Giving OHP a Second Look
It is common for dentists and their teams to not want to accept patients from the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). But is that the best course of action, especially since there are… Continue On +
When Values Become Roadblocks
Have you ever considered if the values you instill in your team ever create roadblocks? For example, at the now-defunct and infamous WorldCom, management instilled the value of optimism at all times. … Continue On +
Don’t Hide Your Value
Someone once said, “It’s not enough to give the customer excellent service. You must subtly make him aware of the great service he is getting.” How effective are you at making your… Continue On +
The Mental Stretch of Innovation
You never know when a different way of looking at things may turn into a key innovation. Consider the findings of Virginia Apgar, anesthesiology professor at Columbia Medical School. In 1952, Virginia… Continue On +
Waiving Dental Deductibles and Co-payments
It is common for dentists, who want to help certain patients, to provide dental treatment for just what the insurance pays. No co-payment or deductible is collected. It is also common for… Continue On +
Forgiveness
What is forgiveness? Look no further than a bumper sticker to find a fitting definition. “Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past.” Imagine how much time we would save… Continue On +
Innovation is the Catalyst for Solving Big Issues
Big problems often call for innovative ideas. This is especially true when your task is to fight malnutrition. Howarth Bouis, an economist at the International Food Policy Research Institute, was determined to… Continue On +
Strategic Hiring
When you need to fill a position on your team, do you hire people who share your personality? The common tendency is for a dentist and/or the team member in charge of… Continue On +
Have Your Eyes Open for Talent
When is a good time to start recruiting for the next opening in your practice? It might surprise you to learn that right now is the ideal time, even if your current… Continue On +
Whithout Trust You Do Not Have Teamwork
One of the main reasons for team conflict is the lack of trust. If you ask your team members if they trust each other, many will initially say “yes.” But when you… Continue On +
You Speak English and Body Language
When people work on improving communication skills, they naturally focus on what they are trying to say. What’s even more important, thought, is how you say it. The entertainer Mae West once… Continue On +
Are Cancellation Fees Effective?
Many dental practices attempt to curb cancellations by charging a fee. But is this effective? Cancellation fees, coupled with appropriate phraseology, work well as a deterrent against patients who call to cancel… Continue On +