Dental Drill Bits with Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury

Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Michael Arias of The Dental Marketer discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today. This podcast show features the movers and shakers of the dental industry as well as opinion leaders. Enjoy the fun, laid-back vibe as things get real. Sandy is an energetic lecturer and consultant in the area of dental practice management. She is Director of Consulting with Classic Practice Resources and has over 36 years of “hands-on” experience.

Mastering Onboarding for a Thriving Dental Practice 02/03/2025

Mastering Onboarding for a Thriving Dental Practice Episode Title: Mastering Onboarding for a Thriving Dental Practice Episode Description: In this episode of The Dental Drill Bits Podcast, Sandy and Dana dive into the make-or-break process of onboarding new team members in a dental practice. A strong onboarding system not only prevents turnover but also sets the stage for a thriving team culture and long-term success. 🚀 They share real-world experiences, practical strategies, and actionable steps to ensure new hires feel welcomed, supported, and set up for success from day one. Key Takeaways: ✔ The biggest onboarding mistakes that lead to early resignations 🚨 ✔ How to create a structured onboarding journey that boosts retention 🎯 ✔ Why assigning a buddy system makes integration seamless 👫 ✔ The power of checklists, SOPs, and training milestones 📋 ✔ How to gather feedback to continuously improve your onboarding process 🔄 ✔ What “turnover trauma” is and how to prevent it from costing your practice thousands 💸 They also discuss Sandy’s upcoming Front Desk Pro seminar, where dental teams can get hands-on training to improve efficiency, communication, and patient experience. Listen Now: 🎧 Tune in to the full episode here: [Insert Podcast Link] 🎟 SPECIAL OFFER: Sign up for Front Desk Pro and use promo code "Secret Sauce" for $100 off! 👉 Register at Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Take Action Today: Start tracking your open time and production goals now! Print out your schedules, analyze past weeks, and involve your team in finding solutions. Remember, every day is an opportunity to optimize your schedule and serve your patients better. Subscribe & Leave a Review: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Dental Drill Bits and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to deliver valuable content! /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/35089470

Wasted Time, Open Time, and Maximizing Your Schedule 01/27/2025

Wasted Time, Open Time, and Maximizing Your Schedule Episode Title: Wasted Time, Open Time, and Maximizing Your Schedule Episode Description: Welcome to another exciting episode of Dental Drill Bits! This week, Sandy Pardue is joined by a very special guest—Dana Pardue Salisbury, the original co-host and HR business professional. Together, they kick off the new season with a deep dive into one of the most critical topics for dental practices: managing open time in your schedule. Discover actionable tips to identify, track, and eliminate wasted time in your practice. Whether you're dealing with broken appointments, patient no-shows, or underutilized slots, this episode equips you with practical strategies to improve productivity, enhance patient care, and boost your bottom line. Plus, hear Dana’s unique perspective on the patient experience and why over-communicating about appointment changes can backfire. Stay tuned until the end for a game-changing resource that could revolutionize how you handle in-house membership plans! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Dana Salisbury's journey back to Dental Drill Bits and her insights on training and development for dental practices. The real cost of open time and why tracking it is crucial. How to calculate daily, hourly, and per-unit production goals. Strategies to reduce cancellations, no-shows, and last-minute reschedules. The importance of maintaining a reliable call list and leveraging patient interactions. Patient perspective: Why excessive appointment changes can harm patient satisfaction. The role of team meetings in addressing missed opportunities. An introduction to Plan Forward—a custom dental membership platform offering tools for automated billing, patient communication, and more. Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Take Action Today: Start tracking your open time and production goals now! Print out your schedules, analyze past weeks, and involve your team in finding solutions. Remember, every day is an opportunity to optimize your schedule and serve your patients better. Subscribe & Leave a Review: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Dental Drill Bits and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to deliver valuable content! /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/35021560

Rerun Gold: How to Handle Unauthorized Overtime with Your Employees 01/22/2025

A to Z Job Duties of a Dynamic Manager: Office Manager Essentials Part 2 01/08/2025

What Makes an Effective Office Manager in Your Practice? Office Manager Essentials Part 1 01/01/2025

Personal Touch vs. Automation: Winning Patient Retention 12/25/2024

Personal Touch vs. Automation: Winning Patient Retention Are you struggling with patient no-shows that disrupt your dental practice’s schedule? In this rerun episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Michael dive deep into practical strategies to minimize cancellations and improve patient attendance. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the art of clear communication, where they assert the power of personalized phone calls over cold automated messages. These personal touches not only confirm appointments but also strengthen the patient-practice bond, making each patient feel recognized and appreciated. Moving beyond communication, Sandy and Michael explore the often-overlooked aspect of office efficiency, from managing personnel roles to implementing effective scheduling systems. They provide a candid critique of over-automation, pointing out how it can erode patient relations and lead to an uptick in unattended appointments. By sharing relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, Sandy illustrates the importance of addressing unconfirmed slots quickly and empathizing with patient concerns from the get-go. Wrapping up, the hosts offer a toolkit for handling broken appointments and stress the need for practices to take charge of their scheduling processes to foster efficiency and elevate patient care. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The significance of personalized communication over automated messages. The role of clear communication in reducing no-shows and cancellations. How to balance automation with personal patient relations. Effective appointment confirmation techniques that engage patients. Strategies for efficient schedule management, including personnel roles. Tips for promptly addressing unconfirmed appointments. Handling patient objections to decrease cancellations. Insights into maintaining a patient-first approach throughout the scheduling process. Tune in now to transform your practice's appointment strategies and strengthen patient connections! (This episode originally aired on Sep 06, 2023) Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/34595185

Creating Strong Vendor Relationships 12/18/2024

Creating Strong Vendor Relationships In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're exploring the dynamics of a healthy vendor-client relationship as Sandy delves into an inspiring conversation with Megan Lohman from Plan Forward. Together, they unlock the powerful components of successful partnerships, from the nuances of clear communication to fostering mutual respect. The duo emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and maintaining open lines of communication to ensure vendor relationships become long-term, growth-oriented collaborations. Sandy further highlights the benefits of her Front Desk Pro seminars, a series promising transformative engagement for entire dental teams across the U.S., offering practical tools to enhance their practice management skills. The discussion takes a practical turn as Megan shares valuable tips, rooted in personal experience, on navigating the challenges of vendor implementation while optimizing business efficiency. Sandy rounds off the episode by stressing the importance of a teamwork-driven approach, where practice leaders must transparently relay goals and expectations to their teams, ensuring seamless adoption of new services. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The key ingredients of a successful vendor-client relationship in dental practices. Tips for setting realistic expectations and maintaining fruitful communication with vendors. Strategies for viewing vendors as long-term business partners. Insights on the value of regular feedback and being open to change. Practical steps for improving vendor implementation and business efficiency. How effective team communication can enhance the adoption of new tools and services. Listen in today to take your vendor relationships to new heights! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Businesses: Software: Terms: KPIs - Key Performance Indicators PMS - Practice Management Software /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/34490615

Overcoming Team Obstacles: Boosting Morale in Dental Teams 12/11/2024

Overcoming Team Obstacles: Boosting Morale in Dental Teams Managing a successful dental practice often hinges on the seamless collaboration and communication of its team. In this episode, Michael and Sandy explore the vital elements of effective team management that can transform your practice into a harmonious and high-functioning operation. They reveal how strong systems for hiring and onboarding are not just administrative necessities but foundational strategies that influence the overall success of the practice. Sandy shares her insights into building a clear vision that resonates across the team, emphasizing how consistent communication can break down barriers and foster an environment where everyone works towards common objectives. As the conversation unfolds, Michael and Sandy turn their focus to the human elements of practice management, emphasizing the importance of motivation and acknowledgment during times of change. Whether it's integrating new technologies or adapting to policy changes, they offer practical advice on how to maintain morale and encourage cooperation among team members. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a toolkit of strategies to reinforce your practice's vision, ensuring that your team is not only aligned but invigorated to achieve shared goals. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The critical role of structured hiring and onboarding processes. How to establish and communicate a clear vision within your team. Techniques for overcoming common team management obstacles. The importance of motivation and acknowledgment during practice transitions. Practical steps to ensure team alignment with new policies and technologies. Tune in now to unlock key strategies for transforming your dental practice through effective team management! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: People: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/34372140

Navigate No-Shows: Proven Scheduling Techniques You Need 12/04/2024

Navigate No-Shows: Proven Scheduling Techniques You Need Are broken appointments disrupting the flow of your dental practice and impacting your bottom line? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy dive deep into a chronic challenge faced by many dentists: managing broken appointments. Sandy, drawing from her wealth of expertise, sheds light on effective strategies to tackle this issue head-on. She discusses how proper appointment confirmations can make all the difference and shares her sharp observations on recognizing patterns that often lead to last-minute cancellations. Sandy stresses the imperative of clear and consistent communication as well as the establishment of effective control mechanisms within the practice. She discusses assigning a dedicated scheduler to manage appointments prudently and to ensure patients show up. Sandy shows us actionable verbal techniques, empowering practice owners to see immediate improvements in patient compliance. Wrapping up with key insights, she reminds listeners of the importance of truly understanding patient needs and maintaining well-regulated schedules, offering a roadmap to improved practice efficiency and patient satisfaction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Techniques for reducing the rate of broken appointments. The impact of proper appointment confirmations on practice workflow. How to detect patterns and triggers that lead to cancellations. Methods for categorizing different types of patient cancellations. The importance of effective communication within your practice. How a dedicated scheduler can boost patient adherence. Verbal strategies to encourage patients to keep their appointments. Ready to enhance your practice's efficiency? Tune in now to stop those no-shows! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: People: Software: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/34275275

From Hesitant to Yes: Strategies for Better Treatment Acceptance 11/27/2024

From Hesitant to Yes: Strategies for Better Treatment Acceptance Is your practice struggling with low treatment acceptance rates? Tune in to this enlightening episode of the Dental Drill Bits podcast, where Michael and Sandy unravel proven strategies to help you turn patient hesitance into commitment. Sandy opens up about the power of mindset, sharing how a positive and empathetic approach can transform the way patients view necessary treatments. By diving into effective communication and questioning strategies, Sandy provides invaluable advice on steering conversations towards understanding patient reluctance, even before they set foot in the office. But that's not all—this episode is rich with practical tools to boost your practice's effectiveness in patient interactions. Discover how education, confidence, and teamwork play crucial roles in presenting treatment plans that resonate. Sandy discusses trust-building techniques involving visual aids like patient photos and educational videos, coupled with addressing financial concerns through customized payment plans. Break down common barriers such as fear, cost, and lack of understanding with tailored approaches that emphasize emotional intelligence and compassionate listening. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The role of a positive mindset in enhancing treatment acceptance. Strategic questions and phrases to reveal patient hesitance. The impact of cohesive team efforts in presenting treatment plans. Techniques for building trust through visual aids and educational tools. Approaches to handling financial objections effectively. Overcoming barriers such as fear, cost, and misunderstanding in dental care. Utilizing emotional intelligence to connect with patients on a deeper level. Listen now to equip yourself with actionable strategies to boost your treatment acceptance rates! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Financing: Tools: People: Brands: Studies: Quotes: “Man will not test the depth of water with both feet” /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/34116051

Marketing and Sales in Dentistry: What Should I Focus On for 2025? 11/20/2024

Marketing and Sales in Dentistry: What Should I Focus On for 2025? Are you equipped to transform your dental practice from good to great as 2025 draws near? In this episode, Michael, Sandy, and Ali embark on a dynamic discussion about the evolving landscape of dental practice management and marketing. Ali, founder of DocSites, takes the floor to break down how his company is revolutionizing dental marketing with a focus on transparency, affordability, and exceptional customer service. The trio dives deep into the significance of managing online reviews and optimizing internal systems to not only attract, but also retain, new patients. As marketing strategies become ever more critical, Ali shares invaluable insights for dental practices on the brink of 2025, advising a pivot from complex branding to simplicity and patient-focused content. He emphasizes the critical nature of maintaining fresh, relevant online content, while ensuring the whole team is fully briefed on ongoing marketing campaigns. With a keen eye on the nitty-gritty of staff training, Ali underscores the balance between marketing and sales, detailing how tracking new patient sources can significantly enhance a practice's marketing efficacy. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How simplifying branding can enhance patient engagement. The role of updated website content in attracting new patients. Strategies for effective staff training and marketing harmonization. The importance of tracking new patient sources to measure success. Insights on balancing marketing and sales efforts. How to optimize internal systems to boost online reviews. Upcoming marketing trends to focus on for 2025. Details on DocSites' flexible service offerings and special deals. Tune in to discover innovative strategies to boost your dental practice's growth today! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: (Don't miss out on their Black Friday Deal of -$750 off your website! Just mention Michael, Sandy, Dental Drill Bits, or Dental Gumbo!) Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Businesses/Brands: Tools: Places: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/33951907

Have Them at "Hello": 6 Steps to Effective Phone Calls in Dental Practices 11/13/2024

Have Them at "Hello": 6 Steps to Effective Phone Calls in Dental Practices Imagine transforming potential inquiries into loyal patient relationships with just a phone call. In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into mastering effective phone communication for dental practice front office staff, a critical yet often overlooked skill. Sandy begins by highlighting the significance of first impressions, presenting a powerful six-step guide designed to seamlessly manage new patient calls. From crafting a welcoming greeting to confidently promoting the practice, Sandy breaks down each step with clarity and precision, ensuring your front office team is well-equipped to handle any conversation with ease. Throughout the conversation, Sandy sheds light on common pitfalls, such as overwhelming potential patients with excessive dental history probes or premature price discussions. By focusing on scheduling appointments and fostering an inviting atmosphere, front office staff can set the stage for meaningful face-to-face interactions. Sandy underscores the value of being a good listener and familiarizing oneself with financing solutions when cost concerns arise. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to elevate their patient communication skills to drive practice growth and satisfaction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to create a positive first impression on phone calls. The six crucial steps to handle a new patient inquiry effectively. Strategies to avoid scaring off potential patients with complex details. Common communication mistakes and how to prevent them. Tips for confidently promoting the practice and services. Ways to emphasize consultation over phone-based decisions. Importance of listening and adapting to patient needs. Utilizing financing options to address cost concerns. Listen in now to discover the secrets to exceptional phone communication in your dental practice! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: People: Businesses/Brands: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/33856742

Unraveling Myths: The Real Impact of False Information in Dentistry 11/06/2024

Silence the Rumors: Building a Gossip-Free Practice 10/30/2024

Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 2 10/23/2024

Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 2 Have you ever wondered why some practices struggle with last-minute cancellations while others maintain a steady flow of happy patients? In this part 2 of the Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled series, Michael and Sandy pull back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges in the dental industry: broken appointments. Sandy dives deep into the tactics for addressing this issue head-on, offering invaluable advice on the "appointment wrap-up" process. From ensuring seamless handoffs between your technical and front office teams to mastering patient interactions, especially with newcomers, Sandy's strategies are a game-changer. This episode isn't just about maintaining a schedule; it's about transforming how your practice approaches patient management. Michael and Sandy stress the critical role of verbal techniques in appointment confirmations and the necessity of understanding patient behavior. By tightening the reins on scheduling and honing communication skills, you will see a noticeable decrease in broken appointments. Whether you're a dentist, office manager, or anyone involved in patient management, these insights could revolutionize your daily operations, maintaining a professional environment that's both efficient and patient-friendly. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The "appointment wrap-up" process to prevent broken appointments. Techniques for effective handoffs between technical and front office teams. Strategies for minimizing cancellations by understanding patient behavior. Verbal techniques to improve appointment confirmation. The importance of rigorous training and communication in scheduling. Tune in now to discover how to successfully minimize broken appointments in your dental practice! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Organizations: Places: People: Businesses: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/33560377

Productivity Killers in Dentistry Unveiled | Part 1 10/16/2024

Working Interviews in Dentistry: Are They Worth the Risk? | From Post to Podcast 10/09/2024

Working Interviews in Dentistry: Are They Worth the Risk? | From Post to Podcast Should you have working interviews? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy unravel the complexities of hiring processes in dental practices that often fly under the radar. They take a closer look at the commonly used "working interviews" and reveal the legal pitfalls and inefficiencies often associated with them. But fear not, as they guide you through innovative strategies to better evaluate potential hires. With their expert advice, you'll learn how to navigate these challenges with ease and ensure your dentistry team is top-notch. Get ready to transform your interview process into a sharp, strategic tool for hiring the best talent. Sandy introduces the game-changing idea of using detailed written tests to tap into candidates' problem-solving prowess, mathematical skills, and situational reactions. You'll discover the power of personalized interview questions and the subtle yet telling observations that body language provides. Plus, Sandy shares practical tactics on refining your interview techniques, crafting skill assessments, and ensuring every step aligns with legal standards. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The legal and functional drawbacks of typical "working interviews." Innovative strategies for effective candidate evaluation. The role of written tests in assessing key skills. How to interpret and leverage candidates' body language. Essential tactics for tailoring interview questions. Steps to ensure legal compliance throughout the hiring process. Tune in now to revolutionize your practice’s hiring approach with proven strategies! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Services: Equipment: Tests: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/33383317

Why Is Your Practice Slow? Here's What's Often Overlooked | From Post to Podcast 10/02/2024

Why Is Your Practice Slow? Here's What's Often Overlooked | From Post to Podcast Puzzled by a sudden slowdown in your practice after a period of steady growth? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy tackle this very dilemma, driven by a listener's concern about a drop in activity despite continuous marketing efforts. Sandy shines a light on the inevitable ebbs and flows of the dental business, detailing how peaks and valleys are quite common. While it's tempting to look at external factors, she emphasizes that the real key lies with internal operations—how well your team navigates daily tasks, engages with patients, and adheres to promotional schedules can make or break your growth momentum. With unshakeable opinion and experience, both Michael and Sandy underscore the importance of a rock-solid front office, the urgency of consistent follow-ups, and impeccable communication. They delve into actionable strategies and best practices for maintaining top-notch performance, regardless of external fluctuations. By the end, Sandy empowers practice owners to reclaim the reins of their success, conveying that much of what determines business growth is within their control. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your dental practice might experience sudden drops in activity despite ongoing marketing The significance of internal factors—appointment handling, teamwork, and consistent promotional efforts How urgent, organized front-office operations contribute to maintaining growth Methods for effective communication within a dental team to tackle periods of low activity Encouraging insights about controlling your practice's success through proactive management Ready to turn unpredictable slowdowns into steady growth for your dental practice? Tune into today's conversation! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what DocSites can do for you: Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Marketing: People: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/33284122

Should Your Practice Offer Profit-Based or Flat Bonus Schemes? | From Post to Podcast 09/25/2024

Should Your Practice Offer Profit-Based or Flat Bonus Schemes? | From Post to Podcast Imagine turning your practice into a thriving hub by simply tweaking your bonus structures for your office manager. This episode of Dental Drill Bits delves into the nuances of crafting successful bonus systems that align with your practice's financial goals. Michael and Sandy engage in an insightful discussion exploring profit-increasing bonuses versus flat raises, focusing on ensuring these incentives are both motivating and sustainable. Sandy advises on basing bonuses on collections instead of production for financial stability while offering strategies to set clear, transparent benchmarks to foster a win-win situation. Listen in as Sandy introduces the concept of attendance-based bonuses designed to boost team morale and punctuality. She emphasizes that aiming for clarity before introducing any bonus structures is critical since such benefits can be challenging to retract once they're part of the system. Wrapping up on a practical note, Sandy underscores the importance of evaluating the financial impacts thoroughly. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to choose between profit-increasing bonuses and flat raises. Why basing bonuses on collections rather than production benefits your practice. Strategies for setting transparent and achievable benchmarks. The potential advantages of attendance-based bonuses for team morale. Important considerations for financial implications before implementing bonus plans. Ready to refine your practice's bonus structure and watch your team thrive? Don't miss this episode! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/33194857

Claims to Cash: Optimizing Your Dental Insurance Process | From Post to Podcast 09/18/2024

Ditching Insurance Dependency: Benefits of Dental Membership Programs | From Post to Podcast 09/11/2024

Crush the Q4 Crunch: The Survival Guide for Fourth Quarter 09/04/2024

Why Your Practice Might Only Need Team Leaders, Not an Office Manager 08/28/2024

Transform Your Dental Website Into a Patient Magnet 08/21/2024

Consulting vs. Coaching: Which Does Your Practice Need? 08/14/2024

Consulting vs. Coaching: Which Does Your Practice Need? Are you unsure about how consulting might help your dental practice? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the transformative power of consulting versus coaching in the dental world. They clarify that while coaching hones the personal development of your team, consulting zeros in on your business's heartbeat—its systems, organization, and overall operational efficiency. From reducing stress to improving overall practice productivity, they paint a vivid picture of how the right consultant can turn a chaotic office into a well-oiled machine. Sandy shares invaluable tips on choosing the right consultant, stressing the importance of experience, and steering clear of advice from inexperienced sources or online hearsay. They candidly discuss common challenges and misconceptions team members have about consulting, and provide practical advice for seamlessly introducing a consultant to your team. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how consultants can provide ongoing support well beyond mere initial implementation, and why viewing them as temporary "training wheels" can eventually lead your practice to smooth, independent operation. Don't forget to check out Classic Practice Resources and join the conversation in the Dental Gumbo Facebook group! What You'll Learn in This Episode: The crucial differences between consulting and coaching for dental practices. How consultants can help improve systems, organization, and reduce practitioner stress. Why experience is key when selecting a consultant and red flags to watch for. Common team challenges and misconceptions about working with consultants. Tangible benefits of consulting, like increased productivity and better team training. Practical tips for effectively introducing a consultant to your team. Insights into Classic Practice Resources’ approach to consulting, including ongoing support. Ready to transform your practice with an effective consultant? Tune in to get all the details! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Tools/Software: People: Brands: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/32521832

Dental Practice Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 08/07/2024

Enhancing the Patient Experience With an Effective Handoff 07/31/2024

Wake-Up Calls That Every Leader Needs to Hear 07/24/2024

Wake-Up Calls That Every Leader Needs to Hear Are you ready to discover the wake-up calls that can transform your leadership style and elevate your team’s performance? In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Michael and Sandy delve into crucial leadership lessons that every manager or leader, especially those in dental practices, should heed. Drawing inspiration from the 12 vital wake-up calls designed by Eric Partaker, they break down each point with practical examples and genuine insights, ensuring you leave with a toolkit of actionable steps to improve your leadership skills and your team's dynamic. Throughout the episode, Michael and Sandy discuss how key themes like accountability, handling criticism, and resisting the urge to micromanage can dramatically improve the workplace. From avoiding favoritism to setting clear standards and leading by example, they provide relatable stories and strategies that you can apply immediately. To cap it off, Sandy underlines the significance of recognizing and praising good work while promoting open communication to build a positive and cohesive team culture, ensuring not just a successful practice, but a happier, more motivated team. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 12 wake-up calls every leader should incorporate to enhance their effectiveness. Strategies for embracing accountability and handling criticism constructively. How to avoid common leadership pitfalls like favoritism and micromanaging. Ways to set clear standards and lead by example. The importance of recognizing and praising team achievements. Techniques for fostering open communication and a positive work environment. Tune in now and start transforming your leadership skills today! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Places: Social Media: Businesses: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/32266147

The Key to Productive Staff Meetings and Why Your Office Needs Them 07/17/2024

The Key to Productive Staff Meetings and Why Your Office Needs Them Are staff meetings in your practice driving productivity or just wasting time? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the art and science of effective staff meetings, unearthing the transformative power they hold when done right. They explore the contrasts between casual huddles and well-structured meetings, underlining their essential role in fostering communication, training, and team unity. Sandy shares her seasoned strategies for making meetings productive, from appointing a facilitator to engaging the team in planning and decision-making, while also steering clear of common hazards like gripe sessions. Leadership sits at the heart of these discussions, with Michael and Sandy stressing the importance of meaningful interactions that tie directly into the practice’s success. They reveal the benefits of rotating the role of meeting facilitator, celebrating team achievements, and cleverly using tools like suggestion boxes and whiteboards to collect agenda items. Sandy concludes with advice on the meticulous planning and scheduling of these meetings to ensure they remain significant and effective, helping to build a cohesive, motivated team. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How do casual huddles differ from structured staff meetings? What are the key benefits of regular staff meetings in dental practices? Strategies for appointing a meeting facilitator and engaging the team. Common pitfalls to avoid during staff meetings. Why leadership is crucial in making meetings productive. The advantages of rotating the facilitator role. Tips for celebrating team achievements during meetings. How to use tools like suggestion boxes and whiteboards for agenda setting. Best practices for planning and scheduling effective staff meetings. How to maintain meeting importance and engagement over time. Let's jump into today's episode on effective staff meetings! Sponsors: Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/32154722

The Top 3 Reasons Patients Aren't Accepting Your Treatment Plan 07/10/2024

The Top 3 Reasons Patients Aren't Accepting Your Treatment Plan Ever wonder why patients often decline treatment and how you can address these objections effectively? In this episode, Michael and Sandy dive deep into the top three most common excuses patients give: fear, lack of awareness, and financial concerns. Sandy sheds light on why recognizing these objections is crucial and offers actionable strategies for overcoming them. Through compelling examples, she underscores the importance of educating patients about the benefits of timely care and mastering verbal skills, including the art of voice inflection, to present treatment plans compellingly. Sandy doesn’t stop there. She explains how role-playing and regular training can transform your dental team's approach, making patients feel more at ease and informed. By the end of this enlightening discussion, you'll understand how to create a comforting environment for your patients, empowering them to move forward with necessary treatments. Tune in to harness the power of effective communication and patient education in your practice. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to identify and address patient fears regarding dental treatments. Techniques to inform patients who are unaware of their dental needs. Strategies for handling financial objections to dental care. The role of verbal skills and voice inflection in presenting treatment plans. The impact of role-playing and team training on patient interactions. Ways to make patients feel comfortable and informed during decision-making. Tips for educating patients about the benefits of timely dental treatments. Transform the way you handle patient objections by listening to this episode today! Sponsors: Don’t just look ahead. Plan Forward. Discover the dental membership plan partner that empowers your entire office. Created by a team in your shoes. Find out more here, and be sure to mention Dental Drill Bits for a special offer! Mentions and Links: Communities/Groups: Events: Brands: Places: Organizations: /episode/index/show/sandypardue/id/32055287

Dental Drill Bits with Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury

TOPICS