ESSAYS ON MANAGEMENT OF AN ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE, VOLUME 1 (196 pages) AND VOLUME 2 (179 pages) e-Books
These books were initially published twenty-one years ago, detailing the skills, systems, and techniques needed to manage an orthodontic practice appropriately. That information has been updated significantly. I am a little wiser, and the concepts required to manage an orthodontic practice properly have evolved. I wanted to offer an up-to-date reference that orthodontists can use creatively to start, improve, and grow their practices while providing an extraordinary patient experience.
It is with delight that Hummingbird Associates offers this updated, much more comprehensive version of Essays on Management of an Orthodontic Practice. You will find innovative information and substantial enhancements to the original editions in these two volumes.
During my 46-year journey as an orthodontic practice management consultant, I have traveled from British Columbia to Florida and Australia to Jamaica, working with orthodontists and their staff members. Every stop along the way has been a gift offering long-lasting and meaningful friendships, wisdom, and purpose.
There is no question that this has been a spiritual journey, for I have learned much from the orthodontists, the staff members, and colleagues about compassionate interaction, coping with poignant individual and collective tragedies, and observing the dramas. At the same time, I struggle not to become enmeshed in them.
As I work within orthodontic circles, people often ask if I offer a “cookbook” of solutions every time I go into an orthodontic practice or whether the suggestions differ depending on the situation. The answer is a combination. As an engineer, I have a treasure chest of imaginative ideas that offer solutions to many common problems orthodontic offices face. Still, each situation” “requires a different approach, a different sequence, and a different palette of artistic inspiration. Some practices have benefited from all the information, others from just one or two well-chosen concepts.
You will find many topics with many possibilities. One idea might even contradict another. Ferret out and implement what is best for your practice. As a young practitioner, you may find the number of choices overwhelming. Work through them one chapter at a time. The more experienced practitioner will discover little jewels tucked in paragraphs that you might use to augment your current systems.
What works for one office might not work for another. What works at one point in time might only work for a while. And, of course, what fails today might work beautifully in the future. Few of the ideas are original, but all have evolved as they were applied, remolded, refined, and tried again by astute orthodontists committed to enhancing their practices creatively. Take the concepts you find within these pages and improve them—make them yours!
Many of the solutions presented here were developed to solve a client's problem or were designed in collaboration with client offices. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to consult with many orthodontists who care so much about this specialty. I am particularly thankful to those of you who have become study club members, advisors, and friends. You have been, and continue to be, my generous mentors.
The orthodontic community has taught me more than I could give in return. To every person, I offer my gratitude and appreciation.
Table of Contents Volumes 1 and 2
Essay 1 Leadership
Essay 2 Conflict Resolution
Essay 3 Delegation
Essay 4 Hiring Protocols
Essay 5 Performance Appraisals
Essay 6 Staff Meetings
Essay 7 Job Descriptions
Essay 8 Personnel Policies
Essay 9 Personnel Manual
Essay 10 Verbal Skills
Essay 11 Scripts
Essay 12 New Patient Integration
Essay 13 Customer Service and Practice Building
Essay 14 Protocols
Essay 15 Patient Correspondence
Essay 16 Patient Statuses
Essay 17 Goal Setting
Essay 18 Scheduling and Treatment Efficiency
Essay 19 Recall System
Essay 20 Hummingbird Numbers Analysis
Essay 21 Financial Considerations
Essay 22 Insurance
Essay 23 Management Reports
Essay 24 Fees
Essay 25 Profit and Loss
Essay 26 Connectivity
Essay 27 Facility
Essay 28 Random Thoughts