43 Rules: Rule No. 3 -- Set a minimum of 10 goals

In his recent book, 43 Rules to Increase Practice Production, Dr. Roger P. Levin shares recommendations for achieving greater practice success in the new, more challenging dental economy. The following is an excerpt.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, founder and CEO of practice management consulting firm Levin Group.

Dentists who want to create real-world businesses understand that setting goals is the single most powerful thing a business owner can do. Goals are different from vision. Set in 12-month increments, goals help move the practice toward achieving the vision.

Suppose, for example, a dentist has a vision of increasing practice production by 25% in the next three years. That does not tell the dentist (or anyone else) exactly how it will happen. It is a vision and nothing more.

To help accomplish the vision, be sure to have 98% of all patients scheduled at all times. Most practices are nowhere near this number. Increasing the percentage of patients who are scheduled will immediately increase production.

In addition, overdue patients often need more treatment than those who are seen on a regular schedule, which further increases production. Consequently, the goal of 98% of all patients scheduled at all times would contribute to increasing practice production by 25% (or more) over the next three years. This is how a goal is constructed to help achieve a vision.

43 Rules to Increase Practice Production by Dr. Roger P. Levin.

The practice should set a minimum of 10 goals each year. For goals to be effective, they must be the following:

• Written down
• Deadline-driven
• Measurable

Every goal should be assigned to an individual as the responsible party. Whether it is the dentist, staff member, or outside expert advisor, assigning the goals creates commitment and accountability in the process of goal achievement.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the chairman and CEO of practice management consulting firm Levin Group. For details, speak with a dental practice specialist at 888-973-0000.

To learn all the new rules Dr. Levin has developed, based on more than 30 years of experience consulting with dental practices, download the digital version of 43 Rules to Increase Practice Production, available for just $59.00.

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.

Copyright © 2016, Levin Group. Reprinted with permission.