How this DSO is solving technology, staffing, and 4th-quarter issues

Earlier this month, we shared advice from a general practitioner in Albuquerque, NM, how his dental practice was tackling the fourth quarter. Now, we pull back the curtain to ask questions about a fourth-quarter approach to a dental service organization (DSO).

Dr. Cindy Roark.

I recently had the chance to sit down with Dr. Cindy Roark, who is the senior vice president and chief clinical officer at Sage Dental, a DSO with numerous locations throughout the Southeast.

I spoke with Dr. Roark about the challenges and strategies dental practices in the Sage universe face during the fourth quarter. We discussed the importance of leveraging technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance patient engagement and streamline treatment discussions.

Dr. Roark emphasized the need for team collaboration in managing patient care and scheduling, especially during the busy holiday season. Our conversation also touched on the business aspects of dentistry, including the significance of unscheduled treatments and the overall dynamics of practice management during this critical time of year.

You can watch our interview below. My talk with Dr. Roark is also available in audio format as part of "The DrBicuspid.com Podcast" series. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Interview takeaways

• Q4 is a hectic time for dental practices due to patient demand for insurance benefits.
• AI technology can significantly enhance the efficiency of treatment planning and patient communication.
• A unified approach among team members is essential for effective patient engagement.
• Scheduling flexibility is crucial to accommodate patient needs during the holiday season.
• Understanding the business dynamics of dentistry helps in planning for the fourth quarter and beyond.
• Involving the entire team in patient discussions can lead to better treatment acceptance.
• Using technology to manage multiple schedules can improve patient access to care.
• The first quarter is typically the strongest for dental practices due to new insurance benefits.
• Unscheduled treatments should be prioritized, especially as benefits expire at year-end.
• Visual aids, such as annotated images, can motivate patients to accept necessary treatments.