Imagine transforming potential inquiries into loyal patient relationships with just a phone call. In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into mastering effective phone communication for dental practice front office staff, a critical yet often overlooked skill. Sandy begins by highlighting the significance of first impressions, presenting a powerful six-step guide designed to seamlessly manage new patient calls. From crafting a welcoming greeting to confidently promoting the practice, Sandy breaks down each step with clarity and precision, ensuring your front office team is well-equipped to handle any conversation with ease. Throughout the conversation, Sandy sheds light on common pitfalls, such as overwhelming potential patients with excessive dental history probes or premature price discussions. By focusing on scheduling appointments and fostering an inviting atmosphere, front office staff can set the stage for meaningful face-to-face interactions. Sandy underscores the value of being a good listener and familiarizing oneself with financing solutions when cost concerns arise. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to elevate their patient communication skills to drive practice growth and satisfaction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to create a positive first impression on phone calls. The six crucial steps to handle a new patient inquiry effectively. Strategies to avoid scaring off potential patients with complex details. Common communication mistakes and how to prevent them. Tips for confidently promoting the practice and services. Ways to emphasize consultation over phone-based decisions. Importance of listening and adapting to patient needs. Utilizing financing options to address cost concerns. Listen in now to discover the secrets to exceptional phone communication in your dental practice! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - February 7, 2025 Houston, Texas (Use code "Secret Sauce" at checkout for $100 off!) People: Cory Pinegar (Reach) Businesses/Brands: Walmart Amazon Prime Netflix Goodwood Hardware

Does the truth always prevail when rumors run rampant in the dental community? In this eye-opening episode, Michael and Sandy confront the damaging effects of rumors and misinformation that pervade the dental industry. They tackle the common pitfalls of comparing oneself or one's practice to others, emphasizing how this can erode confidence and productivity. Delving into specific scenarios such as production numbers and appointment cancellations, Sandy and Michael illustrate how external benchmarks often mislead rather than motivate, highlighting the perilous journey of false comparisons. With social platforms like Facebook and Dentaltown serving as breeding grounds for misinformation, Sandy sheds light on how these spaces can exacerbate fears and quash morale. Her key message? Look inward. Dentists should optimize their internal systems and focus on teamwork to drive success, instead of seeking solace in unreliable sources. The duo offers practical advice to reclaim control, foster positivity, and nurture a practice culture built on verified insights and self-assured growth. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The risks of comparing your dental practice to others. How rumors and misinformation impact morale and decision-making. Effective strategies for improving internal systems and team dynamics. The role of social media in spreading falsehoods within the dental community. Ways to build confidence by focusing on internal measures and outcomes. Tune in to discover how to shield your practice from the clutches of damaging rumors and boost your team's morale! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Dentaltown People: Dr. Bob Westerman

Is gossip silently drilling holes in your dental practice, eroding trust and harmony? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy embark on a candid exploration of gossip within dental offices. Sandy dives deep, demystifying the corrosive nature of workplace chatter, sharing eye-opening stories, and offering firsthand insights. With the lively discussion, they expose how gossip not only deteriorates team morale but also impacts patient care subtly yet significantly. Sandy's storytelling captures the gravity of gossip as she narrates the poignant poem "Nobody's Friend," serving as a stark reminder of its potential damage. Michael and Sandy arm you with actionable strategies to cultivate a gossip-free work environment. The episode underscores the power of clear communication, fostering team agreements, and how leaders can actively counter gossip's spread. This episode promises to enlighten dental teams on the path to nurturing a more cohesive, trusting workplace where everyone thrives. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The hidden costs of gossip on team morale and patient care. Practical strategies for fostering a gossip-free work environment. The importance of clear communication in preventing workplace gossip. How to implement team agreements to strengthen workplace harmony. The critical role leaders play in addressing and mitigating gossip. Tune in now to eliminate gossip and build a healthier, more united practice! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use code: "Secret Sauce" at checkout!) Poems: Nobodies Friend poem Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Saint Hotel Hamton Inn Courtyard - Marriott People: Julia Child Ina Garten - Interview

Have you ever wondered why some practices struggle with last-minute cancellations while others maintain a steady flow of happy patients? In this part 2 of the Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled series, Michael and Sandy pull back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges in the dental industry: broken appointments. Sandy dives deep into the tactics for addressing this issue head-on, offering invaluable advice on the "appointment wrap-up" process. From ensuring seamless handoffs between your technical and front office teams to mastering patient interactions, especially with newcomers, Sandy's strategies are a game-changer. This episode isn't just about maintaining a schedule; it's about transforming how your practice approaches patient management. Michael and Sandy stress the critical role of verbal techniques in appointment confirmations and the necessity of understanding patient behavior. By tightening the reins on scheduling and honing communication skills, you will see a noticeable decrease in broken appointments. Whether you're a dentist, office manager, or anyone involved in patient management, these insights could revolutionize your daily operations, maintaining a professional environment that's both efficient and patient-friendly. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The "appointment wrap-up" process to prevent broken appointments. Techniques for effective handoffs between technical and front office teams. Strategies for minimizing cancellations by understanding patient behavior. Verbal techniques to improve appointment confirmation. The importance of rigorous training and communication in scheduling. Tune in now to discover how to successfully minimize broken appointments in your dental practice! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use code: "Secret Sauce" at checkout!) Organizations: ADA Places: The Ritz-Carlton People: Taylor Swift Businesses: Amazon

Imagine transforming the daily chaos in your practice into a streamlined and efficient operation. In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle some of the most disruptive productivity killers facing dental practices today—late patients, broken appointments, no-shows, and cancellations. Sandy brings her expert perspective by emphasizing the necessity of a dedicated scheduler who can artfully manage appointments to minimize chaos and boost productivity. They delve into actionable strategies, such as enhancing patient education, solidifying financial arrangements, and enhancing verbal skills, all designed to ensure patients respect and honor their scheduled times. As they unravel the complexities behind missed appointments, Sandy challenges common misconceptions, like the idea of penalizing patients, by shifting the focus towards proactive solutions and realistic production goals. Michael and Sandy create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to reflect on your current practices and consider new approaches. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Effective strategies to minimize late arrivals and cancellations. The importance of having a dedicated appointment scheduler. Techniques for enhancing patient communication and financial arrangements. Insights into setting realistic production goals for dentists. Common misconceptions about penalizing patients for missed appointments. Tune in now to discover the secrets to maintaining a productive dental practice! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use Code "Secret Sauce" at Checkout!) Sauces: RAO's Establishments/Brands: Costco The-Ritz-Carlton Uber

Should you have working interviews? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy unravel the complexities of hiring processes in dental practices that often fly under the radar. They take a closer look at the commonly used "working interviews" and reveal the legal pitfalls and inefficiencies often associated with them. But fear not, as they guide you through innovative strategies to better evaluate potential hires. With their expert advice, you'll learn how to navigate these challenges with ease and ensure your dentistry team is top-notch. Get ready to transform your interview process into a sharp, strategic tool for hiring the best talent. Sandy introduces the game-changing idea of using detailed written tests to tap into candidates' problem-solving prowess, mathematical skills, and situational reactions. You'll discover the power of personalized interview questions and the subtle yet telling observations that body language provides. Plus, Sandy shares practical tactics on refining your interview techniques, crafting skill assessments, and ensuring every step aligns with legal standards. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The legal and functional drawbacks of typical "working interviews." Innovative strategies for effective candidate evaluation. The role of written tests in assessing key skills. How to interpret and leverage candidates' body language. Essential tactics for tailoring interview questions. Steps to ensure legal compliance throughout the hiring process. Tune in now to revolutionize your practice’s hiring approach with proven strategies! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana   Services: CEDR HR Solutions Equipment: CEREC Tests: Wonderlic Test

Puzzled by a sudden slowdown in your practice after a period of steady growth? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle this very dilemma, driven by a listener's concern about a drop in activity despite continuous marketing efforts. Sandy shines a light on the inevitable ebbs and flows of the dental business, detailing how peaks and valleys are quite common. While it's tempting to look at external factors, she emphasizes that the real key lies with internal operations—how well your team navigates daily tasks, engages with patients, and adheres to promotional schedules can make or break your growth momentum. With unshakeable opinion and experience, both Michael and Sandy underscore the importance of a rock-solid front office, the urgency of consistent follow-ups, and impeccable communication. They delve into actionable strategies and best practices for maintaining top-notch performance, regardless of external fluctuations. By the end, Sandy empowers practice owners to reclaim the reins of their success, conveying that much of what determines business growth is within their control. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your dental practice might experience sudden drops in activity despite ongoing marketing The significance of internal factors—appointment handling, teamwork, and consistent promotional efforts How urgent, organized front-office operations contribute to maintaining growth Methods for effective communication within a dental team to tackle periods of low activity Encouraging insights about controlling your practice's success through proactive management Ready to turn unpredictable slowdowns into steady growth for your dental practice? Tune into today's conversation! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Marketing:  Google Ads People: Taylor Swift

Imagine turning your practice into a thriving hub by simply tweaking your bonus structures for your office manager. This episode of Dental Drill Bits delves into the nuances of crafting successful bonus systems that align with your practice's financial goals. Michael and Sandy engage in an insightful discussion exploring profit-increasing bonuses versus flat raises, focusing on ensuring these incentives are both motivating and sustainable. Sandy advises on basing bonuses on collections instead of production for financial stability while offering strategies to set clear, transparent benchmarks to foster a win-win situation. Listen in as Sandy introduces the concept of attendance-based bonuses designed to boost team morale and punctuality. She emphasizes that aiming for clarity before introducing any bonus structures is critical since such benefits can be challenging to retract once they're part of the system. Wrapping up on a practical note, Sandy underscores the importance of evaluating the financial impacts thoroughly. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to choose between profit-increasing bonuses and flat raises. Why basing bonuses on collections rather than production benefits your practice. Strategies for setting transparent and achievable benchmarks. The potential advantages of attendance-based bonuses for team morale. Important considerations for financial implications before implementing bonus plans. Ready to refine your practice's bonus structure and watch your team thrive? Don't miss this episode! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Dentaltown Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana

How can you master the art of insurance collections and minimize outstanding claims? In today's episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the essentials of managing insurance collections with expert insights that can save your practice valuable time and resources. Sandy explains the critical importance of timely and consistent follow-up on insurance claims and recommends designating a specific day each week for this task to streamline operations. Meticulous tracking of claims—whether using spreadsheets or software reports—and conducting follow-up every three weeks are essential strategies Sandy advocates for. Sandy warns about the pitfalls of outsourcing insurance management without proper oversight, emphasizing that understanding and smoothly handling these processes within your own practice can lead to tremendous benefits. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why timely and consistent follow-up on insurance claims is crucial Best practices for designating specific days for managing collections tasks The benefits of tracking claims meticulously using spreadsheets or software The recommended frequency for following up on claims What you need to know before considering outsourcing insurance management The significance of electronic payments in streamlining your practice operations Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your practice's efficiency—tune in now! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: https://www.DocSites.com/landing-pages/ddb/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Tools/Software: Excel Dentrix Brands: Five Guys

In this episode, Sandy dives deep into the myriad benefits of dental membership plans, revealing how they are game-changers for increasing patient loyalty and cutting the ties from heavy reliance on dental insurance. Through comprehensive discussion and real-life examples from various practices, Sandy illuminates the substantial impact these plans have on both patient retention and revenue growth, backing it all up with compelling statistics. Learn how integrating dental membership plans and using tools like Plan Forward software can streamline your management process while enhancing patient satisfaction! What You'll Learn in This Episode: How dental membership plans enhance patient loyalty. The role dental membership plans play in reducing reliance on insurance. Key statistics showing increased patient retention through membership plans. How to leverage Plan Forward software for hassle-free management. Real-world success stories from practices implementing membership plans. Strategies to exponentially grow your revenue with dental memberships. Methods to effectively market and manage your membership program. Tune in now and see how membership plans could help your office! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! https://www.planforward.io/ Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Dental Gumbo Group Events: Front Desk Pro - November 15, 2024 New Orleans, Louisiana (Use Code "Secret Sauce" at Checkout!)   Services/Tools:   Amazon Prime   Contact:   sandy@classicpractice.com