Running a dental practice is something that requires a lot more than may first meet the eye. To patients, a dental practice is just the place where the dentists wait to perform examinations, and to the staff, it’s a place of work. But then there are the practice managers who have to combine a passion for patient care with a knowledge of business and an ability to attract and retain patients.
To learn more about this fascinating industry, we’re going to take a closer look at the unique role of the dental practice manager.
Everything starts with hiring
Having the right people in the right positions is what will make or break the way the team performs, and it’s thinking about the practice’s staff as a team that really matters. As well as making sure that everyone hired has the right credentials, qualifications, and a suitable level of experience, the practice manager needs to make sure they fit the practice’s culture. You want people who are energetic, focused, and always thinking of how to help the patient.
Also Read : Understanding Physicians Mutual Dental Insurance: A Complete Guide
Delegation always helps
If a manager tries to do everything themselves, they’re not only going to burn out, but they’re also going to start making mistakes. Delegating set tasks to certain members of the team is something that needs to be done in every industry, not just dentistry. It’s about showing the team you trust and value them, and it’s about continually training them so that they can do more in a fraction of the time.
Building a culture delivers results
A culture in which the patient comes first is what it’s all about, but to do this, you need a team that is always proactive. If a consumable is running low, you want even the most junior assistant to feel like they can raise it with the practice manager without delay. It’s not about seniority; it’s about making sure that everyone pulls in the same direction to ensure that the little things never get the chance to snowball into much bigger issues.
Patient focus is the priority
A smile, a kind word, and an extra 30 seconds clarifying a key point are often all it takes to turn a routine appointment from a stressful event into something that the patient feels good about. Getting everyone to buy into this ethos will make a real difference when it comes to the ability of the practice to attract new patients by word-of-mouth referrals. Happy patients will keep coming back and will spread the word.
Continual investment is the key
No practice can exist in isolation because there are new advances in technology and treatment pathways being made every single day. Connecting with a nationwide supplier of regulatory-compliant dental equipment is essential because it will allow the practice manager to source anything and everything they need from a single point of contact. Ideal when it’s all about making sure that the practice is ready to go the moment a new patient steps through the door.
Flexible options attract patients
Having a great set of comprehensive plans is one thing, but patients need to know that they can fit your services around the rest of their daily lives. Letting them know that there are extended opening times on certain days, that you can help with people who are anxious, and that your practice is child-friendly is really important. By showing the local community that you understand that they need something more than a standard appointment in the middle of the working day, you, as a practice manager, can make a real difference.
Advertising makes the difference
Facebook, Instagram, and eye-catching physical signage are all great ways to bring more people to the practice’s front door. The key point to note here is that a certain percentage of patients will move away or stop responding to your communication, no matter how hard you try. This means that you need a continual stream of new patients, particularly families with young children, to ensure the practice continues to grow and expand. Being proactive and consistent is far more important than looking for a single ad that will transform your fortunes.
No matter whether you’re a practice manager, aspiring dental professional, or even a student studying the world of business, there is something in this guide for you. Take a moment to think about the finer points and subtle nuances we have covered, and you’ll find that everything starts to click into place before you know it.
