COVID-19 changed all of our lives in 2020. Imagine going back a year ago, to last December, and telling the team at your practice that all operations would be shut down the following spring due to a pandemic. As the manager of your dental practice, you know about the challenges we’ve faced since the pandemic began. At times, these obstacles probably felt insurmountable… but you’re still here. Now, with vaccines on the way, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. That’s why the dental industry experts at Bryant Consultants want you to be ready for what comes next.
Having support is important
As the manager of your dental practice, you have so much on your plate: organizing schedules, dealing with payroll, ordering supplies, making sure the actual practice remains clean and in good condition, and all while providing the highest possible level of care to your patients. It’s a lot to handle, even in “normal” times. Even if you’re the one making all the important decisions at your practice, you can only accomplish so much on your own. That’s why we recommend membership in a professional dental organization. There are groups specifically geared to dental practice managers just like you, such as the American Association for Dental Office Managers (or AADOM, for short).
The Benefits of Joining a Dental Organization
- The latest news, in real-time: We already were living in a digital age before the coronavirus pandemic. Factor in all the potential schedule changes and new guidance from health departments in your jurisdiction, and it’s crucial for you to remain informed on all the latest news. When you belong to a professional organization, you know there’s someone who works for or with that group, keeping up to date on the latest regulations and announcements affecting your industry. The organization’s website can be a great resource for all the information you need: national policies, state orders, regional guidance, etc.
- Tips and advice: Even the most capable professional needs help at some point. Where can you turn during one of these situations? Being an active member of a professional organization gives you access to a wealth of contacts and resources. In challenging times, lean on your fellow members for tips and advice to navigate any tricky situation that may arise. In return, you will have opportunities to share your own experience, strengthening the collective knowledge of the group.
- Advocacy: Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists, practice managers, and hygienists who belong to a professional organization in their state have a potential platform to state legislatures, governors, and health departments. They have the opportunity to communicate about safety standards, proposed regulations, and what the industry needs both to remain viable financially and continue to provide the highest possible level of care. By joining a professional group, you’ll have the opportunity to be apart of these discussions.
- Lifelong Learning: You know how competitive the dental industry is and how quickly things can change. During the pandemic alone, you and your team have had to pivot into new areas of learning to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. When you stop learning, your practice loses its ability to grow, change, and adapt. It can be easy to become stagnant, especially in stressful times. Being part of a professional organization will keep you engaged with a source of positivity and motivation.
- Strength in Numbers: Now is the time for dental professionals just like you to join forces and meet whatever challenges lie ahead. It will take time for everyone to move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. You may think it isn’t appropriate to join a professional organization in the midst of a crisis like a pandemic, but it’s actually the ideal time to do so because it shows you’re committed to maintaining a leadership role both in your practice and the industry. It also might encourage members of your team to look into professional organizations they are qualified to join.
Dental Industry Coaching, from the Experts
This year has been so challenging and stressful. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or even alone. Maybe you like the idea of joining a professional organization but don’t know where to begin. Maybe you just need to know someone is in your corner. At Bryant Consultants, our dental industry experts are here to help. In these tumultuous times, we’re offering a complimentary one-hour consultation to dental practices just like yours. Start the process by calling (877) 768-4799.
We provide consultation, training, and coaching and will continue to post relevant updates regarding the coronavirus pandemic. To ensure that you receive the latest updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
