The Wacky World of Video

A couple of months ago I attended the Social Media for Dentists 2 day NO FLUFF Social Media Extravaganza in Columbus, Ohio. Yes I flew to Columbus, Ohio for a seminar on social media. And the truth of the matter is that I would do it again in a heart beat. But here is the cool thing, Dr. Jason Lipscomb, and his partner Stephen Knight will be in Portland, OR, in my backyard on September 9 and 10th. I was amazed that the information that Jason and Stephen shared. I was also impressed with the many fun ways that Dr. Lipscomb is growing his practice using social media. Among other things, I learned how to make my own videos. Here is a recent one we made in Morton. I recently share QR codes with a couple of my clients and we brainstormed different applications for their particular practices. I highly recommend attending this event. It will blow your socks off!

For all your consulting needs be sure to contact, Dr. Brad Larsen, DentistCEO.

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.

What the Recession Means for Dentists

Locally, as well as nation-wide, the recession is having a negative impact on just about every market, and the dental industry is certainly no exception. High unemployment rates translate into smaller budgets for the average American household, meaning that treatment plan acceptance is more difficult to attain, and elective dental procedures are less of a priority for the working-class patient.

As a skilled and experienced Dental Practice Consultant, I invite you to challenge your view of what this recession means for your practice. Rather than decide beforehand that your patients will be less likely to accept your recommended treatment plans, focus on patient education that places value on dental health. Feature aesthetic services that may give patients a competitive edge in a tough job market.

If a review of your production figures shows a plateau or even a decline in recent months, rest assured, there are dental practices in your local area that have refused to settle for “recession numbers,” and are flourishing. Doing so requires the drive and determination to regroup and try some new tactics. This recession can indeed be a time of growth for your dental practice, and I can give you the tools to make it so!

For Dental Practice Management and Consulting in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas, contact Dentist CEO today.

Identifying Your Competitive Advantage

Recently during a study club presentation, I asked the participants to identify their competitive advantage. More than half responded that their customer service was their competitive advantage. The term “competitive advantage” implies that you are doing something that sets you apart from your peers. If over half of the offices in your area are doing that same thing, does anyone have a competitive advantage? As you work to identify or create a competitive advantage, be specific in identifying what you do that makes you unique. Your customer service may in deed be your competitive advantage but if it is, what exactly are you doing that is unique? What about your customer service sets you apart?

Excellence

This morning I had the opportunity to return to George Fox to speak to an O’Brien Dental Lab study club. I couldn’t help bask in the memories of attending MBA classes at George Fox. Enrolling in a graduate degree program turned out to be a great way to transition into this phase of my life. As it turned out I not only received a stellar educational experience but I also felt rejuvenated by the process. I was in the company of students half my age at the beginning of their careers as I was transition out of my first career. My perspectives though different were always welcome and respected. The faculty and staff at George Fox typify the description of excellence that I found very early in my dental career that impacted me throughout my practice as I pursued “excellence” in my delivery of patient care and managed my business. How fortunate I was to have found O’Connor early in my career.
“Pursuit of excellence is an attitude…it involves wisdom and sound judgment…it is a lifetime, career-long commitment…it is a way of life…it is doing the job right the first time, every time. It is inner-directed, not the result of external pressure, it is our own self-worth – who we are and the pride and satisfaction that comes from being the right kind of person, not just in doing the right things.” James J. O’Connor

The Art of Selling Dentist Services

Selling dentistry is an art, especially during economic times such as those we are experiencing now with the price of gasoline over $4.00 a gallon. Having said that, I am aware of dentists who are very successful in selling large cases. These practitioners are adept at developing relationships of trust very readily. The interior area of the ARC represents the strength of the relationship between the dentist and patient. As the area increases so does the ability to sell dental services. As each point of the triangle is strengthened the internal area increases so does the relationship.

Affinity is defined as the “attraction” between two individual. Affinity can be increased both inside and outside the office. The reputation that the doctor and office has in the community has a great deal to do with the affinity that the patient has as they enter the office for the fist time. The atmosphere that the staff and the doctor create can either increase affinity or decrease it. As the doctor and patient share positive experiences, trust increases as does affinity.

Establishing a shared reality it essential to building the doctor/patient relationship. Unless the patient “gets” it, they will have no interest in making improvements in their dental health. The effective use of such tools as models, x-rays, intra oral camera, and diagnostic tools such as endo ice and a tooth sleuth can aid the doctor in helping the patient “get” the need for dental treatment.

Without good communication skills it is impossible to increase reality or affinity. As practitioners it is important that we learn to ask, listen and clarify repeatedly as we diagnose dental needs and present treatment. Staff members are a valuable tool in the communication process as we have all had the experience of having a staff member come to use after the fact to tell us what the patient related to the staff member once we have left the room. The use of pamphlets and post operative letters and calls can help to minimize the doctor/patient communication gap.