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It's Not Just About the Teeth

Many years ago, just after I had built a new dental office, I hired a man and his wife to clean the office each night. While the man was nice, his wife was almost openly hostile towards me. You can imagine my “delight” some time later when I saw her name on the schedule. She seemed to be somewhat relaxed around the staff but the second I walked in to the room she bristled. She was adamant that I remove my mask and walk around in front of her each and every time I entered the room. She did not want to be reclined completely and every time I had to touch her, she would wince. Additionally she had an auto immune disease and TMJ syndrome. At the end of every appointment I would feel like pulling my hair out.

Over the next couple years, I replaced several teeth with a bridge, altered her vertical dimension, made a lower partial and replace all of the composites in her anterior teeth. I was shocked about three years later when she wanted to get anterior veneers. I always wondered why if she was so afraid of me, why she continued with treatment with me. Years into the relationship the mystery was revealed. As a child she was abused and I reminded her of her abuser. Learning to deal with me, was her way of resolving these painful issues. “WHY ME?!?!?!?!?!?!”

But I am happy to report that eventually, I got it too. Knowing what the patient was dealing with, helped me treat her with more compassion. As we completed the veneers, I was pretty gratified to receive a big hug and “Thank You.” Several months later I was surprised to see my work on the front page of the local newspaper. My patient had gone to the paper to express her appreciation a public way for the treatment that she had received from me. I lost track of my patient for several years but recently I saw her in our local court house where she serves as an advocate for abused women. Now when I get frustrated with my patients, I try to remember, “It’s not just about the teeth.”

For more information on how DentistCEO provides expert dental consulting in Vancouver, WA to help you create your dream team, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of DentistCEO today!

Recognize Your Power

Within each of us lies a boundless power, one that we can choose to ignore, abuse, or harness to positively affect those around us: The power of our words.

It is likely that some of your most meaningful memories involve words that had great impact. In some cases, a few spoken words can change your life’s course. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words are to this day studied, examined, and explored because of their ability to motivate and induce passion. Centuries old proverbs and Bible verses caution that our words can “cut deeper than the sword.” In addition, an unbreakable promise is often referred to as “giving your word.”

In the dental office, and any work environment really, the words we choose on a daily basis can determine whether we find success a team. Positive reinforcement from the dentist or team leader can become the backbone of a highly motivated team of super producers. Conversely, thoughtless remarks that cut down can lead to discouragement, apathy, lack of motivation, and the dental practice as a whole suffers. Making a concerted effort to choose positive, upbuilding words can breathe life into a dental team that is choking on low morale. As a dentist and dental consultant for Portland, I’ve seen the power of words in the dental office!

Dental consulting for Portland and Vancouver: Contact Dr. Brad Larsen of Dentist CEO.

Feels Like Home

A couple of years ago my family happened to visit a small neighborhood Italian restaurant, “New York, New York” in Portland, OR. The owner and his daughter are always there and treat the customers like old friends. One of the menu items is Cesar Salad which the own makes at the table. He has an East Coast accent and makes you feel like you are in his restaurant in Brooklyn. We ordered a large pizza which took up the entire table top. By time we left we felt like we were family. We have returned several times and each time we feel like we are visiting friends. Last Friday as we left, I thought to myself, "Wow that feels like home."

One of the things I miss most about private practice is the ongoing relationships that I had with my patients. I miss the catching up at each recall, watching the kids grow up, move away, come back and have kids of their own. As dentists, we have the unique opportunity to build relationships with our patients. I have always contended that the term, “dental home” is more than just a term but it is a feeling. These feelings of "home" help patients feel confidence in our abilities and treatment recommendations. If your patients are hesitant to accept your treatment recommendations on the first "go around", be patient, build the relationship and you will be surprised at their reaction to your recommendations when your office "feels like home."

If you want your office to "feel more like home", contact DentistCEO, dental practice management for Portland and the surrounding area.

And find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Some of my fondest memories in private practice we the moments of uncontrolled laughter that I shared with my patients and assistants in the operatory. As doctors sometime we fail to allow our patients to see us as "just plain folks." While creating beautiful smiles may be our primary goal, there is nothing like a good laugh to show them off. It is amazing how a "laugh break" relieve the stress of a busy schedule.

Dentistry is a great profession with the potential for lot's of good times. Contact Dr. Brad Larsen at DentistCEO and let the good times roll.

Find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

"The Buck Stops Here"

As I reviewed the reports of the recent events surrounding the killing of Osama Bin Laden by the US Special Forces, I was struck by this picture of the White House staff in the situation room as they watch the events unfold. The intensity of those present is obvious. Even though President Obama is not sitting at a computer or personally directing the operation, his concern is evident as it should be because in the words of Harry Truman, “the buck stops here.”

Often when I work with doctors I find that there is a lack of progress in tackling the challenges in their practices because the owner/doctor feels that because he has delegated a task and his/her responsibility for the successful completion of the task has ended. An effective leader understands that the success of a project is more a matter of “assign and report” rather than “assign and forget.” During my years of private practice, I found that once I had adequately trained my staff, they could work well independently and I was confident in their ability to successfully complete projects. My confidence in my staff was reinforced not only by their successfully reinforcing their project but by frequent reports. I am a fierce advocate of delegation but I always bear in mind that “the buck stops here.”

Thoughts of Home

As the earth awakens from its winter's sleep and families unite to celebrate Easter, I can't help but think of the countless men and women who have sacrificed and sacrifice so that we can live in this country of freedom and liberty. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Embracing Our Differences

I am pleased to feature Mary Kay Milewski as a guest blogger. I recently attended a social media seminar with Mary Kay and another guest blogger Al Mendez. Experience as both a Human Resource Manager, Executive Training Manager, as well a Dental Practice Administrator, has uniquely positioned Mary Kay Milewski to understand the complex challenges of practicing dentistry in times of exponential change. As an instructor in the Workforce Development Department of the University of Akron, Mary Kay teaches management skills to a wide variety of business including manufacturing, healthcare and service organizations. Her realistic, refreshing approach to areas such as Leadership, Communications, Conflict Resolution and Change Management have given her clients hands on tools to improve the bottom line of their company and to develop their most important asset – their people.

I live in two worlds. I manage my husband’s dental practice in North Eastern Ohio, but I am also a contract trainer for a local university which sends me into a wide a variety of companies to do management training. The management problems we face in dentistry today are really no different than those I see all over the manufacturing and service sectors of our economy. People are people no matter what their profession.

One problem I hear over and over again is how to manage the challenge of generational differences in the workplace. Specifically, managers and supervisors ask me why the “twenty something kids” don’t want to work. And expect to be made a manager during their first week of employment. And leave each day at 4:00 pm on the dot. The younger members of their workforce roll their eyes and ask me why the shall we say “more seasoned” coworkers still can’t figure out how to put an attachment into an email, and why it is such a big deal for “old people” to try something new.

Generational Differences are as old as time. I am sure somewhere deep in a cave somewhere is a hieroglyphic that says “What is with these young kids today?” Each generation has a natural desire to break with the past, to push boundaries, to try to do things differently. I grew up in the 1960’s near Kent State University…generational differences were very alive and well. And while we wrote music and books on our view of the world, once in the workforce, our generations blended together well.

So what’s different now? One of the biggest culprits is the pace of change. Generations used to be divided into periods of twenty to thirty years. A recent New York Times article cited research being done that pointed to technological changes so profound as to dramatically change how young people communicate…every three to five years. Think about it…an eight year old has been raised reading books, but your toddler will view a book as something you download. An eighteen year old will not answer an email or “shudder” an archaic voicemail but send them a text and you get instant response. But their twenty five or thirty year old sibling will be much more open to using email because texting wasn’t part of their adolescence. We’ve created profound intra-generational shifts that will inevitably impact how younger generations communicate and interact with an increasingly complex world.

So what to do? As with all things, first take a deep breath and realize that you cannot stop the change that is coming at us like a runaway train. Stop trying to pound a square peg into a round hole and embrace these generational differences. Accept that a different view is not necessarily a bad thing, but rather that a gift that can help you consider new ways to solve old problems. Embrace these differences instead of trying to make everyone think like you. And get used to change. It’s here to stay.

What Ever It Takes

I am pleased to present my guest blogger, Dr. Al Mendez. Albert Mendez is a practicing dentist in SE Kansas. He is married and the proud father of 5—four college age and one in high school. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. He enjoys walking, snow skiing and riding his Harley Davidson Heritage Classic. He has recently been elected to his local school board.

I know what I am about to say just might sound ironic. I write a blog and I Facebook, and yet I consider myself a somewhat private person. How is that possible? I suppose I consider myself private because I do not "confess" past or current "sin and shortcomings" in public. I grew up the son of a hardworking steelworker in a middle class community in the south suburbs of Chicago. It was not uncommon for Dad to work 12-16 hours per day. Throughout my growing up years, Mom was a stay at home mom. She ran a very tight ship. I admire my parents for all they did for my siblings and me. I am the person I am today mostly because of their attitude and teachings. Do whatever it takes!!!

My common, everyday life was never much to talk about; after all every one lived that way, right? It was nothing to be ashamed of, nor was it much to brag about. Recently I was talking with one of my team members about working my way through college and dental school. I told her about how I worked in a meat processing plant moving product from storage to the processing floor and back. I helped in the "ground beef" room--pushing the meat into the grinders, extruding it into one to ten pound chubs, boxing the chubs, etc. On occasion I would drive a refrigerated flat truck to pick up or deliver the meat all over Nebraska, Iowa, and even Minnesota.

I also mentioned doing custodial work. I had a couple of different custodial jobs. One required me to keep tiled floors and stairways clean. I was responsible for sweeping, mopping and stripping and waxing these floors. Yet another job consisted of pulling trash and vacuuming carpets in office buildings around Lincoln, NE. She was amazed at the things I did. It was neither glamorous nor demeaning work. It just needed to be done!

As I reflect on my past, I am reminded of my attitude then. The things I did were neither demeaning nor degrading; they just needed to be done. Do I still have that same attitude? No matter what your current circumstances, do you have this same attitude? Are you willing to do whatever it takes?

This applies to all parts of our lives. Professionally, have we developed a "that's not in my job description" attitude? In our family relationships, do we think "Why should I even try, when I know they aren't?" Do we shun doing the chores we may think are "beneath us" for fear of what others may think?

Take time think about the things that are important to you. Are you willing to do whatever it takes?

How Much is That $23.50 Worth

Case #1
I recently received a bill from a health care provider that included $0.68 interest because I was charged interest on my balance while the office waited for my insurance to pay their portion. While the small interest charge certainly was not worth getting too worked up over, none the less it was irritating since I had offered to pay my portion at the end of the visit.

Case #2
A patient recently visited a dental office with a toothache. The tooth required a root canal, a build up and a crown. Since the office doesn't do root canals, she was referred to a local endodontist. As the patient left the operatory she mentioned that her husband is in need of dental work so she would "get him in."

Later that afternoon the patient called the office to explain that she was able to schedule an appointment with the endodontist for the next morning and wanted to take a copy of the x-ray with her. Unfortunately the policy was that if the x-rays were mailed, there would be no charge but if they were given to the patient there would be a duplication charge. Understandably the patient was unhappy. The husband, the potential patient, was noting less that "hot." The patient returned the next day for the x-ray, after a lengthy discussion, paid the $23.50 duplication fee and left. With her she took the revenue of the build up, crown and her husband's potential dental work. In financial terms, what would the return on investment have been on $23.50?

My father gave me good counsel, "Be careful not to trip over dollar bills to pick up dimes." Sometimes, I am afraid that as dentists we miss the big picture and trip over dimes at the cost of thousands of dollars.

Are your office policies customer friendly? Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes, can save you thousands. Call Dr. Brad Larsen, Vancouver/Portland consultant at DentistCEO for a free consultation today.

Your Website – A Valuable Marketing Tool

Hannah Daniel manages a dental health blog backed by 1Dental.com, and has recently worked on the Free Dental Care Finder project, a tool that helps people find free and low-cost dental care in their community.

First impressions are everything, so what does your website say about you? As a dentist, your website is no longer just a place to dump all your information in case someone happens to stumble across your page while looking for dentistry in your area. Your web page is typically where people go first nowadays, so you need to see your website as a marketing tool and make that first impression count!

Appearance Matters

Most people today do their research on the Internet. They want to be fully informed ahead of time to ensure they will be getting the best quality for the lowest prices at their optimum convenience. A quick Internet search can help them come to that conclusion within minutes. If they don’t like what they see after a brief glance at your website, you may have just lost a potential patient.

Just like with any other business, you have plenty of competition vying for the attention of anyone looking for dental work. Your website is a very important marketing tool, so make sure it accurately represents your practice. Invest in some quality page design – no one wants to visit a dentist who has a shady website. For all they know, your office might be just as shady. Make sure your website looks just as polished as your actual office – you don’t want your website to look like spam!

Beware of making it so high-tech that users get lost just trying to find your contact information, however. Information should be clear and easy to find. It’s often a good idea to include a biography page for the dentist, and sometimes even for the hygienists and office assistants as well. Let the web visitor get to know you. Relationships matter when developing/sustaining a practice, and the first steps to build them can often start on your website. A good first impression can make the difference for a potential patient to pick up the phone and make that first appointment.

Valuable Information

Your website should not be solely self-promotional. Of course you’re promoting your own practice, but it’s important to provide something of value to prospective patients before they even step foot in your office. This might include:

• Fact sheet on dental statistics
• What to do in a dental emergency
• A blog page with updates on your practice or dental news
• Fun games to teach children about dental health
• Charts and graphics on tooth development or oral disease symptoms
• A list of dental terms with definitions

You don’t want to overwhelm visitors with additional information or they might forget that your website is primarily about your dental practice, but you should help visitors feel like their trip to your site was worthwhile. Take advantage of the opportunity!

Consider your website to be a useful marketing tool rather than a requisite contact page, and you can start connecting with future patients before they even walk into your office.

"Likeable" Lucky

I am sure that you have been touched by the many stores of struggle and survival that have been reported over the past two weeks in regards to the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan. One story that captured my attention took place thousands of miles from Japan. Last week the South by Southwest conference concluded in Austin, Texas. While the purpose of the conference is to highlight entertainment, a dog received much of the attention in the early days of the conference. Lucky, a 14-year-old retired fire and avalanche rescue dog and constant companion of philanthropist and film maker Charles Weingarten, made a surprise appearance Saturday morning, two days after the earthquake. Five former canine team members were flying to Japan later that day. The Annenberg Foundation had made a pledge of donating $100,000 to the relief efforts if 100,000 people “Like” the “Dog Bless You” Facebook fan page in the next 10 days. If the number was reached by the following Sunday, the donation would double to $200,000 Weingarten and Lucky attended the film portion of SXSW to promote “Explore.org”, a series that documents and aids humanitarian causes across the globe. Both Explore.org and the service animals non-profit, “Dog Bless You” are projects of the Annenberg Foundation. "I got the call this morning," Weingarten explained.

"They said, 'Charlie, we’re shipping five dogs to Japan and we need your help’….I want to build some community around these animals," so Weingarten headed over to the Interactive side of things to get the word out.

"This is a historic call to action," Weingarten announced to pretty much everyone who stopped to admire Lucky. "We’re about to launch this on Facebook right now. You don’t need to give any money. You don’t need to buy anything. We’re just asking for your hearts and your time to help. You just have to like the page."

(http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/12/6256126-sxsw-100k-facebook-likes-for-dogs-sends-100k-to-japan)

Once again the power of Facebook was demonstrated in a creative, heartwarming way. The last I check the “Dog Bless You” Facebook fan page had 173, 940 fans. Various social media sites have played pivot roles in recent days in historical political change, the rescue efforts in Japan and also in philanthropic efforts. Social media can play an integral part in marketing for today’s dental practices. Additionally many practices use social media to educate and empower their patients to make wise dental decisions.

For help in creating an effective social media strategy for your practice, contact DentistCEO, dental practice management for Vancouver, Portland and the surrounding area. And find DentistCEO on Facebook.

Empower Your Patients with Knowledge; They’ll Keep Coming Back!

Success in dentistry is up to your patients. After new patients find you, what keeps them coming back? Will they accept your treatment recommendations? Though it may sometimes feel like the dentist and team have little control over patient retention and treatment plan acceptance, the truth is, you and your staff can influence your patients in a positive way by empowering them with knowledge!

After years in dentistry and providing dental practice management in the Portland area, I’ve had the chance to witness many fine dental teams. The ones who serve their patients best and see success in retention and treatment acceptance are taking the time to educate their patients. From the information you post in your office, your online blog, social media outlets, and most importantly what your hygienists, assistants, and you yourself say to patients, the impact can be great! If you focus on using your media outlets, wall postings, and what brief time you spend with each person who visits your office helping them see the value of maintaining fine oral health, your practice can benefit.

Empowering your patients with the knowledge that their dental health is a real priority (and can have long term effects on their systemic health), allows them to make good dental decisions. Taking the time to think carefully about the information you present to patients while they are with you can affect whether or not they come back to see you at regular intervals and follow through with suggested treatments!

For more information about improving your dental practice, contact DentistCEO, dental practice management for Portland and the surrounding area.

And find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

Dogs & Dentistry Part 4

Here is another installment on the topic of creating your dream team. Even though Scooter has grown and matured the need for my wife and I to be the pack leaders has not changed. So it is with your dental team. As the executive of your practice, your role as the leader can’t be delegated. A friend of mine often reminds me that “the pace of the pack is set by the pace of the leader.” While you may delegate different tasks in the office the team will still look to you as the leader to set the pace. As pointed out in previous posts, the creation of a dream teams begins with the executive determining who he/she is and what his/her mission is and where his/her vision will lead. The mission, vision and goals of the practice need to be clear in the minds of the team members. All successful sports teams have a game plan in place before the game begins and use the half time to make necessary adjustments. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if all of the team members were not clear on the game plan. Many times I have worked with clients who are frustrated by their team’s lack of direction. Often the root of the problem is that the team members haven’t been informed or reminded of the mission, vision and goals of the practice.

In his book, “Don’t Step on the Rope” author Walter Wright gives the following suggestions for executives as they lead their teams and honor the relationships in the organization.

Keep the purpose and goals before the team always and make sure they shared by all members and perceived as meaningful.
Build commitment and confidence within and among members, making sure that everyone is tied into the rope and belayed.
Strengthen the mix of technical and relational skills. Make sure everyone understands the skills needed and keep honing their abilities. Encourage the continual social interactions that build community.
Manage outside relationships with the larger organization or expedition and secure the support services required by the team.
Create opportunities for other to lead by delegating leadership back to the team members for specific area of responsibility.
Do real work. The leader is one member of the team roped up like everyone else – not “the leader,” but one member with leadership responsibility for this particular objective.

For more information on how DentistCEO provides expert dental consulting in Vancouver, WA to help you create your dream team, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of DentistCEO today!

Facebook Surpasses Google

Facebook Surpasses Google

This is a very interesting post by my friends at Roadside Multimedia regarding Facebook. For years Google has dominated the Internet. Looks like there is a new kid on the block. The opportunities for our profession are phenomenal. I am sure you will find this article as enlightening as I did.

A Golden Rule Office

In the past thirty years as a practicing dentist and now as a consultant, I have been fortunate to develop many meaningful relationships which have enriched my life in innumerable ways. The cardinal rule for relationship building was taught to me as a child, “The Golden Rule.” I am sure it is familiar to most of us, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

As dentists, it is easy to get caught up in the pressure of private practice. Not only do we feel the pressure treating our patients, we have the added pressure of being an executive of a small business. At times it becomes easy to forget that the MOD on #30 is attached to a real live person. One of my favorite movies is “The Doctor”, starring William Hurt. William Hurt is cast as an arrogant surgeon, Dr. Jack, who treats patients like interchangeable cogs in the machinery of his medical practice. Dr. Jack has been ignoring a raspy throat and cough until he coughs up blood. Soon, he is diagnosed with a tumor on one of his vocal cords. He becomes the patient of Dr. Leslie Abbott who is even colder than him, she is talented but sees only problems to fix, and the person exists to her only as something to bring her the illness to cure. The doctors in the film are largely, all of the same stripe. They are supreme problem solvers who avoid any involvement with the people they are treating. The one who actually treats patients with humanity is ridiculed by his fellow doctors. As a patient, the inhuman sterility of the hospital and its policies become clear to Dr. Jack as he is treated as a container for the problem the doctors are to fix. One of the things all patients do is wait, and then wait, and then wait some more. Dr. Jack’s personal transformation during the course of the movie is compelling to watch as a health care provider.

I have watched “The Doctor” several times and each time I resolve to treat my patients and fellow team members with more humanity. Indeed a caring relationship between the doctor and patient is good medicine. I continue to enjoy the relationships that I formed during my years in private practice. I often think of the lessons of Dr. Jack. Every once in a while it is a good idea to stop, step back and have a look at the way our patients are being treated and perhaps focus a little more on relating rather than just simply curing. I highly recommend spending some time with “The Doctor” as a way of initiating the process of transforming your office into a “golden rule office” where patients are treated with the same dignity and respect we are desire.

For more information on building patient loyalty by promoting strong relationships, contact DentistCEO today for all of your questions regarding dental consulting in Portland and the surrounding area.

Find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

Relationships That Stand the Test of Time

After years in dental practice and providing services in dental consulting to the Portland area, I know that the majority of dental offices are striving to be great. Many of the dental practices that seek the advice of a qualified consultant such as me are taking the first step toward improving their practice, and this is commendable.

One avenue of becoming the best dental practice possible that can't be ignored is building strong relationships with your patient base to ensure patient loyalty. You see, patients that feel they are valued by doctor and staff are less likely to be drawn away by enticing “Free Whitening” offers at nearby competitors. They are less likely to hold a grudge on the occasion that they have a longer than expected wait time or some other unavoidable mishap occurs. They are more likely to view you as family, and desire to introduce their friends and family to you!

So, is it possible to give each patient who walks through your doors this kind of personal service while still ensuring that your bottom line is booming? Absolutely, in fact, the two go hand-in-hand. Personal touches in patient care that allow your clientele to feel warmly included in your practice family take little time and effort, and the majority of staff members will jump at the opportunity to take the initiate if you encourage it!

For more information on building patient loyalty by promoting strong relationships, contact DentistCEO today for all of your questions regarding dental consulting in Portland and the surrounding area.

Find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

The Power of Social Media

I have been amazed over the past two months at the speed of change, changes that have been facilitated in large part to the power of social media. While no one would ever assert that Facebook or Twitter are responsible for the dramatic changes that have occurred first in Tunisia and last week in Egypt, there is no denying the part that social media play in mobilizing the population. If nothing else the events in Tunisia and Egypt should cause us to take a second look at the immense potential social media has for dentist to market their individual practices.

Did you know that with its 500 million active users, Facebook would be the third largest nation in terms of population? Facebook users equal the entire European Union. And it grows by 250,000 new registrants every day! AND ACCESS TO ALL OF THESE FOLKS FOR THE MOST PART IS FREE!

Over the past thirty years I have amazing changes in dentistry both in terms of services and delivery models. I have witnessed as composite have replaced amalgam in many practices, as implants have gone from experimental to the standard of care, and as bracketless braces have begun to be offered in many general practices. More and more pressure is being applied to stay current with the latest advances but without an effective way to communicate with patients, all of this knowledge and skills is underutilized. Nothing has excited me more than the potential that social media offers dentists to reach new patients and network with existing patients.

As with any marketing campaign, it isn't just simply getting patients into your office, the goal is to get the "right" patient into your practice. Social media resources such as Facebook offer dentists the opportunity to access potential patients in new and exciting ways. If your are ready to take advantage of this new and exciting marketing opportunity, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of Dentist CEO today with all of your Vancouver and Portland Dental Practice Consulting inquiries. I look forward to hearing from you!

The Gift of Time

At no time am I more acutely aware of “time” than when I am in the reception area or treatment room of a doctor. As doctors we have the terrible reputation of making our patients wait. Because of that, we purposely use the term “reception area” room rather than “waiting room” thus reinforcing our negative reputation. A couple of years ago when we purchased our dog, Scooter, I spend over two and half hours waiting in the veterinarian’s office during the course of two separate days just for a well puppy check. I literally came unglued when the doctor finally arrived. I strongly considered changing veterinarians in spite of the good service that we had received over the course of many years. This was due in part the frequent “waits” that I had experienced in the office.

As dentists we are constantly looking for ways to attract new patients. I would suggest one way would be to simply run on time, minimize the time patients wait to be seen. As a patient, prompt service is one of the most valuable gifts that any doctor can offer.

If time is one of challenges in your office, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of Dentist CEO today with all of your Vancouver and Portland Dental Practice Consulting inquiries. Let me help you win the battle of the clock.

Dogs and Dentistry (Part 3)

My wife and I have enjoyed Scooter beyond even what we had anticipated. The relationship between a dog and his “people” is really unique. So it was my dental team. They became life-long friends. The relationship truly was special. In his book DON'T STEP ON THE ROPE, author Walter C. Wright likens the relationship that develops between team members to the rope that securely holds climbers together. The climber’s rope becomes a “life line” to his companions. Once a climber is tied onto the rope, the rope offers security and safety. Individual welfare is tied to the welfare of the group. Respecting the rope is essential for all those tied on.

So it is with our team. We are all connected. The relationships that are formed offer each team member a place of safety and security. But just as it is essential to a climber that the rope is “respected”, so should we respect and honor the relationship that we create with our teams. Wright gives the following tips for caring for the “rope”.

• Teams are formed by interdependent relationships.
• Teams manage diversity within clearly defined community.
• Teams share responsibility and mutual accountability based on trust.
• Teams require shared leadership.
• Teams create a safe environment for development
• Teams build community.
• Team memory creates and reinforces culture.
• Teams allow humor to keep things in perspective.
• Teams embrace the whole person and family.
• Teams share something beyond themselves.

Training the perfect pet takes work, so does creating the dream dental team. The relationship formed in my office years ago are still a source of joy and security. We continue to support each other and respect the rope.

For more information on how DentistCEO provides expert dental consulting in Vancouver, WA to help you create your dream team, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of DentistCEO today!

Using Social Media to Shout Your Web Presence

Guest blog post written by Roadside Multimedia:

As specialists in internet marketing for dentists, we at Roadside Multimedia see our dental clients aiming to be among the best in their field. Such a dedication to distinction is a sure-fire way to increase new patients as well as build patient loyalty. If your practice mission includes striving for excellence, have you considered the ever-expanding role of social media in the dental field?

Social websites like Facebook and Twitter are turning on-line communication into group dialogues that can be beneficial for business. It has been estimated that over 80% of American adults regularly use social media sites. What you might be surprised to learn is that these consumers tend to put a great deal of trust in endorsements made via social websites. What we mean is, while consumers are savvy enough to be skeptical of direct ads, they tend to put more stock in Facebook “likes” and Twitter “follows.” When they see their friends are fans of your practice on social media sites, this endorsement is akin to word-of-mouth advertising more than traditional forms of marketing!

Another huge benefit of social media marketing is the potential to build meaningful relationships with your patients. Social media forums like Facebook, Twitter, and even your office blog provide the opportunity for you to showcase what sets your practice apart. While it’s wonderful to provide information regarding your state-of-the-art services and facility, social media is also a place to engage your patients on a more personal level. Office news, events, and even well-wishes demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your patients. One of the most important things to remember to effectively market your dental practice using social media is to engage in the dialogue. This is the purpose of social media! Just like face-to-face interaction, if you don’t respond when spoken to, you’ll soon find people just walking away. So be sure to engage, responding to posts, tweets, and blog comments. Your fans, followers and readers want to know they’re being heard, and interacting with them on social media sites is a terrific way of building a loyal relationship with valued patients!

If social media marketing is new to you, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, time and patience are of the essence. Remember that engaging in a dialogue is going to take effort, so it may be beneficial to delegate social media to a trusted member of the front office staff who can access Facebook, Twitter, your office blog, or your preferred portal on a regular basis. Remember too, that it is worth it! A good demonstration may be to search Facebook for some other dental offices in your local area. You’re sure to find a practice that already has the social media ball rolling, and is reaping the rewards in the form of patient interactions, positive reviews, and online endorsements that draw a constant stream of new patients through their door! Lastly, remain flexible, open to new ideas. Consumer mood is fickle, and while hundreds of millions worldwide use Facebook today, next week could bring an entirely new trend in social media. Finally, know when to call in professional help. Depending on the nature of your dental practice, you may find that effectively implementing social media marketing comes easily, but for some practices, additional guidance may be necessary!

The bottom line is that social media marketing is having a huge impact on where dental patients choose to have their dentistry performed. Are you shouting the announcement of your web presence via social media? Make sure new patients can find you by effectively implementing social media marketing into your dental practice today!

Dog and Dentistry (Part 2)

After spending a few days with our new puppy Scooter, we knew we had made a good decision. We had determined that we were ready for a pet, a dog was what we wanted and Tibetan Terrier was the perfect breed for us. But we also realized that in order for Scooter to be the perfect dog, it was up to us to make it happen. Again, I consulted Cesar Millan. He contends that all dogs need three things: exercise (the walk), discipline and affection, in that order. As I thought about my thirty years of practice and my consulting clients, I had to wonder again, “he is referring to a perfect dog or the dental dream team?”

Once you have hired the “potential dream team” the doctor has the responsibility of helping them to become the dream team. At the end of the day, the musher feeds the dogs and makes sure they are cared for, it not; they won’t be ready to pull the sled the next day. In order for the new hire to become part of the dream team they need a meaningful job (exercise), discipline and appropriate rewards (affection), in that order.

In all fairness a new employee needs to have a written job description that explains their duties and their specific role but also what is expected as a staff member. That seems like a lot of work to actually prepare them but an interesting things happens as you write the job descriptions, the jobs become clearer to you also. I don’t necessarily advocate long and lengthy staff policy manuals. I found 10 to 15 pages adequate. More than that, I am not sure the staff would even read it. But without written job descriptions and an office policy discipline becomes much harder.

If you have job descriptions and an office manual, discipline becomes easy. Every action in the office needs to be in harmony with the mission, job description and office manual. If a situation arises that is not covered by one of the three adjustment can be made; just make sure they are in writing. I found that weekly staff meeting, biannual evaluations and taking corrective actions in a timely manner gave the staff a strong sense of what the expectations were and they responded favorably. I like giving Scooter a lot of space to do his work. I also believe in doing so with the staff. I saw amazing growth by the staff as I gave them a structure and let them discipline themselves.

Scooter craves affection. I think staff members do too. They need to feel valued and appreciated. A simple “thank you” or “good job” really motivates staff members. I also believe that they should be compensated well with adequate salaries and benefits. I found a bonus system to be an integral part of my office compensation package. It also was a great staff motivator. Without them pulling the sled, the practice will not move forward. How far with the musher be able to pull a sled full of huskies?

One of the most fulfilling parts of private practice is the relationships that are formed with the staff. Over the years I have continued to enjoy the friendships that were formed inside my practice. I never tire of Scooter’s affection. Even after retirement, I continue to receive figurative licks from my dental dream team. For more information on how DentistCEO provides expert dental consulting in Vancouver, WA to help create your dental dream team, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of DentistCEO today!

Dogs and Dentistry (Part 1)

A couple of summers ago, my wife and I bought a new puppy. Our previous dog had died earlier that spring. We have had a dog most our married life, so for a while it was nice not to have the responsibility of a pet but in the end, we missed having a dog. We spent the summer considering the many different options. We finally settle on a Tibetan Terrier, “Scooter.” Not long after we picked Scooter up, I bought the book, "Be Leader of the Pack" by Cesar Millan. As I read the book, I constantly had to remind myself that Cesar was describing how to pick and train a great pet as oppose to hiring and training a “dental dream team.”

Millan points out that having the perfect pet begins before you bring your puppy home. He reminds potential dog owners that the decision process of getting a dog begins with first deciding if you really want to have an animal in your life, then if a dog is that animal and lastly picking the specific breed that will most closely meet your needs. Once we decided that we were going to get another dog, we carefully considered our needs and matched them to the many breeds available. We knew that we didn’t want a dog that shed; we wanted a medium size dog; we wanted an intelligent dog; we wanted a low maintenance, friendly and energetic dog. Before you hire your perfect staff you need to have a clear vision your practice mission and goals. Then you need to have a clear idea of the roles of the various staff member and what type of person will be most suited for each role. Only then are you ready to begin the hiring process. As you go through this decision process it is important to write down your mission, a clear job description and "who" you are looking for to fill the position. During the hiring process, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Having a written plan will help keep you on track. Over the course of 30 years of practice and observing clients, more than once I have seen the wisdom of hiring staff the right way. I am convinced that is easier to train the right person than change the wrong one even though they have great skills. I have observed clients as they hire staff before they have a clear vision of the role of the potential staff member or how they will fit into the office culture. In the end they feel somewhat like small apartment dweller after they have bought a new St. Bernard puppy.

Scooter has been a wonderful addition to our lives, because we did our homework before we purchased him. I recommend that all my clients read "Be Leader of the Pack." Cesar Millan's insights are invaluable both in training a gteat dog and training the dental dream team. Having the dream team in my office enabled me to do what I went to dental schoool to do, dentistry. Contact Dr. Brad Larsen of Dentist CEO, and let me help you find and train your “dream team.”

A New Year, A Time for Reflection

With 2011 already underway, perhaps you've spent some time reflecting on the past year, and how to meet your goals in the new one. For dentists, this likely includes aiming to bolster your practice to achieve greater things in the year to come.

But where do you start? Well, when mapping your journey for any driving trip, you likely locate your starting point, determine your destination, then seek the most logical way of getting from point “A” to point “B.” Likewise, when you decide that your dental practice needs some help getting from its current phase to the next one, dental consulting in Vancouver, WA with DentistCEO helps you map out a logical course. The first step is an honest appraisal of where you are now, and determining exactly where you want to go!

This is where the idea of a meaningful mission comes in. Your mission is like a visible map helping you reach your destination of success. With multiple team members in your practice, each navigating their own department, it is important to make sure staffers are individually familiar with this map so they know which way to go! As with any driving journey, you would likely refer back to your map repeatedly during the course of your trip. So, after determining an appropriate mission for your dental team, make sure you refer back to it often, refocusing each member on the journey! Keeping your destination in mind helps everyone keep on track!

For more information on how DentistCEO provides expert dental consulting in Vancouver, WA to help you arrive at your destination, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of DentistCEO today!