In June 2020, I took over the management of my father’s dental practice, a 20 year old establishment that was underperforming. In the beginning, this start-up practice, established in 2001, experienced little growth. My father ran it by himself without a hygienist, operating only three days a week, and generating less than $400,000 annually.
Prior to joining my father, I had immersed myself in dental business podcasts and books, eager to apply innovative strategies. My father advised me to first broaden my experience and perspective by working in diverse dental settings. In my first year post-graduation, I embraced this advice by working part-time and actively seeking opportunities to interview at a variety of dental offices, aiming to absorb as much practical knowledge and insight as possible. This advice turned out to be an important learning experience for me.
Once onboard, my first step was to revitalize the office decor, which felt outdated. I replaced the antique wooden furniture in the reception area with modern IKEA pieces and swapped out the cliche stock photos for contemporary artwork, aiming to create a modern and hip feel.
Next, I focused on amplifying and investing into our marketing efforts. Internally, this meant educating my team on the nuances of exceptional customer service- from greeting patients with enthusiasm to valuing every phone call as a potential lead. Externally, our strategy included a robust investment in online marketing, particularly Google Ads, and a concerted effort to increase our Google reviews, recognizing their critical impact on our digital presence.
Finally, I prioritized team communication and cohesion. By conducting regular meetings and discussing concepts from the book ‘Traction’, we began working more collaboratively, enhancing our operational efficiency and overall practice dynamics. By establishing a set of core values, I was able to realign our priorities, focusing more on team development and unity.
In summary, the transformation of my father’s dental practice is a testament to the power of innovation, strategic planning, and team unity. The journey from an underperforming establishment to a modern, thriving practice is not just a story of business turnaround, but also a personal journey of growth and learning. By blending the wisdom gained from diverse experiences with fresh, contemporary approaches to practice management and team building, we’ve not only enhanced our business metrics but also fostered a vibrant, patient-centric culture. This experience has reinforced my belief in continuous learning and adaptability as the key drivers of success in the dynamic field of dental practice management.