The History of Dental Practice Growth through Team Development and Innovative Management
Sitting left to right;
Annette Foley, Annette Taylor, Jenny Swaysland
Standing; Renelle Lancaster, Dr.Mary-anne Slater, Linda Miles, Don Collie, Don Miles, Beth Gilmore.
From a Wagga Wagga, Australian practice and was taken at the 2004 Masters of Dentistry Extravaganza in Sydney.
In the 70s, dental auxiliaries were more or less "helpers" to be seen, but not heard. In the 80s, with the introduction of expanded functions and attention toward hiring, training, and trusting the team to be more involved, solo practices went from an average production of $25,000 to$35,000 per month to $45,000-$55,000 monthly.
In the 90s, emphasis on staff utilization and delegation, especially in the art of communication and patient education, made dental practices blossom, and dentists could concentrate more on clinical care. The dentists knew that patients were receiving a universal message of comprehensive dentistry. The "Technology Boom" in the 90s made it even more important to keep the "high touch" along with the "high tech," so dental teams became experts in customer service and clinical care procedures. It was not uncommon to see the practice productivity increase to more than $80,000 per month for the progressive solo practitioner. More importantly, the industry saw a distinct shift in employee satisfaction. Dentists became strong leaders with sound business principles; they became happier. The art and science of marketing, management, clinical excellence, and personnel management had taken off!
Fast-forward five years. Our eye is now on the year 2013. We are asking our audiences and clients: "Where do you see your practice and yourself as a dental professional five years from now?" and "What do you wish to be known for in your community?"
- The cheapest dentist in town who is on all the insurance plans?
- The trendy practice that consistently looks for new and better ways?
- The mature, established practice that caters to the 45-75 age group, with an emphasis on cosmetics and implants?
- The family practice that welcomes children and young parents?
- The spa practice that attracts patients seeking an elite dental experience, complete with head and neck massages and hot towels?
- The bread-and-butter dentist who realizes that a practice of just "jam" (high-end procedures) slows down immensely with economic highs and lows?