Inspired by the surfing décor in a client’s Southern California office, I could not help but draw the analogy of “catching the wave” to describe the most exciting time I have experienced in dentistry over the past thirty years.
Never in the history of dentistry has there been so much opportunity! The space-age materials and equipment alone, from Lasers to CEREC, Endo microscopes to drugs that retard periodontal disease, to implants and veneers that provide options never before available. And, most significantly, the public has become aware of a “pretty smile.” Whether it’s bleaching or orthodontics, a smile has finally become important to the public at large.
Insurance companies are realizing that to keep providers, they will have to pay UCR. In Arizona and some parts of California, they may even be driving UCR! Fees have finally reached what dentists deserve for the product and service they deliver.
In the thirty years that I have been associated with the dental community, I have never seen more opportunity for dentists to be financially and professionally rewarded for practicing their chosen profession. And it’s going to get better! If you haven’t already, you need to catch the wave!
More and more dentists are retiring, fewer full-time dentists are replacing them, and the population continues to grow and become more aware and desirous of quality dental care—and they are willing to pay for it.
A couple of questions you might ask yourself:
- Have I really identified my target patient?
- Is my marketing plan attracting that patient?
- Do I have patients in my practice that are clogging the system? Are they accepting my treatment plans and following through with treatment and keeping appointments?
- Am I accepting reduced fees for my services? If so, WHY?
- Do my case presentation skills convince my patients of the need for the comprehensive treatment indicated?
- Am I providing a means for my patients to financially afford the treatment desired?
- Are my clinical skills, equipment, and materials state-of-the-art?
- Is my team working with me to achieve the vision and values that I have for my practice?
If you can answer Yes to these questions, I’m sure you’re experiencing the rush of riding “the big one” we are experiencing in dentistry today. If you had to answer No to any of these questions, you may miss the greatest opportunity that dentistry has ever had to offer.