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In reviewing my client records for a comparison of their 2000 figures compared to their 1999 numbers, it has been a banner year of growth for most practices we are privileged to consult.

The problems that persist in most offices seem to be universal with a shortage of good chairside assistants and dental business staff. The hygiene shortage experienced for years is not as big of a problem as it has been in the past. With the labor shortage problems, dentists must make a concerted effort within their dental societies to recruit and retain good staff. One of the best ideas is to market the profession of dentistry to all high school students who may not have decided upon a career path.

Having brochures in the office to give every family who has teenagers is a good start in the recruitment effort. Holding career days in malls and schools is another way to attract quality staffers. Institute a comprehensive on the job training program which promotes work release programs with high school students. Ask counselors in local schools to assist the dental society in it s effort to recruit quality people.

Why are the established staff members leaving dentistry? For greener pastures and a better work environment. If an employee is not challenged, trusted, or praised, they will seek fulfillment elsewhere. Companies that offer good benefits such as hospitalization, medical insurance and retirement plans will continue to erode the employment pool in the dental profession. Benefits for career minded people cost a small fraction of the cost of weak employees and constant staff turn-over.

What are some of the other concerns of dentists in today s practices besides staff shortages? One of the concerns is the overall economy. Patients are not as willing to part with their hard-earned money when the economy takes a nose-dive. It is time for the hem-lines of skirts to rise. Have you noticed how many women wear below the knee and ankle length skirts and dresses these days? As un-fond of the mini skirt as most women are, it would be welcome on the fashion scene as when skirt lengths rise, so does the economy.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is a mixed blessing in most practices. We certainly would not want to return to the antiquated ways of running the practice BC (before computers), but many practices have had computer nightmares this past year. With all the merging of computer companies, the complaints from one system to another often fall on deaf and dumb ears. One practitioner with whom I correspond, lost her entire hard drive back-up for the past three years. It was backed up daily, but not being saved! Another dentist has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue trying to get someone to admit wrong-doing with their computer. The hardware people blame software, and vice versa. Meanwhile the computer company has been sold leaving hundreds of very unhappy users. The new company pleads not guilty by default.

SUNFUN 2001

Cancun was a real winner for Linda Miles & Associates’ SunFun Seminars. Over 200 people met on the beautiful white sands and pool area of the Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Hotel, one of the finest in Cancun. The special seminar material which can only be heard in 2001 at our SunFun courses, was a home run for both repeat attendees and those who experienced for the first time.

We have over 500 people registered for the 4 Day W. Caribbean Cruise April 26-30. Don’t miss the boat!! Cabins are going fast, with only 33 left as of Friday. Call Executive Travel in Norfolk, VA, at 888.524.8466 today to make plans to join us on The Imagination, by Carnival. (A four day cruise for the price of a three day). Ports of call include Miami, Key West, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

For those Office Administrators who failed to register for our Virtual Classrooms, you have missed a wonderful networking experience. Our third class was February 5th, with our subject matter, How to reduce broken and changed appointments . We are in the process of creating a joint article on interviewing and evaluation questions for each position in the practice.

To sum up the Virtual Experience, I said, it s like a professional slumber party from 9- 10 PM every other Monday night with some very bright OA s. I’ve met these ladies in various practices over the years and couldn’t wait for them to know each other. My thanks to 13 dentists who sponsored these women. I know that the doctors are enjoying the classrooms by proxy every other Tuesday after our Monday night classes.

A couple of the VC members have made arrangements to visit each others offices, most have become email pen pals, and now we are co-authoring an article!! I never knew how much fun these classes would be.

HOLIDAY

Valentine s Day is just around the corner. Don t forget to express your appreciation to those at home and work. At home, make heart shaped cookies, frost your pink bagels with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles. Forget about dieting for just a day, and have fun. If you are a specialist and wish to give gifts to your referring doctors offices, remember that Valentine s Day and Halloween are two holidays the staff enjoy most with remembrances.

AADPA

On a personal note, Don and I are getting ready to go to the AADPA Annual Meeting in San Antonio. It will be an exciting line-up of speakers such as Robert Schuller, Nido Qubein, and Mark Victor Hanson to name a few. Dr. Don Gary of TN has done a superb job as the Meeting Planner along with Kathy Uebel, the Executive Director. If you haven t registered for the meeting and wish to join us February 28- March 6, call Kathy today at 847.934.4404. The Westin Cantera Resort is a five star studded experience.

HINMAN 2001

The Hinman is also just around the corner in mid-March in Atlanta. I am so proud of seven of my consultants and friends who are also on the Hinman this year including Char Sweeney, MI; Denise Hecht , NY; Denise Holick , NJ; Anne Knouse , FL; Vicki Turner, TX, Cindy Ishimoto, HI; and Lois Banta , MO. We hope all of you plan to be at the Hinman. It is ‘second to none’ to every dental meeting in North America. I will be speaking Thursday, Friday and Sunday mornings. Hope to see you in our audiences.

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Miles & Associates’ corporate headquarters may be reached at:

Miles & Associates 4356 Bonney Road Suite 2-103 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

757-498-0014 757-498-0290 FAX 800-922-0866 Toll-free www.DentalManagementU.com