Learn from dissatisfied parents and patients. Sometimes, even under the best circumstances, parents and patients become unhappy. Remember that a problem is an opportunity to improve performance. When …

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Advice for the Team – Protect the orthodontist’s time. As the main producer in the practice, the doctor needs to remain focused on patient care. As a team member, you can help the orthodontist keep …

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Look for ways to reduce spending. Periodically, review what your ortho practice is spending compared with what’s budgeted. Look not only for deviations but also for line items that can be reduced or …

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Advice for the Orthodontist – Keep the lines of communication open. Every six months, have an informal conversation with each team member about where she is on her career path. Where does the …

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Build value for the check appointment. This is the single most effective way to eliminate the problem of no-shows. Parents who appreciate the value of appointments are far less likely to allow their …

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Recognize the efforts of your co-workers. We all appreciate it when people notice our efforts and make positive comments about our performance. Even a simple “thank you” will make your teammates feel …

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Ask parents of new patients how they heard about your practice. Once parents and patients have been welcomed, find out what made them choose your practice. A simple question like, “Who can we thank …

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Advice for the Treatment Coordinator (TC) – Support the orthodontist. In a changing economy, one of the main jobs of the TC is to transfer trust to the doctor. This is accomplished through excellent …

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Advice for the Orthodontist – Offer rewards for cost-cutting ideas. Staff members have first-hand knowledge about how the practice is spending money, which qualifies them to identify ways to reduce …

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Learn to work together. Your co-workers are a key component of your success. Find a way to get past the occasional misunderstanding. Don’t let a petty grievance turn into a major confrontation. When …

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Advice for the Marketing Coordinator – Manage your practice’s online reputation. Google your practice. You might be surprised by what you find. Correct misinformation and address any negative feedback …

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First impressions make all the difference. Will ortho patients and their parents be impressed when they walk into your office for the first time? Practices need to exceed expectations during every …

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