In the ever-evolving world of dentistry, it’s a far smarter clinician who keeps apace of new trends (and applies them accordingly) than one who buries their head in the sand and ignores the need for change.
Innovation is a key driver in any business and dentistry is no exception. Enhancing profits with cutting-edge clinical care is just a part of what sets you apart from the rest.
What is also vital is a practice’s support network – those people who relieve you of the additional processes that help boost business income. For example, when did you last re-assess your current dental plan? Is it still delivering affordable care for your patients as well as a revenue stream for you?
A branded payment plan not only attracts new patients, but also ensures on-going brand and practice loyalty with existing customers. Like switching banks, opting for a new payment plan provider can feel like a massive hurdle when running a busy practice that has many other administrative demands placed upon it.
As any clinician knows too well, myths often develop thanks largely to a knowledge gap and a fear of the unknown. And, just as some patients can arrive in the dental chair with misconceptions that need to be addressed and corrected, practitioners too can often fall foul of pre-conceived ideas about the way a business can be improved.
Efficiency and profitability should be found not just within the clinical delivery of dentistry but also in the other services you offer.
Here, I have debunked a few myths to remove the barriers to taking the profitable plunge.
Myth: I will lose a lot of patients
Fact: It can be rather nerve-racking taking that first step to switching to a new dental plan, with many dentists fearing the loss of loyalty. The truth is, when managed well, the process can provide the perfect opportunity to encourage regular attendance, reinforce the value of dentistry and underpin continuity of care. It can also provide a reminder to patients as to how much they benefit from being a member of a dental scheme. Switching can provide an opportunity for the practice to audit patient attendance and even increase footfall.
Myth: I will lose revenue
Fact: Savings become apparent over a period of time, as month by month, patients move over to the new plan provider. On published fee rates with an alternative provider, for every 1,000 patients, practices have been known to save as much as £10k per annum by making the switch.
Myth: The admin associated with switching providers will take up too much of my time
Fact: You don’t always have to do it! DPAS offer a very high level of support – from the launch and promotion of a practice-branded dental plan, to the brochures, mailings and in-practice training. The key is to plan well in advance and communicate this to patients – and we handle this. One practice principal recently told me: ‘If you hadn’t been downstairs in the reception, I would not have been aware the transfer was taking place – it was that seamless.’
Myth: There is always a catch
Fact: There truly isn’t! The decision to switch dental plan providers certainly needs to be carefully considered but, if your practice is not utilising the current plan to the benefit of the business and your patients, then it may be time to reconsider your plan provider.
