Dr. Roger P. Levin[email protected]Dental EducationDos and don'ts for team efficiencyThe most important appointment of the day occurs before you see any patients. It's the daily business meeting, when the doctor and all team members get a quick snapshot of what to expect that day and what will be expected of each of them. This indispensable management tool makes it much easier for individual staff members and the team as a whole to operate at peak efficiency, day after day.August 18, 2013InsuranceDos and don'ts for patient financial managementIn the postrecession economy, practices cannot afford to be lax about getting paid for services rendered. The practice must establish a clear-cut payment policy and make sure that all patients are familiar with it.August 11, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for staff trainingNearly all daily activities in a dental practice involve person-to-person communications. This means that the implementation of management and marketing systems depends on dialogues between team members and patients, and the efficiency of the systems depends on what is said (or not said). Scripting is therefore extremely important to a practice's success.August 4, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for practice leadership: Resolve staff conflicts skillfullyNo one enjoys getting in the middle of a conflict, but when one threatens to disrupt the practice, the practice leader must take quick and decisive action to negotiate a workable solution. By establishing general guidelines for conflict resolution, the doctor will find it easier to overcome reluctance to get involved and staff members will know what to expect -- as well as what will be expected of them.July 28, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for community marketing: Do well by doing goodTo raise your profile and establish a good reputation in your market, create an annual high-visibility event that benefits the community in some way. In contrast with advertising, this form of marketing sends a message of giving and commitment that reflects well on the practice.July 21, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for creating an effective scheduleOnce a practice establishes daily targets, it must then strive to schedule 60% to 65% of production in the morning. The objective is to create an efficient and less stressed day.July 7, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for increasing production: Creating highly effective case presentationsSuperior case presentation is more than just explaining procedures. Case presentation depends on good communication. Understanding and responding to each patient's specific needs will help you to increase case acceptance.June 30, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for team training: Follow the scripts to greater successScripted interactions with patients help control the relationship and ensure more consistent positive results. Most dentists, once exposed to the concept of scripting, understand its value. Yet even practices that have used it effectively often slip back into bad habits that undermine performance and lead to declining production, poor customer service and increasing stress.June 23, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for practice management: Refresh your office décorAlthough they have nothing to do with dentistry, stained carpeting, worn upholstery, and marred walls reflect poorly on the practice. Patients lack the technical knowledge to judge clinical performance, but they are certainly capable of noticing poor maintenance. Keeping the appearance of the practice fresh and clean reinforces patient retention.June 16, 2013Dental EducationDos and don'ts for patient retention: Give inactive patients reasons to reactivatePay special attention to your pool of inactive patients. While some may have moved out of the area or switched to another dentist, many may still return to active status at your practice ... if properly motivated. As part of your overall program to increase your patient base, reactivating patients you haven't see for 18 to 48 months deserves special attention.June 9, 2013Previous PagePage 79 of 100Next PageTop StoriesCBCTVery rare spontaneous dentin bridge forms after dental traumaA tooth's remarkable self-healing mechanism defied dental expectations after trauma.BrainThis brain disease may be a risk factor for advancing gum diseaseOffice ManagementHygiene wages aren't the problem: Your business model isInsuranceDo’s and don’ts for increasing insurance reimbursementsImaging & CAD/CAMThis may indicate the severity of dental infections
