As the turbulent times of 2008 now fade into a distant memory in our rear-view mirrors, it's time to look toward the promise that 2009 can bring to both our personal and professional lives. Although vows to stop smoking or lose weight are always terrific ideas, why not make a new promise to yourself this year? Use this opportunity to enter the new year with a renewed outlook for both you and your practice. By making—and sticking to—the following New Year's resolutions, you can help get your dental practice in tip-top condition. Here's how:
First, set goals for yourself. Consider where you are professionally and set a goal for where you'd like to be next year. Would you like to see more patients? Would you like to work only four days a week? Are your objectives realistic? Keep an open mind and document your goals, being sure to refer to them often to check your progress. Whether you hope to work less, work more, or ask for more referrals, you'll never get there if you don't know where you are going.
Second, master a new skill. Most successful dentists are quick to tell you the areas in which they could use a refresher course—a fact that dentists striving to be successful should keep in mind. It's a fact that we aren't bestowed with a mastery of dentistry simply by graduating from dental school. True mastery takes time and practice—and The Dawson Academy can help with both. By signing up for any of our 2009 courses, you will be well on your way to mastering dentistry and changing your future. In addition, you may want to subscribe to our newsletters, blogs, and You Tube page for even more new information about dentistry. The Dawson Academy strives to keep you "in the know" when it comes to the dental community.
Third, delegate, delegate, delegate. Although it's only natural to want to take ownership of everything in the office with your name on the door, you must also remember that you can only do so much. Therefore, remember that your number one goal is to provide your patients with quality dentistry; the rest is just details. Focus on getting tasks that carry minimal reward delegated to your staff. For example, do you manage your office's financial books? Perhaps an accountant may be better suited for the job, freeing you up for more time treatment planning. Look for ways to delegate and your practice will reap the benefits.
Next, assess your practice. Are you satisfied with the direction of your practice? Are you satisfied with the camaraderie of your staff? Are you satisfied with the career paths set forth for both you and your employees? If you need to make some tough decisions, remember to separate the business side of things from the personal side of things as you examine your team and office dynamics. After all, the most important rule of business is to separate yourself completely from the business before making any long-term decisions.
Finally, focus on your patients. Although it can be relatively easy to forget about your patients' satisfaction when your elbow deep in fillings, crowns, and paperwork, take the new year as a renewed opportunity to remember the very people who keep your business in business: your patients. Service is the cornerstone of any dental practice, so, unless your willing to lose a few patients, don't forget that fact as you renew your vows for 2009.