The 3 C's... Where Will They Take You?

I've been in the dental industry for almost 30 years. I have seen so many practices struggle due to the increasing changes in the dental industry, such as technology, employee behaviors and skillsets, cyber attacks, and of course the ever changing insurance and reimbursement.

This past year has been a struggle for many practices for various reasons. They've been faced with major CHALLENGES, both in personal and business. Most have not wanted to CHANGE they way they have been doing business. They expect things to continue just as they always have, even though the world of dentistry has continued to change right before their very eyes. They have a CHOICE, and they have chosen to remain doing business the same way they did 5 or more years ago. For some practices I know, this has caused them to lose millions of dollars within their practice.

I hear doctors complain about many issues. They complain their employees don't know what they're doing. They also complain about not having money, or how patients are ungrateful because they won't pay their bills, or how insurance companies are robbing them blind. Those are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to complaints.

I have always told my children, if you're going to complain about something then you have to come up with CHOICES on how to improve that situation. If you are not going to choose to make a change, then STOP COMPLAINING!

This is the same principal for dental practices. If there is a problem in your practice, identify the Challenge, decide what your Choices are to improve the situation, and then make the CHANGE! You may have to do this a few times in order to find the best solution that fits your practice... but there is always a solution! And... if you're one of those who just likes the drama of complaining .... that's the quickest way for you to lose great employees, patients, and referrals.

Remember this...The CHALLENGES we face are opportunities for your practice to grow. The CHOICES you make--- whether to do something or to just continue as you always have... will decide on how your practice will grow... or not. When you are ready to make a CHANGE, that is when you will see true growth in your practice, your team, your patients, and even yourself.

So where will the 3 C's take you this year?