How to Work Smarter, Not Harder at Your Dental Practice

person on computer with multiple screens

Whether you’ve recently purchased a dental practice or are even a few years out from retiring, everyone’s goal should be to work smarter, not harder to avoid potential burnout. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the most out of the hours in your week, months and years.

Know your numbers

It’s important to note that even though you may own a high-production office, that does not mean you are necessarily successful. Calculating your office overhead will then, in turn, help you understand your bottom line. For example, if you gross $2 million but have 80% overhead, your net profit is only $400K, while conversely, a $1 million practice with only 50% overhead is profiting $500K.

Ask leading questions

Getting to know your patients and their needs is as easy as asking “What would you like to change about your smile?” The answer is almost always “a whiter smile.” Showing them the shade chart to illustrate where they are now and where they want to be can start the discussion of teeth-whitening options, whether it is in the office, at-home bleach trays, or crowns or veneers. Initiating this brief conversation could generate an easy profit.

Offer a variety of products

Give your patients the ability to shop inside your office, such as a few various brands of power toothbrushes as part of a daily care regimen or an oral irrigator for those reluctant to or who need to floss. Additionally, for adults who experience hypersensitivity or a high caries rate, offer an in-office fluoride treatment and xylitol gums and mints at a minimal expense.

Manage schedule efficiently

A properly trained front staff leads to fewer unfilled appointment blocks that aren’t bringing in any revenue. Appointments should be scheduled from noon backward and prioritized based on the level of care needed and time required for each patient. Automate as much of the process as possible by confirming all appointments by text or email and sending messages based on a patient’s individualized care plan. Any last-minute cancellations can be filled by sending out a mass text or email to a patient wait list, rather than making individualized phone calls.

What’s next?

Read up on more ways to properly manage your dental practice on our blog, then contact the experts at Professional Transition Strategies for more advice.