In the fast-paced world of dentistry, where each minute counts, the mantra "work smarter, not harder" resonates deeply. But what does this truly mean for dental practitioners? Here, we delve into real-world insights from dental professionals, exploring various strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce burnout, and ultimately, increase practice profitability. Transitioning Away from Hygiene DependencyFor those managing multiple hygienists, it might be time to evaluate whether assisted hygiene or reducing hygiene appointments is a better financial fit. Hygiene overhead often comprises a significant percentage of total expenses. Streamlining this aspect of the practice can free up resources and improve profitability. For instance, adopting...

In the realm of hiring a dental hygienist, the journey from thought to action holds immense power. It's a journey that begins with a simple question: What kind of dental hygienist do I envision for my practice? The answer to this question sets the stage for the hiring process and ultimately determines the success of your team. While it's essential to hold firm to your standards and envision your ideal candidate, it's also crucial to recognize the challenges and realities of today's dental industry. As one client candidly shared, the landscape has changed significantly, with a staggering 76% of dental offices...

Your practice will be rushed, hectic and stressed without a schedule that is well designed. The purpose of blocking scheduling is to decrease stress, keep production on an even keel from one day to the next while maintaining or increasing production. These are the steps for implementing with guidelines:

Time Study

Over two to three weeks get accurate times of every procedure. All staff can help. Create an index card for each patient that comes in. Note the following on the card:

1. The time the patient arrived
2. The time the patient is seated
3. The time the procedure begins
4. The time the procedure ends

At the end of two or three weeks, average out the times for each procedure.

What Does A Dental Consultant Do?  Many dentists will tell you dental consulting works. If dental practice management firms had no worth or benefit they could not stand up to harsh economic realities for long. What a veteran dental consultant brings to the table are systems and protocols successfully implemented in other practices that have been improved and tweaked over many years. Top dental consultants talk and network with each other. They pay attention to what works and what doesn't work across all dental practices. Marketing & New Patients Practice management consultants generally have little marketing training or background.  Note: Cambridge'a...