Dos and don'ts for getting off to a good start

Prepare for more success in the new year

The economy is expected to show increasing signs of recovery in 2010. This means patients who cancelled appointments and postponed care will be looking to resume regular dental treatment. Practices that prepare now for an influx of patients will reap the most benefits from the economic turnaround.

Re-evaluate the hygiene schedule. During the recession, many patients put off recare, leaving gaps in the hygiene schedule and adversely affecting practice production. When the practice is slow, it is easy to give patients the appointment times they want. As the practice gets busier, team members will have to direct patients into the appropriate appointment times. Review scheduling protocols, processes, and scripting so the team can provide returning patients superior customer service during their visit.

Don't accept the status quo. "When the economy rebounds, my practice will automatically recover, too." Some dentists may be tempted to believe this. Don't! Prepare your practice to take advantage of the expected economic turnaround. Review practice systems for efficiency and effectiveness, provide team members with updated training, and improve your internal marketing efforts. All these steps can help jumpstart the economic recovery in your practice.