By Bren Barbour, Business Development Coach
It’s that time of year again. The time to reflect on all you’ve accomplished this past year. The time to celebrate your wins. The time to evaluate what opportunities were missed. The time to create a written strategic plan for growth. The time to make 2020 the year that you truly work on your practice, not just in your practice.
Industry leaders don’t just follow the tides of the industry; they take the wheel and plot their own course. Let’s take a look at how industry-leading dentists review their current year and plan for even greater success in the next year.
Forecasting Growth
Many dentists “plan” for the upcoming year by hoping for 2-10% growth. But the top leaders in the industry take the time to map out strategies for a specific amount of growth. Top leaders:
Customer Service
Refocus on embracing (or adopting!) the core belief that excellent Customer Service cannot be about maintaining the status quo! Industry leaders consistently seek new levels of “value added” relationships with patients and the community.
Systems Analysis
The most successful dentists stop to evaluate each system not only for how effective or efficient it is – but what specific impact each system is having on profit. You need to examine your:
Team Health
Industry leaders work diligently to surround themselves with “the right people in the right positions.” As you review your year and plan for next year:
New Perspectives
Industry leaders know that new perspectives are a prerequisite of growth. For instance, the team playing on the field doesn’t win the Super Bowl by themselves – the coaches on the sidelines see the “big picture” and guide the success of each play. True leaders understand the principle “being an expert in one area does not mean you know everything in all areas!” Industry leaders know when to ask for guidance. Annual Planning is the ideal time for a new set of eyes and business expertise.
Just Do It!
An idea is nothing more than a thought – if the idea is not executed. It’s that time of year: Analyze all areas of the practice. Design a specific plan for growth. Get a new perspective. Be empowered. And then take action so you can reach new heights of success in 2019!
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, many dentists who are in mid-career are burned out, afraid, bored, or frustrated. Partner with a business coach to help you run numbers, set goals, train your team, and hold your team accountable so you can have your most successful year yet. Fill out the form below to request your Complimentary Practice Discovery and see how a PDA Business Coach can help you accomplish your goals.
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Productive Dentist Academy is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship, Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from 10/1/2016 to 9/30/2020. Provider ID# 217561
Bruce B. Baird, DDS is a well respected cosmetic and family dentist in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. His practice is located in Granbury, Texas. Dr. Baird’s expertise as an implant dentist has afforded him the skill to perform dental implant surgery and restorations since the mid-1980s. In 1990, he established the Texas Centers for Implant Dentistry, a mobile practice that allowed him to work with more than 25 doctors in the region. Recognizing his ability to help other dentists to achieve the same success he has experienced in his practice, Dr. Baird partnered with Victoria Peterson, RDH to create Productive Dentist Academy. The Academy has been an invaluable resource to dentists nationwide.
Editorial Highlights with Dr. Bruce B. Baird
“I have over 30 years of experience in management and coaching general, periodontal, orthodontic and oral surgery dentists. I am passionate about being a part of the PDA team, and am grateful for the opportunities to assist dentists and their teams in achieving new levels of success.”
Business, leadership and helping others has always been a passion of mine . Prior to entering the world of dentistry I enjoyed a decade long career with Washington Mutual Bank and JPMorgan Chase as a Bank Branch Manager. I was able to work daily with individuals and Small Businesses to help them achieve their financial goals. I became passionate about leading my large team to achieve individual and team goals. I joined dentistry when my husband asked for me to lead his dental practice through a major transition. I fell in love with the field and never left. Over the last seven years I have enjoyed learning all aspects of what makes a successful dental practice thrive. From dental assisting to practice management, I’ve done it all. Our practice is part of the PDA alumni tribe and it’s awesome to see PDA systems in action every day. I have a B.A. in Communication from San Diego State University. When not business focused I love travelling the world enjoying new cultures, great food and great wine.
“The world of dentistry is a great place to be. Through smart, goal focused leadership we get to improve our patient’s lives while enriching the lives of every person on our team. Productive Dentist Academy has an amazing way of innovating processes that make all goals achievable.”
“One of the biggest challenges facing assistants is time – time for training and time for patient care. Another challenge is earning the trust of the doctor in gaining more responsibilities once we are trained. The most rewarding part for assistants is the patient relationships – we really love our patients!”
Kathryn Gilliam, RDH, BA is a published author, consultant, and speaker who is passionate about empowering dental hygienists to elevate the standard of care for their patients. Under Kathryn’s guidance, dental hygienists become oral health care providers who powerfully impact the lives and health of their patients.
Comprehensive periodontal care results in improved systemic health and creates loyal patients who accept treatment and refer family and friends. This practice builder is a win-win for patients and care providers.
Jodie Heimbach, RDH, BS graduated from the Fones School of Dental Hygiene and O’Hehir University. After practicing in general, pediatric, and periodontal practices, Jodie joined Sunstar Americas in 2008, winning several awards in recognition of her efforts. Jodie has also served in various roles in the New Jersey Dental Hygienists Association including past President. She is a sought-after speaker and published author of several RDH Magazine and RDH E-Village newsletter articles. In 2008, Jodie received selected the RDH magazine/ Sunstar Award of Distinction. Jodie loves mentoring others to work smarter not harder, specifically by using her mastery of technology to implement streamlined systems. Jodie is dedicated to empowering dental practices to educate their patients in how to achieve optimal oral and general health.
How may I help you? I’m your first point of service as you begin your journey with the Academy. I’m happy to assist you with pre-seminar homework, hotel reservations, or any special needs that you may have. My passion is to handle the details so that our doctors and teams can focus on growth and success. Working with PDA for over 5 years, I’ve been honored to witness the accomplishments of so many dental offices. Please let me know how I can support you!
Machell Hudson, RDH, is the Director of Oral/Systemic Wellness for Granbury Dental Center and a Hygiene Consultant with Productive Dentist Academy. She is certified in laser, trained in Productive Dentist Academy methods of productivity, attended the BaleDoneen Method Preceptorship. She fell in love with the dentistry at 24 when she became a dental assistant, though that career was short lived as she quit to attend dental hygiene school. She has worked as a hygienist for Dr. Bruce Baird at Granbury Dental Center for 10 years where she has applied her passion for hygiene and helping people. Machell feels blessed to have a job where she is able to positively impact the lives and health of her patients who she considers as family. When she is not buried in books studying the oral/systemic connection she can be found playing outside, walking her dog, or spending quality time with her son who she considers to be her biggest blessing.
Dr. Chad Johnson is a practicing general dentist in Iowa.
He has served as Visiting Faculty at Spear Education in Scottsdale, AZ as part of the CEREC Mentor Group, used CAD/CAM and CBCT since 2011, and has served as a CEREC Trainer. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2005 and is a Fellow of the AGD. He is the immediate past president of the Iowa Academy of General Dentistry, and he also participates in the AACD, the AAFE, and the ALD. In addition, he is a Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association. Passionate about digital dentistry and practice management, Dr. Johnson is dedicated to helping doctors actualize their potential within their practices. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming, cycling, and recreational basketball.
Smile Maker since 1979. Thirty years in dentistry has combined my education in dental hygiene and marketing/PR nicely. I’ve been coaching doctors to achieve business success since 1996. Our systems are based on clinical excellence, team communication, and streamlining data. As a public speaker, I’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with Tony Robbins, and most keynote speakers in Dentistry. From 1999 – 2003, I was co-director of the aesthetic hygiene program for PAC~Live at the University of Pacific, San Francisco. Teaching with David Hornbrook, and a great team of mentors. In 2005, Dr. Bruce Baird and I joined forces to create Productive Dentist Academy.
Editorial Highlights with Victoria Peterson
“What I enjoy most about my job is helping doctors achieve their goals by holding them accountable for their own vision, increasing productivity and profitability while reducing everyday stress in the office, and reenergizing their teams.”
“If the Academy had a front door, that’s where you’d find me. Doctors and teams reach out to me everyday to see what we might accomplish together. I’ve spent years listening to doctors and teams from across the county describe the highs and lows of the profession. I’ve given hundreds of dental webinars and spoken at dozens of events on topics ranging from communication and marketing to dental caries. It’s absolutely amazing to watch our clients develop and I am humbled everyday by the trust and faith they have in the Academy”.
Editorial highlights with Chris Moriarity
Robyn is passionate about strengthening emotional intelligence to help others overcome limiting beliefs, break cycles of negativity, and interact in more constructive, productive ways. She provides solid strategies to help manage stress and turn frustration into positive action, career success and personal well-being.
“I believe at the heart of every business is the people and groups it serves. As a leader, I am responsible for developing and steering initiatives that create a positive transformation that enhances client experiences, employee satisfaction, and the overall market.
Success lies within teamwork. Fostering the collaboration between like minded businesses and teams to achieve the best results possible is a driving factor in my life. I help weave the vision of the company throughout divisions in a way that is consistent and translates seamlessly to the market.
My personal passion is in supporting the arts. A graphic designer, illustrator, and color guru at heart, it is our duty to help the next generation experience as many opportunities at flexing their creativity muscles as much as possible”.
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world,” E.B. White once wrote. “This makes it difficult to plan the day.” – Adam Grant.
Patti Sooy is a speaker and author with 30 years of clinical, restorative, laser, practice management, dental hygiene, and business development coaching experience. In the past 9 years, she has helped her clients grow over $60,000,000. Patti also has experience as a clinical and restorative hygiene instructor at Eastern Washington University and continues to speak annually to the EWU graduating dental hygiene class. Her skills include office management, financial reporting, and new patient treatment coordination. Patti has been with PDA since 2009 where she develops training programs that allow doctors to grow their practices and lead their teams to success.
“What our doctors appreciate the most from our Coaching program is that we provide a ‘safe place’ to vent frustrations. We give them peace of mind that we can help them handle their challenges and create wealth.”
Christine started her career as a dental hygienist and expanded her extensive clinical experience to include surgical assisting and office management. She went on to start a business in which she had national speaking engagements, became a published author, wrote and developed successful marketing strategies and worked as dental business consultant for both general and specialty dental practices.
Christine joined the Productive Dentist Academy in 2007 as a Business Development Coach. She has used proven skills and strategies to help dentists and their teams enhance communications, improve office efficiency and elevate patient care standards which led to their business success.
Currently, as PDA’s lead Business Strategist, Christine oversees the onboarding of all new clients by designing implementation strategies that move dental practices toward achieving higher levels of success through exceptional patient care.
The top 3 questions I hear from doctors are:
I take great pride in providing tangible solutions to help my doctors achieve their goals.
“I absolutely love to help doctors and teams learn how to set goals, create action steps and then celebrate their success. To be surrounded by positive people is addicting! I love my job!”