Roger P. Levin, DDS, MBA
As the new millennium quickly approaches, many of us are taking the op-portunity to examine more closely our personal and professional philosophies. We are striving to eat healthier, work smarter, save money, and make overall improvements in our lifestyles so that we can live longer and get the most out of every day.
One aspect of The Levin Group philosophy that we examine every few months is our belief in the high-profit practice, which includes step-by-step practice-management systems, high productivity, and high quality. I`ve been lecturing on business systems for more than 15 years, and we have been teaching clients all across the country how to implement this concept. As we move rapidly toward January 1, 2000, and evaluate our progress, I must admit I`ve never seen more practices achieve more success with business systems to build the high-profit practice than today`s.
Why high profit?
High-profit dentists and staff members reach their full potential while providing the highest levels of service and care to patients. Only teams committed to building the high-profit practice can handle the drastic changes, like managed care, occurring in dentistry as we enter the 21st Century.
Levin Group clients who have built high-profit practices are exhibiting amazing increases in productivity and profitability, while the systems they have created help their practices run like a well-tuned Porsche 911 Carrera coupe. The high-profit practice allows dentists to use their broad range of skills while pursuing the professionalism and excellence that reflects why they chose to become dentists in the first place. In short, they are now much happier in their practice.
I`m convinced that the concept of the high-profit practice will continue to survive and prosper well into the next millennium. Regardless of the changes that may occur in the years to come - including managed care, management-service organizations, and other models of dentistry - the high-profit practice will always be alive and well. It helps dentists focus on their practices as businesses: profit centers that run efficiently while maintaining a commitment to outstanding customer service.
Now more than ever
You may wonder why the high-profit practice is thriving right now. High-profit practices offer a wider array of services, which results in more dentistry per patient. A trend toward more elective dentistry is allowing us to provide services patients want, not just what they need. New technologies are helping us to practice faster and better, as well as increase productivity. Implementing standardized management systems - and documenting these systems to ensure smoother staff transitions - decreases our stress and overhead levels to allow us to concentrate on what we love most about dentistry.
Where to begin
A high-profit practice isn`t born overnight. It takes a few years to put in place. The ingredients necessary to build your efficient, high-profit practice include documented management systems, a positive team attitude, a commitment from everyone involved, and reliable advice.
Only the high-profit practice can handle the changes in dentistry, consumer attitudes, and technology that will come with the turn of the century. The profitability, productivity, and practice environment that results will be well worth the effort.
Roger P. Levin, DDS, MBA, president and CEO of The Levin Group and the Levin Advanced Learning Institute, provides worldwide leadership in dental management for general dentists and specialists. Contact The Levin Group at (410) 654-1234.
