to effectively schedule and conduct one-on-one meetings.

Be sure to tune into this eye-opening episode to equip yourself with the indispensable tool that a successful business runs on. Remember, one-on-one meetings could be the missing piece in your business' success story! Sponsors:

Elevate Patient Care with Automation: 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/ Mentions and Links: Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

• Front Desk Pro Seminar April 19th, 2024

Brands/Products:

• Apple Watch

People:

• Dr. Westerman

Ever questioned how to ace the management of in-house membership plans? This episode delves deeper into this vast topic with Janelle and Bari from Plan Forward, who walk us through tackling challenges and implementing successful solutions. They recount the journey of Plan Forward, a concept born out of the desire to improve customer service and streamline management of membership plans. The conversation embodies an in-depth analysis of the importance of tailoring plans for various practices, ultimately aiding in patient retention and practice growth. Janelle and Bari underline the vitality of personalized communication with patients, translating into increased customer service satisfaction rates. They additionally stress the significance of understanding practice demographics, which is instrumental for devising effective plans. The discussions reflect their innovative solutions and substantial industry knowledge, ensuring practitioners can manage in-house membership plans effortlessly and efficiently. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The inception and objectives of Plan Forward
• The importance of tailored membership plans for different practices
• How personalized communication affects patient retention and practice growth
• The significance of analyzing practice demographics in effective plan implementation
• How to manage in-house membership plans effectively and efficiently

Plug in your headphones and join us on this informative journey through membership plan management!

Sponsors:

Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/

  Mentions and Links: Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Are we becoming slaves to our screens even at the workplace? In this engaging episode, Michael and Sandy delve into the impact of screen time at the workplace, particularly assessing the effect of devices like Apple watches, Fitbits, and cell phones. Taking a hard look at the addictive demands of these technologies, they explore how their constant use can compromise individual productivity and professional etiquette. They zoom into the healthcare field, using dental practices as a case study. Here, Sandy exposes the reality of enforcing phone policies in an environment where personal rights, patient care, and legal considerations such as HIPAA compliance dance a precarious dance. As they shed light on instances of phone misuse, a critical need for clear and enforceable guidelines comes to light. The episode serves up insights on striking the right balance, creating an environment where technology empowers workers without becoming a distraction or liability. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Exploring the addictive nature of digital devices in the workplace
• How to set clear and enforceable device usage guidelines in a professional setting
• Analyzing the challenges and potential liability arising from device misuse in healthcare settings
• Understanding the fine line between enforcing rules and respecting personal property rights
• The importance of effective communication in setting device usage boundaries

Don't miss out on this insightful discussion! Hit the play button and learn how to control technology, not letting it control you or your team!

Sponsors:

Elevate Patient Care with Automation: 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/

  Mentions and Links: Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Brands/Products:

• Garmin watch
• Apple watch
• Target
• Fitbit
• Samsung

Have you ever wondered how to properly compensate your team, especially during training sessions and lunch meetings? This enlightening episode explores just that. Michael and Sandy navigate the often-overlooked aspects of employee payment, emphasizing the importance of understanding labor regulations and treating staff equitably. Learn from the friendly banter as they share personal insights – both from an employer's perspective and from a viewpoint of ethical responsibility. Discover how setting clear terms during hiring can result in beneficial outcomes for both parties involved. The duo also brings to light situations where employers are obliged to cover training expenses and underlines the necessity for transparent communication surrounding matters of monetary compensation for additional training. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of compliance with labor regulations
• Strategies for negotiating lower rates for different tasks
• Setting clear terms during the hiring process
• Obligation of employers to cover training expenses
• The importance of transparent communication regarding compensation

Don't miss this must-listen episode that unravels the nuances of staff compensation and inspires with valuable insights and real-world examples.

Sponsors:

Elevate Patient Care with Automation: 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/ Mentions and Links: Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

• Front Desk Pro Seminar April 19th, 2024

Brands/Products:

• Oral-B
• Chick-fil-A
• CBS
• The Ritz-Carlton

Services:

• Cedr HR Solutions

Organizations:

• U.S. Department of Labor

Is your dental practice is not showing up in search results the way you want? This episode of Dental Drill Bits dives deep into the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and its impact on your practice's online visibility. In conversation with our expert guest, Ali from Docsites, we address the importance of local SEO and elucidate how optimizing your web presence can organically elevate your position on search engine results pages. Ali covers common misconceptions about SEO and illuminates the potency of a coherent content strategy, mobile optimization, and the effective use of keywords in reeling in prospective patients. We shed light on common pitfalls to look out for, as well as the importance of persevering in your SEO initiatives. Above all, we warn against the fixation on rankings - reminding listeners that it's the consistent quality of your SEO work, not quick fixes or hacks, that truly matters in the long run. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The role and relevance of SEO in improving your dental practice's online visibility
• Insights into local SEO and how to optimize your website to rank higher organically
• Unmasking common SEO misconceptions
• The importance of content strategy and mobile optimization in SEO
• Effective use of keywords to attract and captivate potential patients
• Tips to avoid common SEO mistakes
• The significance of perseverance in your SEO initiatives
• The need to prioritize consistent, quality SEO work over quick fixes or obsession over rankings

Ready to elevate your dental practice? Tune into this episode of Dental Drill Bits for a comprehensive dive into SEO that could transform your online presence. 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/ Mentions and Links: Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Brands/Products:

• Zoom Teeth Whitening

• Kör Teeth Whitening

• Invisalign

• iTero

• WordPress

• Squarespace

• Zocdoc

• Yelp

How can you take control over your schedule and make sure it's not running YOU? This episode peels back the layers to reveal the make-or-break role a scheduler plays in any thriving dental practice. Sandy passionately articulates how setting precise production goals and having a clear understanding of individual procedure timings can make all the difference. Michael and Sandy navigate the conversation to highlight the immense value of seamless team communication and overall organization in keeping a well-maintained, high-functioning schedule. Their shared experiences unfold in a treasure trove of tips and tricks to evade common scheduling pitfalls – inaccurate procedure timings or the blow of missed appointments. By the time this episode ends, you will find yourself contemplating your existing scheduling processes and getting excited about the prospect of changes that could revolutionize your dental practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The ins and outs of effective scheduling in a dental practice
• The role of setting production goals and understanding procedure timings
• Strategies to avoid common scheduling inefficiencies
• The importance of good communication and organization in maintaining a streamlined schedule
• Ways to empower your team to take on proactive measures like patient follow-ups and pre-scheduling
• The potential impact of having a designated schedulers in your practice

Don't let your practice run out of time! Tune in to this episode to learn how to take control of your schedule and rise to new levels of productivity and patient satisfaction.

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:

Community/Groups:

• Dental Gumbo Group

Events:

• Front Desk Pro Seminar April 19th, 2024

Brands/Products:

• Starbucks
• Tony Chachere's Seasoning

Public Figures:

• Taylor Swift

 

 

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!