“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” –

 Albert Einstein

Hello Friends,

End the insanity – If you’re unhappy with your production & collection numbers, toxic team members, the schedule always falling apart, not enough new patients and a run down, out dated practice… now is a great time to make a change or 20 changes.

Remember,    “If you don’t like how things are, then change it! …you’re not a tree.” – Jim Rohn

The following suggestions were taken from a recent email from The Madow Brothers regarding change…

“In your next team meeting, identify something that you have been doing for such a long time that it has become part of the fabric of your practice – but something that needs to be shelved, stopped, or radically changed. Review everything you do with one question in mind – “How can we make this better for the year 2016?”

 Don’t be afraid to throw away traditions that are no longer working. Remember that the phrase “we’ve always done it that way” is the enemy!!”

Great advice from The Madow Brothers!! If you don’t currently follow them, I highly encourage you to visit their website. Here is the link: www.madow.com.

So let’s get started!

Areas to investigate for Possible Change: (Note: This is not a fully comprehensive list but it will get you started in the right direction.)

Current Protocols –  Hygiene Continuing Care , Incomplete Treatment Reports, Confirmation, A/R-Collections, Greetings, Patient Hand-off, New Patient Welcomes and Referral Thank you’s, etc.

Paper Communication Materials – Intake form, Letterhead, HIPAA forms, Financial Policy & Postcards

Job Responsibilities/Descriptions – Have every team member write down a detailed list of all of their job responsibilities. This is VERY helpful in determining more effective ways of doing things as well as finding out what is NOT being done.

The Team – Under/over staffed, Uniforms/Dress Code, Attitudes (adjusting or removing the toxic, crabby & lazy ones AND) acknowledging and rewarding the positive, happy, hard-working ones), Employee Benefits and Expectations, Team Meeting/Morning Huddle Effectiveness and Frequency.

Office Appearance – Furniture, Wall Decor, Lighting, Window Treatments, Smells, Cleanliness and Curb Appeal on the Exterior (See also Part 1 in the Improve Your Office Series)

Equipment/Technology –  Computers, Software, Internet Speed & Access, Printers, Copiers, Telephone Systems, TV’s, Postage machines,  including…dare I say, type writers?  and all other “must have” Equipment/Products that were purchased at dental seminars or from sales reps. Check treatment rooms, lab, closets, shelves and work stations for any equipment that needs to be updated, repaired or tossed! While you’re at it, if there is anything that isn’t be used properly due to lack of education/training, go ahead and schedule time for continuing education/training.

I’m sure as you were reading this list you thought of other area’s to investigate. Maybe you knew right away of things that have been nagging at you for a while now, things that are driving you insane. Change them. Don’t wait. You will be so happy when you accomplish these necessary changes.

Change isn’t easy, it can be difficult and uncomfortable but know this…

 “To Change is Difficult.  Not Changing is Fatal” – William Pollard

If you feel like this is all just too much for you, or that you would rather focus on taking care of your patients, I’m here to help you. I happen to LOVE helping Dentists and their Team Members make changes. Contact me for a Complimentary Consultation – email: bhaydenconsulting@gmail.com.

Please keep me updated by sharing your success stories of change. Or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, I’m happy to help.

Are you receiving my complimentary Practice Management and Marketing Idea’s in your email inbox each month? If not, please subscribe today. Feel free to tell your dental friends all about us so they can start benefiting from these dental idea’s too.

Yours for Greater Success,

~Betty