In a recent zoom meeting a friend raised a question about how quickly each of us would get the Corona vaccine if t became available. When I had time to reflect on the question I realized that the answer for me was that I would get it if my physician recommended it. Does that mean … Read More »
Are You Safe to Launch?
The most pressing question I receive from dentists these days is: “How can I help my team and patients feel safe when we re-start our practice?” That question makes sense given the fact that we have never done this before. Never before in our collective memory have we shut down dentistry as we … Read More »
Opportunities in Times of Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty we all experience our individual vulnerability as well as the vulnerability of those around us. News of the present and predictions for the future can change on a moment’s notice. It’s a shared experience, and it’s different for everyone. Some will panic and hoard. Some will whistle in the dark. Most … Read More »
How Engaged Are Your Patients?
We all know what engagement looks like. Patients are alert, awake, tuned in. They sit forward. Nod their heads. Make a comment. Ask a question. We know engagement when we see it. And we also know when someone is not engaged. But what can we do about it? In education engagement is described as “when … Read More »
Health History . . . Routine Task or Unique Opportunity?
You already have new patients fill out a health history form, right? You review that form. That is the routine standard of care in dentistry. But is there more you can do with that “routine task?” Every communication offers an opportunity to help your patients see the value of health in their lives. With so … Read More »
What Are You Paying Attention To?
I have been reading lately. Truthfully, I read all the time. I am rarely without a book. But recently it appears there are more interesting books on the shelf. Are the books more interesting, or am I more interested? I have been working on new projects of late and my curiosity is high. I have … Read More »
Do You “Hear What You Want to Hear?”
“People hear what they want to hear.” Have you said it? I know I have. Typically, I’ve said it in frustration because a patient seemed surprised to hear something which was clearly noted as having been discussed before. Often, I said it rolling my eyes when one of my children shared a fascinating revelation they … Read More »
Are You the Change Enforcer?
The question I most often hear when groups are inspired by the ideas generated in a workshop is, “How do we get people to implement the changes we agreed to?” It’s one thing for a group to be inspired by new learning, and another thing to integrate that learning into the day to day operations … Read More »
Do You Want Fries With That?
Ever find yourself feeling a little like a McDonald’s employee repeating the same things over, and over again to your patients? Any changes in your medical history? Any problems or concerns today? Are you ready to go forward with the next crown on your treatment plan? Same old questions, descriptions and explanations. It’s easy to … Read More »
What Do You DO?
When someone asks you what your job is in the practice, how do you respond? My experience is that most people respond with either a job title or a job description, a list of tasks: I clean teeth I restore teeth I answer phones I pour models I take x-rays I collect payments I schedule … Read More »
