Dental Drills Bits

In this episode, Sandy dives deep into the myriad benefits of dental membership plans, revealing how they are game-changers for increasing patient loyalty and cutting the ties from heavy reliance on dental insurance. Through comprehensive discussion and real-life examples from various practices, Sandy illuminates the substantial impact these plans have on both patient retention and revenue growth, backing it all up with compelling statistics. Learn how integrating dental membership plans and using tools like Plan Forward software can streamline your management process while enhancing patient satisfaction! What You'll Learn in This Episode: How dental membership plans enhance patient loyalty. The role dental membership plans play in reducing reliance on insurance. Key statistics showing increased patient retention through membership plans. How to leverage Plan Forward software for hassle-free management. Real-world success stories from practices implementing membership plans. Strategies to exponentially grow

Are your ready to tackle the fourth quarter crunch and boost productivity in your practice? Join Michael and Sandy on this high-impact episode of Dental Drill Bits as they break down transformative strategies to keep your practice thriving, even during the most challenging times. Gain practical advice through Sandy's shared anecdotes on everything from managing missed appointments to tackling unscheduled treatments and sustaining team momentum throughout slow months. Track your key performance indicators, enforce consistent procedures, improve follow-up communication, and ensure proactive scheduling—all key takeaways to help you end the fiscal year with strong, positive numbers. Don't miss this chance to arm yourself with essential tips for a robust dental practice. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How consistently following specific actions can keep your dental practice always on the move. Effective methods to handle missed appointments and bridge the gap with unscheduled treatments. Why proactive communi

What happens when you appoint someone an office manager without proper training? In today's rerun episode Michael and Sandy dive deep into this critical issue afflicting many dental practices. They explore the stark differences between an office manager and a front office employee, debunking common misconceptions that can lead to team conflicts and inefficiencies. Sandy illustrates that in practices with under ten employees, appointing team leaders for different departments is a more effective strategy than designating an office manager. Furthermore, the episode highlights the essential role of an office manager as a key liaison, running protocols, handling team trainings, and guiding workflows, while they should steer clear from patient-facing roles. This division ensures each person contributes their best to the team's success. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The true differences between an office manager and a front office employee Why mislabeling roles can create chaos within a dental practice Ideal s

How can YOUR practice stand out in the crowded online space? In this episode, Michael, Sandy, and Ali dive into proven strategies for enhancing your practice's online presence. Joined by Ali from DocSites, a leader in dental websites and marketing, the conversation reveals how to keep your website fresh and engaging. From showcasing compelling before-and-after photos to ensuring your team and service information is always current, Ali provides actionable tips that can attract new patients and keep your existing ones loyal. But it doesn't stop at just updating your website. Ali discusses the significant impact online reviews can have on your practice's reputation and offers a glimpse into effective marketing tools like Google Ads and SEO. Even more, this episode introduces a fantastic free web assessment offered by DocSites that can help you pinpoint areas for improvement with your site! What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why keeping your website content updated is essential for patient engagement. The import

Are you unsure about how consulting might help your dental practice? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the transformative power of consulting versus coaching in the dental world. They clarify that while coaching hones the personal development of your team, consulting zeros in on your business's heartbeat—its systems, organization, and overall operational efficiency. From reducing stress to improving overall practice productivity, they paint a vivid picture of how the right consultant can turn a chaotic office into a well-oiled machine. Sandy shares invaluable tips on choosing the right consultant, stressing the importance of experience, and steering clear of advice from inexperienced sources or online hearsay. They candidly discuss common challenges and misconceptions team members have about consulting, and provide practical advice for seamlessly introducing a consultant to your team. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how consultants can provide ongoing support well beyond mere ini

What pitfalls are most common in dental practices? In this episode, Michael and Sandy unpack the challenges and strategies that can make all the difference. From mastering efficient systems to ensuring your team remains accountable, Sandy's insights will steer you away from common pitfalls like the notorious slow periods in August and September. With a focus on tracking crucial metrics and recognizing trends, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for keeping your practice bustling year-round. But that’s not all—Sandy emphasizes the irreplaceable value of proactive communication and patient follow-up. Discover effective techniques for team training, how to maintain a dependable system for patient retention, and the best ways to handle unscheduled treatment follow-ups. As the episode wraps up, Sandy shares her upcoming seminars dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, inviting you to further your practice management skills. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to maintain efficient syst

How can your practice ensure a seamless and enjoyable patient experience from start to finish? In this episode, Michael and Sandy delve into the critical role of effective communication and smooth handoffs in transforming dental visits into positive experiences. They unravel the nuances of ensuring clear, empathetic communication at every touchpoint during the patient's journey, especially during transitions between different stages of their appointments. The conversation is packed with actionable insights on implementing structured handoffs, involving patients in the process, and the importance of using plain language. Empowering your dental team with tools like detailed scripts and role-playing exercises can dramatically improve patient interactions and build a patient-centered culture. By fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and clear follow-up communication, practices can elevate their service and retain more patients. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The impact of clear and empathetic c

Are you ready to discover the wake-up calls that can transform your leadership style and elevate your team’s performance? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy delve into crucial leadership lessons that every manager or leader, especially those in dental practices, should heed. Drawing inspiration from the 12 vital wake-up calls designed by Eric Partaker, they break down each point with practical examples and genuine insights, ensuring you leave with a toolkit of actionable steps to improve your leadership skills and your team's dynamic. Throughout the episode, Michael and Sandy discuss how key themes like accountability, handling criticism, and resisting the urge to micromanage can dramatically improve the workplace. From avoiding favoritism to setting clear standards and leading by example, they provide relatable stories and strategies that you can apply immediately. To cap it off, Sandy underlines the significance of recognizing and praising good work while promoting open communication to

Are staff meetings in your practice driving productivity or just wasting time? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the art and science of effective staff meetings, unearthing the transformative power they hold when done right. They explore the contrasts between casual huddles and well-structured meetings, underlining their essential role in fostering communication, training, and team unity. Sandy shares her seasoned strategies for making meetings productive, from appointing a facilitator to engaging the team in planning and decision-making, while also steering clear of common hazards like gripe sessions. Leadership sits at the heart of these discussions, with Michael and Sandy stressing the importance of meaningful interactions that tie directly into the practice’s success. They reveal the benefits of rotating the role of meeting facilitator, celebrating team achievements, and cleverly using tools like suggestion boxes and whiteboards to collect agenda items. Sandy concludes with advice on the m

Ever wonder why patients often decline treatment and how you can address these objections effectively? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the top three most common excuses patients give: fear, lack of awareness, and financial concerns. Sandy sheds light on why recognizing these objections is crucial and offers actionable strategies for overcoming them. Through compelling examples, she underscores the importance of educating patients about the benefits of timely care and mastering verbal skills, including the art of voice inflection, to present treatment plans compellingly. Sandy doesn’t stop there. She explains how role-playing and regular training can transform your dental team's approach, making patients feel more at ease and informed. By the end of this enlightening discussion, you'll understand how to create a comforting environment for your patients, empowering them to move forward with necessary treatments. Tune in to harness the power of effective communication and patient education in y

Are you struggling to streamline your practice’s front office operations while juggling departments, patients, and metrics? In this episode, Michael and Sandy delve into the essentials of managing a successful practice, starting with the highlights of Sandy's recent webinar and her upcoming seminar in Boston. The conversation quickly transitions into a focused discussion around a listener's question on maintaining consistent department meetings and tracking pivotal metrics. Sandy offers an actionable guide on conducting effective meetings, complete with tips on following up on assignments, gathering feedback, and defining clear objectives. Specific topics like tracking new patient conversions, handling broken appointments, and managing production and collections metrics take the forefront. By the end of this episode, you'll grasp the importance of accountability, clear communication, and performance metrics in leading your practice to success. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to run effective and consi

How transformative can employee training be for your practice? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy delve into the critical role of structured training programs and their immense benefits on profitability, employee satisfaction, and patient care. Sandy illuminates the stark contrast between trained and untrained employees, revealing how targeted investments in specialized programs can significantly enhance your practice’s performance and efficiency. The duo also shares a wealth of practical advice on implementing effective training within your  office, covering everything from verbal skills and role-playing exercises to comprehensive onboarding protocols. Sandy makes a compelling case for the necessity of consistent training, emphasizing how it leads to predictable outcomes, boosts employee retention, and propels overall practice success. They remind practice owners that despite budget challenges, investing in training is pivotal and suggest starting with free resources like podcasts to beg

Underperforming team members in your practice? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the intricacies of practice management, starting from upcoming seminars to managing underperforming team members without rocking the boat. Sandy shares her wealth of experience on the art of effective communication, setting realistic goals, seeking constructive feedback, and the crucial follow-up processes needed to help your team excel. Her emphasis on thorough training, meticulous documentation, and structured management will leave you equipped with practical tools to ensure your practice runs smoothly. Moreover, this episode tackles one of the most daunting aspects of practice management: dealing with the potential need to fire staff. Sandy uncovers common concerns doctors face and provides thoughtful, methodical steps to navigate this challenging terrain. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to communicate effectively with underperforming team members. Steps to setting realistic and achievable goals for you

How can your front desk team transform every call into a positive patient experience? In this episode, Sandy draws from her recent speaking engagements at the Delivering WOW Summit to uncover key strategies for top-notch front office communication. She also previews her upcoming seminar, Front Desk Pro, set to take place in Boston on August 23rd, revealing the secrets to boosting front office performance. Michael and Sandy tackle real-world phone interactions, from handling insurance queries to managing cancellations, ensuring that your front desk makes a lasting impression. But it’s not just about what you say; it's also about how you say it. This episode underscores the critical role of tone, verbal skills, and intuitive call handling. Sandy shares practical advice on avoiding the pitfalls of sounding robotic and burdening patients with unnecessary tasks. With actionable tips and relatable scenarios, this episode is a must-listen for any practice aiming to elevate their front desk etiquette and foster a wel

Dental membership plans are only for low-income patients, right? Join Michael and Sandy in this episode of Dental Drill Bits as they sit down with Megan Lohman to debunk common myths surrounding dental membership plans. Megan dives into the core advantages of Plan Forward, a tool designed to streamline the creation and management of dental membership plans. She reveals how these plans are not just exclusive to low-income regions but can be effectively tailored to a wide range of demographics, including affluent areas and retirees without dental insurance. Megan busts myths and shares eye-opening statistics about the significant portion of Americans lacking dental insurance, shedding light on how transparent pricing through membership plans can promote better dental care. Addressing concerns about potential revenue reduction, Megan explains how offering discounts can actually lead to increased patient visits and higher treatment acceptance rates, ultimately boosting overall revenue. She provides actionable st

Can you really find the perfect fit for your practice through better interviewing techniques? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy uncover effective hiring strategies that can transform how you build your team. They explore the essentials of preparation, from the types of questions that reveal a candidate’s true nature to the value of incorporating personality and intelligence tests. You'll learn how to uncover what candidates expect in terms of salary and work environment, and why having a comprehensive policy manual and organized systems are non-negotiable for running a smooth operation. But it’s not just about the mechanics of interviewing. This episode also sheds light on the softer side of hiring—like creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that retains top talent and the benefit of involving your team in hiring decisions. With practical advice tailored for dental practices, Michael and Sandy offer a masterclass in aligning your hiring practices with your practice’s culture and

How can cutting-edge technology streamline the entire patient journey in your practice? In this episode, Michael and Sandy sit down with Dr. Gina Dorfman, the visionary founder of Yapi, to explore how this comprehensive dental software solution is transforming the industry. Dr. Dorfman passionately discusses the latest Yapi updates, such as a sleek new interface, enhanced appointment reminders, and innovative tools like insurance verification, credit card processing by text, and two-way patient texting. Each feature is designed to streamline practice management, improve patient care, and boost the efficiency of your front office. But that's not all—Dr. Dorfman shares her broader contributions to the dental community, including her active involvement in the Dental Gumbo Facebook group and a special offer for our listeners. Whether you're a dental professional eager to modernize your practice or someone intrigued by the latest advancements in healthcare technology, this episode is a goldmine. What You'll Lear

Are you tired of complex billing structures and challenging patient finances? In this episode, we connect with Dr. Abby Neville, who has transformed her dental practice by leveraging the remarkable Plan Forward membership plan. This innovative package simplifies processes, cuts costs, and uncoils the often tangled world of insurance and payments for both patients and practitioners alike. Dr. Abby takes us on a journey of transformation—a success story wherein she harnessed the Plan Forward initiative for enhanced savings and preventive care. We delve into the nitty-gritty of how the plan works, how easy it is to implement, and the impressive time and cost savings it offers. Hear from Dr. Abby as she underscores the paramount importance of patient well-being and why centering your practice on their best interests is the key to successful utilization of the membership plan. What You'll Learn in This Episode: An in-depth understanding of Plan Forward membership plans The simplicity and cost-saving nature of P

What is the KEY role front office staff play in a successful dental practice? In this episode, we dive into office management with Michael and Sandy. A conversation taking you behind the scenes of Sandy's recent Front Desk Pro and upcoming office management training seminar, this episode underscores the vital role live training and phone skills in your office. Sandy gives us an in-depth look into the weighty importance of answering calls professionally and demonstrating empathy. The strategic approach to scheduling appointments is another element under the spotlight in this discussion. The duo also delve into the significance of having front office staff who are well-versed in the services a dental practice offers, the proper use of verbal skills, and how online scheduling can take your practice to a new height. So get ready to broaden your horizon in office management and enhance your dental practice to its utmost potential. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The benefits of live front office training in

Ever wonder how you can find the balance between longevity and vitality in the fast-paced dental world? This episode dives right into it with our guest Dr. Uche Odiatu, a wellness guru with a difference. A practicing dentist, certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, and undoubtedly charismatic speaker, Uche brings a holistic understanding of health and fitness. His unique approach helps us navigate towards optimal physical health and sharp mental clarity, with surprising insights into simple lifestyle adjustments and experiences with holistic remedies. Dish out nutritional myths and embrace the seminal role of whole foods to support overall health; that's Uche's mantra. He brings clarity to complex nutritional concepts showing us how a well-informed approach to diet and health can work wonders. Alongside, he busts popular mythology around diets, proteins, carbohydrates, and even eggs! As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so pop in and savor the learning curve with Dr. Uche Odiatu. Wha