Well we are seeing signs of the flattening of the curve and the hope is we will start to return to some degree of “normal” very soon. New Brunswick and Saskatchewan seem to be leading the charge in loosening restrictions. In Ontario, no timelines have been set but we have what the government is calling … Read more
Despite the digital advancements of email, websites and social media, the importance of phone calls remains. When first contacting a dental office, our data shows nearly 75% of patients would prefer doing so by phone. Therefore, you must make sure you take advantage by making the best first impression you can during that call. With … Read more
As we close the book on 2019 and move into a new decade, it is an interesting time to consider the evolving landscape for dentistry. The constant “yin and yang” between the profession versus the business of dentistry will continue to pose one of the greatest challenges for many. Many dentists feel they have no … Read more
Irene: When did you know you wanted to open your own practice? Michelle: In 2015, the entrepreneurial vision began. Why? I’ve always had a passion for health. For wellness. For connection. For beautiful SMILES. My beginning was a shift. A shift in how the delivery of healthcare services can be provided when we recognize … Read more
Owning my own practice seemed insurmountable in 2010 when I put together my first business plan. It took me three months to add the lines and numbers into various spreadsheets and when I realized that I didn’t have enough money, time or knowledge about business, I put the well-detailed, colour-coded binder in a storage bin … Read more
Navigating the dental business world can be one of the toughest jobs in the dental space. Choosing what services are needed, what is necessary, what to keep in office, what to outsource, where do you start? Every time you open your email or social media accounts there is a new type of service offered. What … Read more
We probably all remember listening to the music of our parents when we were kids. Some of it we liked…others, not so much. My parents grew up in the juke box/malt shop era, so 50’s rock and roll was part of my childhood. One of the songs I recall opened with the line “Let me … Read more
There comes a time in the life of every dentist/owner when the moment to sell their practice is upon them. It can be a difficult decision. Your practice is “your baby”…your life’s work. For most, it will be their most valuable asset. And they often feel the years of hard work they have put into … Read more
The task of opening a new dental office can be formidable. There are so many considerations: Is there adequate usable area for my needs? What dental equipment will best suit my practice? What are the health and safety requirements and Building Code regulations that I need to respect? How can I create a positive experience … Read more
As we age our natural teeth and gums are more susceptible to dental caries, gingival recession, demineralisation, fungal infections, and periodontal disease. Regular hygiene and dental care is important but is often neglected, especially by those who require long-term care. 1. What is LTC? In the United Kingdom, long-term care is provided by a range … Read more
First impressions matter. Whether it’s the first handshake, the first walk-through or the first “hello” in a phone call – they matter. Those firsts are how you base your opinion on an experience, and that’s what your patients are doing the moment they call your office or walk through the door. Visualize your office and … Read more
When a child is scheduled to be seen by a dentist, it is important to remember that this visit will likely involve at least two individuals: the child and his or her parents. Today, parents want to play an active role in their child’s healthcare, and will report to the dental office with certain expectations … Read more
For dentists, advanced technology means using the latest treatment tools, such as digital X-rays, diode lasers, CAD/CAM, etc., but something like Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a practice assistant, I bet most of us never gave much thought to the idea. Nor did I, but that was before I implemented a sentiment analysis program at my … Read more
We have all been mystified and even exasperated by our more challenging clients, for example: those with inadequate self-care despite having sufficient manual dexterity; and people who attend irregularly for dental care, or fail to show up for scheduled appointments. We might also encounter individuals who panic if reclined in the chair, or seem angry, … Read more
Read any business book, interview any business leader, ask any successful entrepreneur – what makes your business a success? Chances are, at least one of the following buzz-words are mentioned: Vision, mission, goals, values, culture, purpose. As business owners, we are all looking for those magic bullets that will instantly turn our businesses around, make … Read more
Every dental practice has key engines that drive and determine practice health, stability and longevity. These engines include building and maintaining a strong and thriving patient base, generating consistent and predictable revenue, efficiently managing expenses, and fostering effective communication. Ultimately, the goal of every successful dental practice is to provide patients with an exceptional experience … Read more
Ontario’s NDP is promising to introduce “Canada’s first universal Pharmacare plan” that would cover dental care and prescription drug costs should the party form a government following the June provincial election. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath announced the plan at a campaign-style event in downtown Toronto on Saturday that laid out five key planks of her election platform. “We are going to make sure … Read more
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) announced today that it is donating $265,000 in health care products to nine dental schools in support of their oral health outreach missions to underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world. The donations are being made as part of the Henry Schein Cares Global Student Outreach Program, an … Read more
Those who choose to assume the risk of operating a small business rather than accept the security of a regular pay cheque are often passionate about what they do. Whether they are building a product or providing a service, they have often invested a great deal of time and money developing their expertise and are … Read more