Basic Aspects of Orthodontic Practice Management

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

Reliable and effective orthodontic practice management is one of the ways orthodontists can prevent their practices from folding, which holds true for any other business. However, managing an orthodontic practice is easier said than done if orthodontists don’t even know where to start. To make things easier for them, orthodontists can focus on the different aspects of practice management: business management, personnel management, and patient management.

Business management for orthodontic practices isn’t entirely different from managing commercial establishments as it also tackles day-to-day operations, as well as non-personnel matters like finances, insurance, inventory, and marketing. Personnel management, meanwhile, involves hiring/firing of staff and implementing office rules and regulations. Patient management deals with properly scheduling patient appointments, maintaining patient records and invoices, and referring patients to other specialists and practices when needed.

Although these aspects require different skills and competencies, proper communication skills remain a universal requirement for all of them. When marketing the orthodontic practice, interpersonal communication skills are needed to entice potential clients to make a visit. When managing patient records, knowledgeable insight is appropriate since this involves relaying technical information to the parties concerned.

Orthodontic practice management is not limited to being present in your office, receiving patients, receiving payments, and buying supplies. Orthodontists can learn more about being better business managers by engaging the services of orthodontic marketing companies.

Is Software the Best Tool for Practice Management?

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

Running an orthodontic practice is not easy. Numerous issues like finances, record keeping, and inventory are some of the things that many orthodontists deal with on a daily basis. As such, many orthodontists feel the need to hire an assistant (or two) to help them with their operations. While this sense of concern is understandable, orthodontists should also know that they can receive valuable assistance from an orthodontic practice management software, which allows them to efficiently manage their day-to-day business.

Management software tends to vary from one developer to another, but they usually address the same issues. For example, purchasing new orthodontic equipment is generally done over the phone or in person, but a management program with inventory procurement features can do the same thing, albeit online. Issuing patient invoices and managing financial documents are also streamlined with the help of software, which can make more accurate numerical assessments than a human can.

Even the simple act of purchasing management software is already beneficial in itself: computer programs don’t need paychecks or work insurance! Orthodontic practice management software also gives many orthodontists an edge over their competition, since the idea of relying heavily on a management program isn’t widespread yet. Finally, most management software applications are tamper-proof, which makes orthodontists less vulnerable to identity theft.

Tips for Managing an Orthodontic Practice

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

The way you manage your orthodontic practice can affect your profitability and reputation. Needless to say, better practice management will lead to a better, happier practice. With that in mind, here are a few tips that can help you manage your orthodontic practice more effectively:

Have Regular Team Huddles

Be at the office as early as possible each day so you can hold regular team huddles. Go over the records of patients with appointments for each day, as well as any special treatment instructions that may need to be followed. By doing so, your staff can prepare accordingly, while patients can have an idea about what to expect during their visits. You can also use these huddles to hear out any concerns your staff may have.

Automate Your Processes

Balancing your management responsibilities with your patient care duties can be tough. Look into purchasing practice management software that can automate tasks like scheduling appointments and updating patient records.

Be Active in the Community

Part of managing your practice is promoting your practice, particularly by playing an active role in your community. Set aside a donation budget for activities that aim to improve the community, or better yet, join these activities yourself. You may also want to look into sponsoring smaller events organized by your patients.

Features of Practice Management Software

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

Running an orthodontic practice can be difficult, especially if you are the only orthodontist in the office or have a small dental team. Fortunately, there are many orthodontic practice management programs available on the market today. These programs are created to reduce the time spent on business matters and allow you and your staff to focus more on patients. Here are some of the convenient features practice management software can offer: Read More

Orthodontic Marketing: Why you shouldn’t ignore existing patients in your marketing plan

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

“Irving, Texas (November 11, 2013) – A large part of what orthodontic marketing companies do for orthodontists looking to expand their practice is to devise effective ways to get more new patients through the door. Business competition is fiercer than ever before, which is why getting to a new patient first is more important but more difficult than ever. Unfortunately, amidst all the noise and chatter, one critical aspect tends to get left by the wayside: the existing customer.

According to a recent article from Dermatology Times, building rapport and selling additional services to your existing patients can be more profitable than trying to find and sign up new patients. There are a couple of reasons why: first, you already have a relationship with these patients, and they are more willing to trust your recommendations. Next, with the value of services and expertise you can offer, and the excellent customer service you provide, their referrals can be a cost- and time-effective way
http://orthosynetics.com/blog/orthodontic-marketing-why-you-shouldnt-ignore-existing-patients-in-your-marketing-plan

Orthodontic Marketing: Should you conduct marketing in-house or outsource?

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

“Professional campaigns are bound to positively impact your business, but they require time and effort to be implemented. Fortunately, you can turn to orthodontic consultants who have the experience and know-how needed to put together effective marketing campaigns.

If you feel you can get more mileage for your money by doing things on your own, though, Ehow.com has a few useful tips you can try. For one thing, direct mail marketing is still very much alive; you can set up a regular mailing list and send out postcards to your regular clientele as well as prospective clients. Focus on a particular demographic that you think might need your orthodontic services the most (seniors and teens, for instance) and gear your postcard design towards something that they might be interested in.”
http://orthosynetics.com/blog/orthodontic-marketing-should-you-conduct-marketing-in-house-or-outsource

Orthodontic Marketing Company Opens Registration for the 2013 Practice Meeting

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

“OrthoSynetics once again open its registration for its yearly event for orthodontists and dental practitioners from different parts of U.S. and Canada. The 2013 Practice Meeting is set to take place from October 24 until the 26th at the La Costa Resort and Spa in San Diego. It will be a two-day forum where they can meet with fellow dental practitioners from across the country.and exchange knowledge on essential non-clinical functions (e.g. marketing, complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and so on).

OthoSynetics is a Texas-based orthodontic marketing company administering support to orthodontists and dentists with essential non-clinical functions. This annual conference is just one of the ways the company helps dental practitioners remain efficient in their work. For more information about this or for event registration, please visit http://www.OrthoSynetics.com. “
http://www.orthosynetics.com/blog/orthodontic-marketing-company-opens-registration-for-practice-meeting

Cottony Soft: Teeth Friendly Foods For Braces Wearers

Posted on by OrthoSynetics

Most people find it hard to eat with newly-installed braces. Numbness is typically felt along the gum line, though this is temporary. Normally, the orthodontist will advise you to eat pureed foods for the next 24 hours or for several days before you can back to your usual diet.

Your teeth become sensitive during orthodontic treatment, so you will need sufficient calcium in your diet. Dairy products are good for braces wearers because they require minimal chewing. If you are lactose-intolerant, soy products are recommended as they will not irritate your stomach. Opt for soft fruits such as raspberries, more so when your teeth are tender after wire adjustment. Hard fruits, on the other hand, may be eaten on days when your teeth do not feel tender.

Meat is stringy and often gets stuck in braces, so you should choose lean, bite-sized pieces of meat. Avoid eating meat right from the bone as it dislodges the brackets. Other alternatives include, fish, tofu, chicken, and pork. It is also wise to avoid nuts because they tend to bend the wires and cause the teeth to move into undesired positions. Moreover, candy must be avoided during orthodontic treatment because it is destructive to the braces and to the tooth’s surface. Proper food selection and oral hygiene is highly encouraged because tooth decay will be at its peak during the orthodontic treatment.