Whether you’ve been a dentist for a hand full of years or several decades, dental burnout is real. Running a dental practice is stressful, from the patient and employee turnover to increasing overhead costs, it takes a toll on you. A good dental coach can get you back on track and help you rediscover your passion as a dentist. If this sounds familiar to you, find out from Bryant Consultants tips to avoiding burnout as a dentist.
Become the CEO
You’re good at being a dentist, which is what has brought you this far, but what about actually running your practice? Your team needs you to be their leader. Detailed job descriptions, defined goals, guidance, and other management systems are needed to drive your team to win, and for the success of your dental practice. It’s time that you start thinking like a CEO and a leader, not just a dentist. This is where many practitioners struggle, and they aren’t sure what needs fixing or where to start. Bryant Consultants is here to help with dental practice management programs that are specifically designed for your practice’s individual needs. Our consultants partner with you to help take your practice to levels you never thought possible.
Check the Numbers
Before you can fix anything, you first have to find out what’s broken. Start by looking at your numbers to see where production is low. How is your hygiene department affecting your year-end earnings? Dental hygienists should be bringing in about three times their salary, although this figure could vary slightly. What about scheduling? Does the scheduler understand the importance of confirming patient appointments and setting appointments before patients leave the office? Be sure also to look at collection accounts and outstanding insurance claims. These are aspects that a dental practice coach looks at when determining what needs to be fixed. If any of these areas are lacking, it could indicate the need for employee training.
Improve Practice Culture
When was the last time you took a “pulse” of your practice? Take some time to observe your team and what goes on during a typical day at work. Do team members seem happy to be there? How do they interact with each other, with you, and with the patients? Does your team feel like they are apart of the practice vision and that they have a voice? These are factors that determine your practice culture. Of course, everyone shows up to the office to work, but is it fun to be there? If not, your practice culture is suffering, and it’s no wonder you (and probably your team members) are feeling burnt out. Bryant Consultants employs dental practice management solutions to improve office culture, create value, and set goals that help each team member, and the practice.
Explore Continuing Education
While dentists are required to earn a set number of CE credits annually, consider taking classes outside of your usual scope. For instance, if you’re a general dental practice that only offers preventive care and the usual general dentistry services, you might be burnt out on the same ole’ things every day. Have you thought about providing new services? Airway dentistry, which focuses on sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorder treatment are becoming common among dentists these days. After all, no other practitioner spends as much time dealing with jaw joints and the airway than a dentist. Maybe branching out by offering different services will give you new meaning and purpose, resolving that burnt out feeling. So, if it’s your day in and day out that’s wearing you down, start exploring other services that may interest you and provide much-needed care to your patients.
Dental Practice Management
If you’re tired of feeling burnt out, have noticed that your team members are dragging themselves to work every day, or want to rediscover your passion for dentistry, Bryant Consultants can help. We begin the process with a thorough practice assessment. Our consultants work hand-in-hand with the doctors, and each team member to re-energize your practice. Ready to get going? Check out our Jump Start training program that includes a comprehensive assessment and an on-site visit. Got something pressing on your mind? Just Ask a Coach today!
Contact Bryant Consultants directly or call (877) 768-4799 today.
