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.

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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!