Dos and don'ts for mastering the art of innovation

Like all business leaders, dentists running their own practices need to respond to new challenges and opportunities with innovative ideas. The status quo and "me too" approaches will fall flat in the new dental economy. Facing growing competition, you need to differentiate your practice. Whether it's new technology or improved customer service, greater convenience or community involvement, you need to come up with innovative ways to stand out from the crowd.

Question everything. Innovators aren't smarter than the rest of us -- they just ask more questions and keep their minds open. Why is your reception area set up the way it is? Would different hours be more convenient for patients? Should you put more emphasis on preventive oral healthcare? There are no dumb questions, and the process can lead to some very smart answers.

Don't go it alone -- involve your team. Practice team members know more and can come up with better ideas than most dentists think. Your staff is your greatest resource, so take advantage of it. Engage everyone in brainstorming sessions and watch the ideas flow.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the chairman and CEO of practice management consulting firm Levin Group. You can connect with Levin Group on Facebook and Twitter (@Levin_Group) to learn more strategies and share ideas. Also, check out Dr. Levin's free practice management videos at www.levingroup.com/gp.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.