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Dental Drill Bits with Sandy Pardue

Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Michael Arias of The Dental Marketer discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today. This podcast show features the movers and shakers of the dental industry as well as opinion leaders. Enjoy the fun, laid-back vibe as things get real. Sandy is an energetic lecturer and consultant in the area of dental practice management. She is Director of Consulting with Classic Practice Resources and has over 36 years of “hands-on” experience.
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Now displaying: 2023
Dec 27, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention this podcast episode for a special deal! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy and Michael delve headfirst into the crucial role of an office manager in your dental practice. Listen as they unlock the job description of a successful manager and explore how imperative it is for dentists to identify potential talent hidden within their teams while filling this impactful role. Sandy and Michael dissect the cardinal role of duplication skills in a manager's toolbox and how this skill can set apart a thriving practice from a struggling one.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Understanding the crucial role and job description of an office manager in a dental practice
  • Identifying and fostering talent within your team for the office manager post
  • What are duplication skills and why are they important in office management?
  • Strategies and tips for successful office management
  • Overcoming common challenges faced by office managers.

 Tune in to today's discussion and transform your dental practice with a brilliant office manager!

Dec 20, 2023

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Join Sandy Pardue, Dr. James Burneson, and Michael Arias, in their conversation about the positive impact of membership plans on dental practices! Revealing the multifaceted benefits of adopting a membership plan like Plan Forward, Sandy and James dive deep into why this strategy not only attracts new patient numbers but also assures existing ones by enabling them to take control of their healthcare decisions and achieve cost-effective dental care. From the importance of presenting the plan effectively on the website, to the flexible customization potential of membership plans that cater to patient's individual needs, gain key insights from this innovative approach.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • How membership plans instill a sense of security in patients.
  • The role of a dental practice's website in promoting its membership plan.
  • Customization possibilities in membership plans.
  • The affordability factor of dental care with a membership plan.
  • The impact of membership plans on patient loyalty and retention.
  • Connection between famous consumer brands and dental membership plans.
  • The benefits of leveraging software solutions to improve office productivity.

Tune into this episode to unlock a whole new level of patient satisfaction and practice productivity!

Dec 13, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency with no long-term contracts? Visit DocSites' website here and be sure to mention this podcast episode for a special deal! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Tune in to this value-packed episode of Dental Drill Bits as we dive into a topic that's on every employer's mind: the Christmas bonus. How necessary is it, really? And what if you've been doing it for years, but your current funds don't support it? Sandy has not only built a unique approach to the Christmas bonus dilemma but also knows how to leverage this typically seasonal reward to build a stronger, more motivated team year-round.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why a Christmas bonus might not always be the best way to reward your team.
  • How to manage expectations around Christmas bonuses, especially if you can't afford it this year.
  • A special system that Sandy has developed, making the "bonus" work in favor of both you and your practice.
  • The effective script and formula for consistently and fairly rewarding your team.

Implementing these strategic changes could change everything about how you approach employee rewards. So go ahead, hit play and let's redefine bonuses!

(This episode originally aired Dec 07, 2022)

Dec 6, 2023

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of dental recruitment this week on Dental Drill Bits! Today we are tackling the common but tricky issue of sourcing exceptional employees for your  practice. From leveraging social media and content creation to utilizing the power of internal referrals - no stone is left unturned. We're also shedding light on the secrets of crafting a compelling job post guaranteed to attract quality candidates who are as committed to outstanding oral care as you are.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • The effective use of social media and engaging content for recruitment.
  • Tactics to bolster employee endorsements for your practice.
  • Pros of hiring new staff through job fairs and internal recruitment.
  • The delicate art of pinpointing exactly what to feature in a job post; from salary and benefits to workplace perks.
  • Active vs. passive job seekers and who you should be searching for.

Tune in to get the low-down on finding and hiring top-tier dental talents, right here on Dental Drill Bits!

Join our free Facebook group, Dental Gumbo, to get in on the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentaldrillbits/

Nov 29, 2023

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're diving deeply into a dilemma most dental practices grapple with - "Should my hygienist clock out when they have free time?" An empty dental chair is definitely the stuff of nightmares for a dental practice. With a keen focus on this issue, we aim to provide a fresh perspective on handling unpredictable schedule gaps due to cancellations and no-shows. We also delve into the potential pitfalls of moving patient appointments and the unseen consequences it can have on your practice's reputation.

If you're looking to find out how to most efficiently use hygiene time in your practice, let's jump into today's episode!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Approaches to manage your hygienist's empty appointment slots caused by last-minute cancellations.
  • The perilous after-effects of moving patients' appointments without their consent.
  • Practical tips for filling cancelled appointments as swiftly as possible from your existing patient pool.
  • The impact of scheduling chaos on the overall atmosphere and productivity of a dental practice.
  • How proper scheduling can uplift the satisfaction rate among patients and staff alike.

Stay tuned for the next registration period for Front Desk Pro! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro/

Nov 21, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Mention this podcast episode for Docsites' special Black Friday offer during the month of November, 2023! https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome back to Dental Drill Bits! This week, we're thrilled to have Ali from our sponsors, Docsites, back on the show. Ali dives deep into the  three essential steps for successful online marketing campaigns tailored specifically for your dental practice. We tackle the challenges of getting discovered by potential patients, exploring strategies to increase visibility and attract more eyeballs to your practice. Discover how to build authority and brand recognition, ensuring that potential patients not only find you but are eager to choose your services. Ali shares insights on preventing potential patients from getting lost in the mix and maximizing the impact of your marketing dollars through an effective follow-up process. Plus, uncover the power of a professional website that showcases social proof, your dental philosophy, and the welcoming atmosphere of your office.

Hit play on this episode for a healthy dose of digital marketing wisdom from Ali this week!

You Can Also Reach Out to Ali Here:

Phone: 818-416-0007

Nov 15, 2023

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome to this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits! In the dental world, striking the right chord with your team's appreciation can be a delicate dance. This episode dives into the eternal office debate: should you throw an epic office party or dish out those coveted cash bonuses? We've got the insights on celebrating birthdays with professionalism, navigating the holiday season to ensure genuine team joy, and the lowdown on the nuanced differences between Year End and Christmas bonuses. We'll also explore some thoughtful gift and celebration ideas that'll leave your team smiling regardless of your office budget!

Tune in this week to discover the perfect balance between celebrations and cash for team appreciation.

Nov 8, 2023

Sponsors:

For modern dental practices, membership plans are the way forward — but not just any plan will do. Look ahead with the platform that puts you in control, effortlessly. Mention Dental Drill Bits for 60 days FREE! https://www.planforward.io/

Welcome to this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, where we're diving into the ins and outs of starting a membership plan for your dental practice with the brilliant Megan Lohman, founder and co-CEO of our sponsor, Plan Forward. We'll uncover the essential role of robust membership plan software in streamlining your front office operations and eliminating administrative headaches. Discover how to approach the membership conversation with patients, whether they have insurance or not, and see how your plan can actually save your patients money – the numbers don't lie! Plus, we'll explore the challenging landscape of insurance reimbursement rates and rising operating costs for practices, and discuss the perfect timing and messaging to present your membership plan option to patients. 

You won't want to miss this episode filled with invaluable insights to propel your practice forward!

Reach Out to Megan Here:

Email: mlohman@planforward.io

Phone: 833-752-7526

Nov 1, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Get ready for this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, the third installment of our "The 3 R's for Practice Management" series! This week, we're finishing out strong with the critical "reactivation" aspect of your practice. We'll explore the delicate balance between automation and the personal touch of sending physical cards to your patients. You'll learn how to kickstart a reactivation project and when the best time is to begin. We'll also share tips on securing the most up-to-date patient contact information and, most importantly, how to boost your retention rates to an impressive 70% and beyond!

Don't miss out on these essential insights to supercharge your retention rates!

Register for Front Desk Pro, in Dallas, TX, on December 1st, 2023: https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Instructions on How to Access
Reactivation Project:

Step 1: WEBSITE

Step 2: CLICK

  • Scroll down to “Training Events,” select “Lecture Attendee Documents”
  • Enter Information and click “Sign Up.”
  • Select “Reactivation Project”
  • Enter the passcode “reactivatepatients”
Oct 25, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome back to Dental Drill Bits! In this week's episode, the second installment of our "The 3 R's for Practice Management" series, we're diving deep into the crucial "recall process" in your dental practice. Without a solid recall process, there's a good chance your patients won't return on their own. We'll explore the fact that only 39.85% of people make it to the dentist every year, putting the responsibility on us to bring them back for those essential appointments. We reveal how a simple report reaching back 18 months could unveil a surprising number of patients in need of re-care – ranging from hundreds to even 2,000+ who haven't been rescheduled. But don't worry; we've got exciting tips and tricks up our sleeves to engage your patients beyond the mundane email reminders.

Tune in as we uncover how to leverage the power of phone, text, and email for maximum recall effectiveness!

Register for Front Desk Pro, in Dallas, TX, on December 1st, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Oct 18, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're kicking off our exciting three-part series on "The 3 R's for Practice Management," with the spotlight on "retention" in your dental practice. We cover the crucial aspects of patient retention, including the art of gathering REAL numbers on your patient retention rates, uncovering why 68% of people leave service-based businesses, and how to pinpoint your unique motivators to keep patients coming back for more. We also explore the powerful concepts of internal versus external marketing and how to effectively harness the potential of both. Plus, we'll share insights on the extra patient information that's invaluable for a thriving practice and the initial steps to foster a motivated and productive team culture. 

Listen in to transform your dental practice into a unique business that patients can call home!

Register for Front Desk Pro, in Dallas, TX, on December 1st, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Oct 11, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Get ready for this week's Dental Drill Bits episode as we delve deep into the world of crafting a trustworthy dental website that actually converts! Our special guest, Ali, an expert from our sponsor: Docsites, joins us to explore the most common mistakes and strategies for website success. Discover the top elements to feature on your website to attract both patients and exceptional team members. Learn the art of creating a personal walk-through video on a budget (Hint: you can even turn iPhone footage into a personal and professional shoot.) Uncover the secrets of leveraging your existing original content and crafting a high-converting home page. Plus, gain insights on optimizing landing pages for ad campaigns.

Tune in this week to transform your dental website into a conversion powerhouse!

You Can Reach Out to Ali Here:

Phone: 818-416-0007

Email: ali@docsites.com

Oct 4, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're delving deep into the critical topic of hiring an office manager for your dental practice.

We'll break down the specific job duties of an office manager, helping you determine whether you truly need one or if team leaders are the next step for your practice. Tune in to discover essential tips on clearing up communication with your team members to ensure a seamless transition when bringing in an office manager. We'll also explore the qualities that make a person an ideal fit for this role, and why it's often best for them to learn from each department before implementing any significant changes. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make the right choice for your practice's growth and success.

Hit that play button to learn the ins and outs of office managers, and why it's so beneficial to define this role!

Sep 27, 2023

Join the Dental Gumbo group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentaldrillbits

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome to this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits! In this episode, we're diving deep into the fall season and the critical task of sending out "use it or lose it" letters to your patients with unscheduled treatment.

We'll discuss the nuances between patients with unused insurance benefits and those without insurance, offering tailored strategies for both. Can you believe that some practices are sitting on 1.2 million dollars JUST in unscheduled treatment? We'll go over some of our strategies to make sure you aren't missing out on this massive value in your practice. We'll discover innovative communication approaches and effective follow-up procedures that will entice your patients to book those appointments. Plus, we'll help you identify precisely who to focus on when sending out these crucial reminders.

Don't miss this episode; it could transform your practice's end-of-year success!

Sep 20, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Have you or your team ever felt frantic or too busy to properly lead patients from back to front office? This week we're covering just that! We're running through how you can perfect the patient hand-off and increase treatment acceptance significantly in your practice.

Discover the secrets to boosting your communication skills, raising profits for your practice, and putting a smile on a patient's face all at once! Learn why using patient-friendly language is crucial – forget jargon like "third party financing" and connect with your patients on a personal level. We'll also share tips on having backup employees ready for a seamless check-out experience and the importance of educating patients upfront. Plus, find out how sending patients home with photos and a beautifully laid-out treatment plan can make all the difference.

Dive into this episode to learn how to turn your patient hand-offs from unorganized and frantic, to seamless and smooth!

Register for the Front Desk Pro Seminar September 29th, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Sep 13, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Are you struggling to retain team members due to performance issues? Today we're discovering how providing clear direction and setting priorities for their roles can make all the difference. We'll discuss the importance of recognizing every team member's core purpose and putting it above all else, along with the power of open communication with your team. Plus, we'll explore the valuable insight of looking at actions rather than words and the importance of ongoing training and improvement. The "bare-minimum" team member may not be the person you thought it was, so we'll show you how to find your bottleneck though proper assessment tactics! 

Don't settle for mediocrity in your practice – join us for actionable tips on achieving excellence in every aspect of your team's performance!

Register for the Front Desk Pro Seminar September 29th, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Sep 6, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Get ready for this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, where we dive deep into the process and psychology of "Patient No-Shows and Cancellations"! Maintaining a seamless schedule in your business is priority number 1 when it comes to a thriving practice. So today we're share strategies on how to gently communicate to patients the importance of confirming their appointments, ensuring their reservations are honored. Learn how to illuminate the online scheduling experience, proactively welcoming patients to your practice. Discover the fine balance of when to implement deposits and address patient fears to guarantee a comfortable visit. Plus, we'll break down the automation puzzle, guiding you on what aspects can be effectively automated, and what needs more of a personal touch. 

If your schedule has some holes and you're sure how to best patch them, lets learn together in this episode!

Register for the Front Desk Pro Seminar September 29th, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Aug 30, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome to this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits! This week, we're answering the question: "what does it take to be a Dental Practice Promoter?" Join us as we explore the concept of "mood poison" and learn how to banish it, along with crafting engaging conversation starters that go beyond the monotinous "hey, how are you?" Discover the secret sauce to making your patients radiate confidence and positivity, and get your team involved with a simple yet effective penny-based exercise designed to elevate patient relationships. Remember, you have the power to be either the fountain or the drain of an upbeat attitude, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. 

If you and your team want to learn how to be the biggest Dental Practice Promoters, let's jump into the episode today!

Register for the Front Desk Pro Seminar September 29th, 2023! https://classicpractice.com/front-desk-pro-registration/

Aug 9, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this week's episode of Dental Drill Bits, we are joined by a special guest, Ali, from our sponsor, Docsites! Today the spotlight is on efficiently tracking leads you may find filling out forms, emails, or calling in, and how to transform them into loyal patients.

Our focus this week delves into the indispensable role of sales training for your phone team to ensure seamless caller conversion. With better sales training, you will be able to help more of the patients you are looking to serve! We explore the insightful practice of keeping tabs on your competitors and their offerings, and how to set your team up for success with training. While marketing acts as the catalyst for generating leads, we navigate the crucial journey of tracing the trajectory of these leads, so you know where they actually ended up. With a comprehensive outlook, we also check in on overall website traffic, encompassing Ads, Google Maps, and Organic sources. 

Tune in today to learn more on effective tracking and management for a bright dental future!

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

Aug 2, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Welcome to another episode of Dental Drill Bits! Today, we have something truly special for you: how to write a phone etiquette guide that will bring those patients in the door!

Trust us, once you have this phone etiquette guide in place, phone calls with prospective patients will be a breeze. Together, we'll talk through recorded calls and share powerful phone skills to empower not just ourselves, but our entire team. Have you ever wondered how to handle those tricky questions patients ask? Or thought about who should be the phone guru in your office? We'll dive into all these questions today. Developing great phone skills and tracking can unlock a treasure trove of weekly prospects you never knew existed!

So, grab your earphones, get comfy, and join us on this personal journey of communication mastery!

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

Jul 26, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

On this week's Dental Drill Bits episode, we're mapping out the details of "Building a System for Hiring and Firing" in the dental industry.

We're diving into the crucial aspects of creating effective job descriptions, conducting insightful interviews, and identifying desirable traits in dental assistants, front desk staff, and hygienists. We emphasize the significance of actively engaging with potential hires, not just to present your practice, but to listen and learn from them. We'll also be sharing a comprehensive list of some of our favorite thought-provoking questions designed to encourage candidates to open up and reveal their true potential. Whether you're a dental practice owner or a hiring manager, this episode will equip you with the tools and strategies to build a strong team that positively impacts your dental practice's success.

Listen to this episode to level up your hiring and firing system!

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

Jul 19, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

On this week's Dental Drill Bits episode we're uncovering the crucial topic of turning your accounts receivable into actual cash.

Join us while we discover the key strategies to boost your practice's cash flow, such as aiming to collect 40% to 45% of payments over the counter when patients are in your practice. Learn the important distinction between financial arrangements and treatment plans, and how a knowledgeable team that is comfortable discussing finances can make a significant difference. We discuss why it's so important to regularly pull reports for your practice's financials and accounts receivable, and explore the benefits of implementing a clear financial policy to eliminate decision fatigue among your team members. 

Tune in now to maximize your practice's financial success!

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

 

Jul 12, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this episode, we're exploring "how efficient is your practice?" There are crucial factors that determine the success and efficiency of your dental office, and we're here to help you find them! Join us as we explore the relationship between collections and full-time equivalents, revealing why a minimum of $200,000 per FTE is key for optimal performance. Discover how the right team members in the right roles can significantly enhance efficiency, ultimately impacting your income. See the pivotal role played by the front office team in shaping your financial success, and the indispensable nature of maintaining a fully booked schedule to ensure a seamless and streamlined dental practice.

Tune in this week to unlock the secrets behind a high-performing and efficient dental office!

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

Jul 5, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, we're jumping into the challenges we all face when a key team member leaves, and exploring effective strategies to combat the resulting disarray. We discuss the importance of having standardized operating procedures (SOPs) in place, establishing robust systems, and creating specific job descriptions to ensure a smooth transition. Nobody wants a valued player to leave their team, but we're here to help prepare you if they do!

Join us as we cover what it takes for a seamless and effective team, even IF an employee leaves!

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

Jun 28, 2023

Sponsors:

Do you need a new website or marketing agency? Check out what Docsites can do for you: https://www.docsites.com/landing-pages/ddb/

Do you ever get that text the night before from a team member that will be out the next day? We know how much of a strain this can put on the rest of the team, and in this episode we're exploring what it takes to craft an effective attendance policy for your office! From setting boundaries on communication methods, to empowering your team's responsibilities, we'll guide you through the maze of intricacies. We'll reveal how offering unwavering support can transform your team's commitment and discuss if hiring an HR consultant is right for your office. We also cover proper documentation techniques to make sure everything is in order for an efficient system!

Join us as we unravel the key points of building an attendance policy that strikes the perfect balance between accountability and empathy.

Sign up for the Scheduling Academy here! https://classicpractice.com/academy-for-scheduling-excellence-registration/

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