North Texas Dentistry Volume 6 Issue 4 | Page 37

4 5 Controlling overhead. Fourth, you must have an active strategy for controlling overhead costs. These monthly costs impact every decision from the fees you set to the amount of time you need to spend working each week. So, actively controlling costs is going to increase your profitability. Most offices have an assistant who orders all the necessary supplies. Does she have a budget? Is that budget reasonable? What about rent? When is the last time you had your lease evaluated and renegotiated? There are countless ways to save money – so, what are you waiting for? Take a look at these core departments and ask, “Are these departments dragging my practice down?” Customer service. Fifth, you must have a customer experience that wows and impresses. In today’s competitive market, we just cannot assume that our team is providing the five star experience that we envision. Many times, patients leave the practice due to a bad experience with your “lady at the front,” and the doctor is simply unaware – until there are negative reviews online. In many cases, the team is often doing the best they can, but they often do not know your vision. When is the last time you talked about your patient’s ideal experience at your practice? Bethany Petty is a practice management consultant that breaks the mold. In an effort to remove herself from the abrasive consultant persona, Bethany spent time receiving a Masters in Adult Education and a Masters in Health Communication, which enables her to present information in a way that dentists and team members understand and appreciate. Her approach is unique in that she customizes her suggestions and training to fit the individual personality and specific goals of the practice. Rather than approaching each practice with the same “Fix-It Guide,” she evaluates the practice, talks with team members, and listens to the dentist before making any suggestions. She truly provides a customized consulting plan. In addition, Bethany has the heart to help dentists. She has a legacy of dental field professionals in her family, and she has had the privilege of helping her father to build, manage, and maintain a successful family practice. With the heart to serve dentists, she has made a difference in practices all over the DFW Metroplex. Send email to: [email protected] www.northtexasdentistry.com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 37