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Practice Management
Running a successful dental practice is very similar to managing a company. Solid business practices must be in place. You need a talented staff. And, of course, your practice won’t survive without patients. But sometimes all of that is easier said than done.
The articles in this section provide you with assistance in all aspects of running your dental office: from improving your communication skills and managing your finances to dealing with employees and patients.
What you say and how you say it can make or break a long-term relationship with your patients. Listening well is the first step to improving how you communicate. Read "Improve Your Listening Skills" in the "Effective Communication" section for tips. This section also includes articles on enhancing customer service, educating your patients about dental treatments, and handling patients who can’t afford dental care.
It may take time, but taking the time to hire the right employees for your practice will ensure a healthy, profitable practice. And this starts with creating a detailed job description that not only takes into account an employee’s ability, expertise and experience, but also their intangible "soft skills." Read more about "soft skills" in the article, "A Comprehensive Guide to Hiring Employees" found in the "Overseeing Employees" section. You’ll also find advice on how to interview potential employees and how to motivate current ones.
Your day-to-day systems will have a strong impact on the profitability of your practice. In the "Running Your Dental Office" section, you’ll learn how an office manual can become your practice Bible. This section also contains articles on scheduling, patient forms, mission statements and even office décor!
Through excellent financial management, your practice can thrive. To start, you should know practice’s break-even point. Find out how to determine your break-even point in the article, "Break-Even Point: The Key to Profits." Payments are another crucial element of your finances. What systems do you have in place to expedite payments and dental collections? Even if you currently have a system, the article "How to Expedite Dental Payments and Collections" may help you improve your current methods.
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