Establish A Thriving Dental Practice Using the Seven Pillars of Dental Practice Management

If you own a dental practice, you know how challenging it can be to ensure success in every aspect of your business. Sometimes it can feel like you’re torn between the priorities of your role as doctor and your role as a business owner. Your most important task is to provide exceptional dental services, but there are many other factors to consider in order to keep your practice profitable. Read on to learn more about the seven pillars of a successful dental practice. 

The Seven Pillars of A successful Dental Practice

1. A Solid Sales & Marketing Plan

Attracting new patients is a must for your practice’s survival. To do that, you’ll need to identify and follow sound marketing and sales practices. This includes selling your services to prospective patients by communicating what makes your services unique and why they should choose you as their dentist. 

You’re more likely to sell your services to your patients if they understand their value and benefits. 

Today, digital marketing is your primary channel, but you may also want to look at other types of advertising. Once you’ve devised a marketing strategy, be sure to regularly evaluate its effectiveness and adjust your plan as necessary. 

2. A Compassionate, Reliable Team

Choosing your team may be the most important decision you’ll make for your dental practice. Personable, reliable, well-trained, compassionate employees, and how they function as a team, contribute to your patients’ overall experiences. As the leader, you must create a positive culture so your employees feel invested and work hard for you and the patients. 

3. A Clear Vision Statement

A map isn’t helpful if you don’t know where you’re going. Envision a perfect dental practice. Now determine what goals you must reach to make it a reality. A vision statement can help you articulate those goals.  It should include the services you provide and what makes your practice superior. This tells prospective patients why they should choose your practice for their dental care.  

4. An Inviting Office Environment

Visiting a dental office can be a nerve-wracking experience for some people. That’s why providing a calm, welcoming office is important to put patients at ease. Start with a pristine waiting room and cultivate a welcoming environment in every exam room. Consider neutral colors and tranquil images throughout. Periodicals or patient services pamphlets in the waiting room entertain, distract, and educate patients while they wait. Patients will notice extras such as a welcoming atmosphere and relaxing music during procedures.

5. Set Systems for Protocol and health information

Systems help inform every employee what their responsibilities are and what is expected of them. Keep written records of specific, detailed protocols for how to run every aspect of your business. That includes everything from how employees greet patients at the door and answer the phone to how to clean and sanitize each treatment room.

Monitor compliance and have systems in place to keep records for proof in case it is ever called into question. 

Lastly, implement an easy-to-use health information system to manage your patients’ information. Together, these systems will enable your practice to remain efficient, productive, and financially healthy. 

6. Sound financial management

Sound financial management is a critical aspect of a thriving dental practice. An accounting firm experienced in working with dental practices can advise you about how and where to seek loans, help in the event of an audit, minimize taxable income by maximizing your deductions, help you determine when to raise fees, and more. 

7. Experienced Dental Practice Accountants

Partnering with accountants who are knowledgeable about the dental industry can be the difference between late nights stressing over bookkeeping or free time to spend growing your business. Experienced dental accountants can help you leverage the right dental accounting software, advise you on tax strategies, and ensure your practice is compliant with the IRS.

Chaliff + Associates: Your Partner For Expert Dental Accounting & Bookkeeping

Imagine the relief of knowing you don’t have to stress over bookkeeping anymore, and that your practice's tax compliance, cash flow, and dental accounting responsibilities are in the hands of dental accounting professionals. Now imagine how much time you have back to invest in your patients, practice, and business growth! That’s the freedom that comes from partnering with the accounting professionals at Chaliff + Associates. We know the ins and outs of dental accounting, and we can help you navigate the complexities of the industry. We’re here for you—schedule a free consultation today to learn more!