Weathering the storms

Droughts, heat waves, rain, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes, or beautiful sunshine — no matter where you live in the U.S., the weather can bring you the bliss of sitting by the pool or bring you scurrying into the safest windowless room for cover. It’s not just the weather’s fluctuations that we need to prepare for — hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is the best way to avoid storms in all aspects of life. Our focus at MedMark publications is to help you be prepared to face all of the issues that may pop up in your practice, to give you better control over your business and clinical decisions, less stress, and more success.

Here are three tips on keeping your head above water, when you feel that flood of anxiety from practice stress.

• Pinpoint your stressors: Define what in your practice is keeping you awake at night, and maybe even keep a journal of what is causing you stress at the end of each work day. Are you afraid that your computer systems aren’t secure from cyberattacks? Are you unsure that your equipment is providing the specific information you need to get the best diagnostics? Are you frustrated that you cannot offer the latest treatment opportunities? Before you can fix a problem, you have to be sure of what the problem actually is.
• Establish a practice culture: Make sure that your practice handbook specifically outlines what behaviors and attitudes are acceptable and which will not be tolerated. Have weekly or monthly team meetings to make sure everyone is on the same page. To head off problems before they grow, learn about conflict resolution skills or hiring-and-firing protocols. If you have an office manager, remember to include him/her in these learning opportunities, and make sure your team knows that you are available for the more complicated situations.
• Give yourself the edge over the competition: It is stressful to watch potential patients filling up other dentists’ appointment calendars. In this day of the Internet and technology, you need to reassess your equipment to improve efficiency, accuracy, and increase patient care and options. Especially in this age of social media, you want your patients to see that you, rather than the clinician across the street, have the most up-to-date imaging, more painless protocols, or faster treatment options.

MedMark publications can help you discover new innovations and information that can help your practice to thrive. In our Cover Story, Dr. Claudia Pinter talks about how advanced technologies like Spark™ Clear Aligners, Approver Software, and the visualization of simulated roots, are changing the face of orthodontic treatment planning. Our CE by Dr. Laurance Jerrold points out common mistakes in recordkeeping and offers guidance on how orthodontists should maintain records for legal defense. Our second CE, by Kristin Tauras, JD, outlines a detailed hiring and firing process that can save practitioners time and stress. Dr. William E. Harrell, Jr. offers insights into the breathing-smile connection and the importance of airway health.

In this last issue of 2024, we give you our “umbrella wish” for fair weather, a dedicated and efficient team, a growing loyal patient list, less stress, and more fulfillment of your goals in the coming year.

Remember, every storm passes, and you need to be prepared to make intentional, positive decisions for a stronger and more profitable future.

To your best success,
Lisa Moler