Contributing Writer Strategies for Working Smarter, Not Harder in Your Dental Practice
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 Dependency
For 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 an assisted hygiene model with 30-minute appointments allows for two patients per hour, optimizing both time and income. This approach not only reduces costs but also increases the practice's capacity to serve more patients, thereby potentially increasing revenue.
Streamlining Appointments
One approach to working smarter involves rethinking how appointments are scheduled. A common practice noted by some is to avoid splitting multiple fillings or procedures into several visits unless requested by the patient. "I used to offer to split fillings into smaller appointments, but now I try to do more in one visit," explains one dentist. This method not only maximizes chair time but also patient satisfaction by reducing the number of visits needed, which is particularly appreciated in today's busy lifestyles.
Optimizing Financial Strategies
Financial acumen plays a significant role in working smarter:
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Selective Insurance Participation: One works smarter by charging fees supported by the area and not taking every insurance plan. This allows for higher fees and less dependency on insurance reimbursements, promoting a more financially stable practice.
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Negotiating Fee Schedules: Directly negotiating with insurance companies or leveraging third-party administrators (TPAs) for better fee schedules.
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Out-of-Network Benefits: Some find going out of network allows for charging higher fees, which can be more lucrative than in-network contracts.
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TPAs like Careington or Stratos/Maverest: These can offer better reimbursement rates than direct insurance negotiations, enhancing practice revenue.
Embracing Same-Day Dentistry
While not universally applicable due to varying practice models and patient bases, same-day dentistry for quick procedures like fillings or crown impressions can be a game-changer. It not only improves patient convenience but also increases the practice's operational efficiency.
Cutting Down on Overhead
Cost management is another pillar of working smarter:
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Expense Audit: Regularly reviewing expenses, like malpractice coverage or subscription services, to ensure you're not overpaying. "I saved money by shopping around for malpractice insurance," one dentist shares.
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Technology for Efficiency: Switching to software that provides multiple functionalities, like appointment scheduling and confirmation, reduces the need for multiple subscriptions.
Staff Management for Reduced Overhead
The human element in dentistry cannot be understated:
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Time Management for Staff: Implementing strict time quotas for procedures like hygiene sessions can manage costs effectively. "Cutting time for SRPs to 30-40 minutes max has streamlined our operations," says a practice owner.
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Zero-Minute Clock Policy: One innovative method mentioned involves a "0 min clock in 0 min clock out" policy to cut down on non-productive hours, significantly reducing labor costs.
The Emotional Detachment from Reviews
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Letting Go of Review Obsession: One dentist shares, "I have resolved not to give an F about reviews. I will keep doing my best and caring, but I have put the keys to our Google page in my assistant's hands." By delegating this task to staff, practitioners can focus on quality care rather than getting bogged down by online feedback. "I didn't click on it to investigate. It is what it is, and won't change anything," reflects another on a bad Yelp rating encountered unexpectedly, recognizing that 20% of patients might always be dissatisfied, regardless of service quality.
The DIY vs. Delegation Debate
Here, opinions diverge:
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DIY for Savings: Especially in the startup phase, handling maintenance or administrative tasks yourself can keep costs low. However, this can lead to burnout if not balanced properly.
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Delegation for Growth: The opposing view is to grow your practice by hiring more staff or associates. This allows you to step away from the chair, focusing on leadership and business strategy, which one dentist describes as "obtaining income from many people working with you, not just yourself."
Technological Advancement
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3D Printing: For those adopting it, 3D printing represents working smarter by offering rapid prototyping for temporaries or surgical guides. "I can print a new temp if it breaks, saving time for both me and the patient," a tech-savvy dentist notes. However, the investment and expertise required mean it's not for everyone.
Reflecting on "Working Smarter"
"Everyone has their own definition of working smarter, not harder," one practitioner remarks. For some, it's about efficiency and financial optimization; for others, it's also about personal satisfaction from mastering various aspects of their practice. The key takeaway is adaptability—understanding your practice's unique needs and your personal goals to tailor strategies that work for you.
In conclusion, working smarter in dentistry isn't about a universal checklist but rather a personalized approach to managing time, resources, human capital, and emotional well-being. By adopting these strategies thoughtfully, dental professionals can achieve a balance where they work less hard but achieve more, both in professional success and personal fulfillment.
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