Improving Dental Office from Within

Improving Dental Office from Within

By Charles Martin, DDS

Each week on dentistrysecrets.tv, Dr. Charles Martin focuses on areas of improvement for dental offices. Much of his advice is directed towards helping dentists grow their practices. Dr. Martin approaches change through every avenue, from starting a practice, marketing, and growing the practice.

Before a dental office can reach success, improvements must take place within the office, including dcor and staff. Your staff must be on board with the goals and visions you set forth. Also, your office dcor needs to appeal to the patients you want to attract.

Preparation is the key to success for any dental practice. You must prepare your staff to follow your vision and goals, and prepare yourself for the loss of even your best team members. When you hire new team members, instruct them how to follow your procedures and lay out what you expect from them. Existing staff members should create a job description for their positions. This should serve as a guideline for new employees and a way to hold current team members accountable for their positions.

Appreciation of your staff will make the work environment more pleasing for everyone. You hired your team because you believed their experience, skills, and personalities would benefit your practice. Their outgoing, people-pleasing qualities won you over. For your staff to continue to shine, they need to feel appreciated and respected. When team members know that they bring value to your practice, they will often strive to achieve more.

Once you develop a team to assist you in growing your practice, you need to create a welcoming environment for your patients. You can have all the modern technology for your practice, but if your office is not welcoming, you will struggle to attract patients. Dental procedures may seem frightening for many patients, but creating a warm, welcoming environment will decrease their anxiety.

Take time to look around your office, especially your waiting area. Is it welcoming or cold and uninviting? If you aren't sure, ask a neighbor or friend. If you determine the latter, the time has come for an office makeover. When deciding on renovations for your office, consider who your patients are and what would make them feel welcome, appreciated, and comfortable. Patients come to you because they believe in you, respect your advice, and feel comfortable. They, like your staff, need to feel understood and appreciated.

By making these changes from within, you could see a good return on your investment.