Goal setting might seem daunting and time-consuming, but I believe it is an essential component for the success and profitability of any business, including dental practices. Drawing from a sports analogy, do you remember the dramatic comeback by the Patriots in Super Bowl 51 to beat the Atlanta Falcons? The team understood the goal, the timeframe left in the game, and the current score which was crucial for achieving success. Similarly, dental practices must set, monitor, and strive towards their goals to thrive.
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Setting goals allows our practice to afford top-notch equipment for patient care, provide continuing education opportunities for our team, and offer benefits like clothing allowances and 401k plans. These elements not only enhance patient care but also create a competitive edge in hiring and retaining team members. The process of goal setting, while labor-intensive, is indispensable for running a successful business.
The implementation of goals starts with meetings involving financial planners, CPAs, and practice owners to establish realistic and comprehensive targets. These goals revolve around practice overhead and the desired lifestyle for our team. Profitability is key; without it, the envisioned lifestyle for the practice and its team is unattainable. Quarterly, I host a Doctors Only Mastermind where these goals are meticulously outlined and planned.
Communicate Goals Clearly With the Team
Once goals are set, they must be communicated to those responsible for scheduling and managing the practice. Accurate reporting and analytics are fundamental. I highlight the importance of using tools like the monthly calendar in the appointment book to track daily and monthly production goals. This allows the team to monitor if they are on track, under, or over goal. In Dentrix, you can setup custom views for each of your clinical workstations so the hygienists can keep track of their personal goal.
Choose What Report in Dentrix is Best for Your Practice
Daily huddle reports serve as another critical tool for monitoring goals. These reports provide a snapshot of daily and monthly production, collection status, and new patient metrics. They help the team assess whether we are on track and identify any necessary adjustments to meet or exceed goals. For instance, if there are openings in the schedule, the team can proactively fill these slots with patients needing immediate attention, ensuring production targets are met.
I emphasize that achieving production goals is a team effort. Everyone, from the front office team to hygienists, plays a role. Setting up views in the appointment book for hygienists to monitor their production goals and make necessary adjustments, such as adding services or scheduling patients to optimize daily production, is essential.
Additionally, tools like the updated Dentrix Reports module provide a forecasting report that, while not as detailed as the daily huddle report, offers another means to track and project monthly production goals.
In conclusion, setting, monitoring, and striving towards goals is crucial for the success of our dental practice. It ensures comprehensive patient care and drives the practice towards financial health and team satisfaction. Tracking goals, involving the entire team, and utilizing available tools help maintain a thriving and profitable practice.
