Dr Kinnar Shah

Hello to all my fellow dentists out there! 

Let’s dive into a topic that’s often overlooked but crucial for the success of your dental practice – identifying and plugging revenue leaks. 

In the hustle of day-to-day operations, it’s easy to miss these leaks, but addressing them can significantly boost your practice’s financial health. 

So, let’s explore three common profit drains and how to fix them. 

1. Optimizing Patient Phone Conversion and Measuring It. 

The first point of leakage is one that might be happening right under your nose – patient phone conversions. Yes, that first point of contact when a potential patient calls your practice is more critical than you might think. 

Here’s the deal: A lot of potential revenue is lost when calls are not handled effectively. Maybe your front desk is phenomenal at making patients feel welcome in person, but how are they doing over the phone? 

Are they able to:

    – ask and answer questions convincingly and empathetically? 

    – highlight the unique strengths of your practice, such as cutting-edge technology and the exceptional expertise of your dentists, to convey why patients should choose you? 

    – seamlessly secure patient appointments with >80% success? 

If not, you might be losing patients before they even step through your door.

This profit drain alone can be costing you upwards of $25k per month! 

2. Failing to Influence and Inspire Patients to Take Action 

The next revenue leak comes from within the practice walls – failing to influence and inspire patients to take necessary action.

Whether it’s the principal dentist, an associate, or your oral therapists/hygienists, each team member plays a role in patient motivation.

Imagine this: A patient comes in, gets an either for a check-up or a specific issue, and leaves knowing they need treatment. But if they’re not adequately informed or inspired to understand the importance of this treatment, they might never schedule it. 

These are missed opportunities, both for the patient’s oral health/problems and your practice’s revenue.

The solution? Foster a culture where every team member understands their role in patient education and case acceptance. 

This profit drain can be costing you upwards of $30k per month! 

3. Effective Treatment Coordination Strategy 

Lastly, let’s talk about the art of effective treatment coordination. This is not just about scheduling appointments; it’s about creating a seamless journey for your patients, from the initial consultation to the final follow-up.

A common pitfall here is not having a designated treatment coordinator. This role is pivotal in guiding patients through their treatment plans, discussing financial options, and ensuring follow-ups are scheduled.

Without this, you’re likely to see a drop in patient adherence to treatment plans and, subsequently, a leak in potential revenue.

This profit drain can be costing you upwards of $15k per month! 

Conclusion

Plugging these revenue leaks might require some initial effort, but the payoff is substantial. 

By enhancing phone interactions, motivating patients to act, and applying a successful treatment coordination plan, your practice can significantly boost its income while also elevating the patient experience.

Remember, a successful dental practice isn’t just about providing excellent dental care; it’s also about mastering the art of patient engagement and experience.