Dental Office Recovery is an IRONMAN, not a Sprint
iRONMAN COMMUNICATION TIP
DENTAL PRACTICE RECOVERY IS AN IRONMAN, NOT A SPRINT. PACE YOURSELF.
DENTAL DRILLS
Many years of endurance event training taught me to pace myself, remain open to adjustments on the fly, and stay positive.
All while keeping my eye on the long term goal: the first being to finish, the second, to improve.
As we begin the dental practice recovery phase, I am reminded of that same strategy.
ARE YOU GETTING TO THE ROOT OF YOUR PROBLEM?
What recovery processes and strategies can we create habits for now that will get us to the finish line?
PACE
We are in this for the long haul. Trying to dive back into our previous schedule model will create frustration for everyone. The key is to build a “training plan” that rolls out in stages.
To give you an idea of how the dental practices across the country are recovering, In March, 2020, the ADA Health Policy Institute launched a tracking poll: COVID-19 Economic Impact on Dental Practices. A report is published every 2 weeks. The chart below reveals some of the most recent findings
FLEXIBILITY
Dentistry as we knew it has changed…forever.
The silver lining is, we can now implement changes that will increase our success in the future.
Embrace the recommended changes. Tap into your reputable resources and re-hire / hire the right people to help you reinvent best practices.
Work collaboratively to implement new ideas, provide feedback, and continually adjust to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Three target areas that are revealed consistently with many of my clients are:
Team communication is an essential skill. Communicating early, often and clearly in: morning huddles, weekly team meetings, and monthly team meetings, everyone is well informed and included in decision making.
Implementing / Updating Software Systems: Customized messaging, Digital forms, Teledentistry, Online payments.
Leadership Skills: Everyone is a leader with a special super power. We can accomplish much more when we empower each other , focus on our strengths, and work harmoniously rather than in silos.
POSITIVITY
Looking forward, with an action plan and a goal, will get you over finish line. Dentistry is a team sport and everyone should be running in the same direction, with a positive attitude.
According to a Gallup Workplace, a recently published meta-analysis reveals that the relationship between employee engagement and performance changes during crises. Read the full meta-analysis — “Increased Business Value for Positive Job Attitudes During Economic Recessions” — in Human Performance.
Gallup Workforce also published: Is Your Culture Resilient Enough to Survive Coronavirus?
Revealing five engagement elements that make a difference in company survival:
* Clear expectations
* The right materials and equipment ( think PPE, software, instruments)
* Opportunities for employees to do what they do best
* Connection to the mission or purpose of the organization
* Coworkers committed to quality work
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS LISA?
Exploring a new trail in Tuhaye, UT with an incredible view of the Jordanelle Reservoir.
We like to learn about and try new trails to mountain bike on regularly. If I am being honest, my husband is much more adventurous than me.
It is good practice for me to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone.
Since the only constant in dentistry right now is change, it supports the “can do” attitude and adaptability needed to re-build our practices.
A great reminder that being flexible is an advantageous quality to strive for in the COVID-19 transition.
NEW VIRTUAL AND LIVE COURSES
COVID-19: The Impact on Gen Z
Dental Crisis Communications Series:
Part 1: Virtual Verbiage to Keep Your Practice Healthy
Part 2: Strategies for Practice Health
Part 3 : Practice Recovery
View Lisa’s additional topics HERE