Trends Can And Do Impact Your Success

by Scott Kiser

Published on this site: July 9th, 2004

Although this article uses the dental industry as the primary focus, if you remove the word dentist or the words dental industry and replace them with your own, chances are the information will apply to you.

As you determine what needs to be done to grow your practice, there are two primary avenues you can take. One is to increase the number of patients in your chair and two is to increase the amount of value each patient has to you. You can work harder and longer or you can work smarter and different. By working smarter and different you have a better chance of create customer loyalty.

The challenge many dentists face is holding on to old beliefs regarding running their practice like a business. They base this on what was or was not acceptable from years past. Fact is, the industry has changed and will continue to do so. If you are still running your practice based on outdated beliefs, it is time to evaluate what you are doing. This holds true for a law office, a doctor, a CPA or any number of service industry professions.

In years past there was less competition. There were fewer choices in services and the numbers of practices were limited. Location was a primary aspect of a patient making a decision. Gentleness and compassion weren't always a priority. In many cases you obtained a new patient because of a family member or friend who was a patient.

Currently, competition is fiercer then it ever has been. Not only are you competing within your own industry, but with other industries as well. People choose carefully if there are financial decisions involved. There is more competition due to the Internet and as a result, patients tend to educate themselves more as they make buying decisions. Greater numbers of people understand the connection between dental health and overall health. Due to this you are in an excellent position to educate the public.

In the not to distant future, and in many cases today, more people will be "surfing" the Internet to find you. Beyond a shadow of a doubt customer service, communication and painless procedures will be absolutely essential. More baby boomers are willing to invest money to stay young, so cosmetic dentistry will continue to rise. People will want to utilize the services of someone who is a true expert in their field. Many folks will make sure that you are up to date on your continuing education. You, as a business owner, must know how to run your practice as a business, which means you will have to know how to market and sell.

These are exciting times in dentistry as well as many other professions. Unfortunately, many people stay stuck in yesterday, rather than looking for opportunities right at their doorstep.

The choices you make each and every day will determine what kind of opportunity is ahead for you. Rather than simply looking at what is happening today, what are the trends that are shaping the future? And how can you be a part of creating trends within your industry?

Dr. Scott Kiser has been practicing general dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 20 years. Dr. Kiser has used only mercury-free substances in his treatments since the mid 90's and concentrates his practice in the areas of sedation dentistry and complete smile makeovers. Consumer Research Council of America selected him as Utah's Top Cosmetic Dentist of 2003 - 04. Visit www.greatsmilesutah.com to sign up for a FREE monthly online newsletter or for more information on Dr. Kiser and all of his services.