Client Comments
"In the past as a staff we showed up, did the work, and went home. No direction. Now everyone knows the direction, which is profitability. We’re a tighter group because of ACT. This month will be our highest collections ever! Kirk and Sheri took my thoughts and organized them in such a way that it makes a lot more sense. Now I have a day with 3-4 patients instead of a day with 20. Aha! Now I understand why we’re booked several months in advance. Less patients = more money! ACT has brought us together as a team in a way that is hard to describe in words. Whatever it is, the feel good moments are continuously there. As staff and patients feel good about each other, it gets contagious and it moves along to the next patient and to the next day. You almost don't want it to end. It has completely changed my life! And it is all thanks to ACT. "
Dr. Alan Wong - Federal Heights, CO
"After nearly 20 years in my solo practice, I realized the necessity to advance my practice management skills to the level with which I perform my dentistry. Kirk and Sheri have played an intricate role in helping me develop and achieve my strategic business plan. With their guidance, I have become a better business owner, communicator, and employer. There is no doubt that ACT has helped me accomplish my vision for the future."
Dr. MaryBeth McCabe / Kois Mentor - Middletown, NJ
"The ACT Team has created something so unique and so influential that any dentist who wants to achieve fulfillment in his or her practice MUST talk to them. Knowing them has enabled me to become integrated into a supportive community of like-minded dentists, a family of individuals who listen, encourage, and support one another to reach their respective goals. They are "coaches" in the true sense of the word, and they are masters at helping dentists reach far beyond any pre-conceived limits they may have set for themselves. Knowing them will better enable you to know yourself, which is essential to defining and achieving your vision." Dr. Chris Leiszler - Baldwin City, KS
"For some time I knew shifting my practice from an out-of-control machine to a safe, controlled environment had to happen. The occasional tightness in my chest and the fatigue of the entire team demanded change, but letting someone really “look behind the curtain” in my dental practice scared me. Since working with ACT, specifically Sheri Kay and Kirk Behrendt, I have received love, support, empowerment, and a boat-load of expertise. Now our work is focused on possibility, and I have never felt any judgment except to the standards I have set. Our vision is clear and we know how to get there. Most importantly, the ACT family is totally invested in my practice and has proved flexible in responding to our needs. Partnering with a coach is a huge leap of faith, but from this side, I should have jumped even sooner." Dr. Will Current - Gastonia, NC
"ACT Dental has truly helped my team and I feel comfortable starting up a new dental practice. From hiring, to patient communication, marketing and management they are outstanding leaders in practice coaching. I could not be more happy in my decision to have hired ACT to help guide me through this important step. In the time I have worked with them, they have become more than just coaches, but good friends." Dr. Taylor Workman - Broomfield, CO
"Only one month into our program with ACT, and already I can see progress! Our team was hesitant to begin another coaching program after a costly and disappointing commitment with another group several years ago, but Sheri really knocked our socks off at our first two-day training program. The whole team was enthused and relieved that we were going to move forward again. There was a light at the end of the tunnel! As we move through the upcoming year in which we are designing and moving to a new office with new staff members, I am glad to have ACT working with us to keep our priorities focused. I am also very impressed with the resources that have become available to us. I feel like we have joined an elite group of dentists that are focused on all the best the profession has to offer. Thanks!" Dr. Ann (Nancy) Tobin - Garden City, NY
"We have been very impressed with ACT! They don’t come in and “tell” everyone how things should be done with a cookbook. Instead, they work with everyone to get them to think of better ways to do things that are consistent with their vision. This made all the difference for us. Our team FINALLY feels like they are a big part in guiding the vision for our office. With ACT’s help, our team members have been working hard to make these big & positive changes happen. Our team members are continuously motivated to improve our practice for our patients and themselves. On top of it, we all are having a good time in doing this work. The ACT Team has a firm grasp on fine dentistry, fine customer service and what motivates dentists and their teams. We would highly recommend that any dentist and team that desires excellence in dentistry call ACT to discuss your goals. They will make it happen for you while making the entire process very enjoyable! You can also feel free to call us if you have any questions." Dr. Kevin Quade & Dr. Louise First - Florissant, MO
"A few years ago, I realized that my practice was running my life. I was really busy making everyone happy except myself and my family. I really lost focus on how and why I wanted to practice dentistry and how I wanted to live my life. I was really frustrated with the whirlwind that my practice was in. Luckily, I was introduced to ACT. They literally changed my life. They changed my practice life, my personal life, and most importantly, my family life. ACT has really helped me to regain my focus and live out my true VISION. They have coached me to act upon the things that are important to me and to stay focused. The entire program has been life changing! Without hesitation, working with ACT has been worth the investment. In fact, I feel so strongly that I would say my decision to work with ACT has been the single most important and beneficial decision that I have made in my practice career. I would definitely do it all over again; in fact, I recommend them to anyone who wants to practice low volume, relationship-based, high quality, comprehensive dentistry. I cannot say enough good things about ACT. Had it not been for the referral that introduced me to ACT, I probably would not be practicing dentistry today. To the ACT team: thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me get my life back." Dr. Thor Anderson - Stoughton, WI
"A few years ago I was ready to retire from dentistry and move on to a more fullfilling career. Then I decided to team up with ACT. They gave me a better understanding of properly managing a practice. More importantly, they had me evaluate myself. I realized I was happy understanding the practice dynamics, but remained unhappy with the idea of going to work. I knew a change was needed, so I sold my practice and moved to a region where I had vacationed for many years. I bought a practice there. In the first two years we were able to increase the practice production by 38%. We now work a 32-34 hour work week and take 7 weeks of vacation with holidays. We do it all with one receptionist, one hygienist, one assistant and myself. This is working so well, because I am finally in a place I am happy. For the first time, I look forward to going to work. I don't pretend to be anyone other than me. I sever "sell" dentistry. The ACT principles are implemented, which keeps a very busy practice under control. ACT gave me the confidence to make a dramatic change in my life that has made me happier than ever. It really is possible to practice while on vacation." Dr. John D. Murray - Saranac Lake, NY
“ACT really knows what they’re doing. The best thing they did for me was help me with my vision for the future; that has been a real key for me because everything in my practice has been a branch off of that central trunk. ACT has helped me mold my practice into what I want it to be, and it is moving that way! They are really easy to talk to, and they are in it to do the right thing. The changes that working with ACT has made in my practice have been really astounding. I completely appreciate all of their work, and I have no regrets!” Dr. Sean Sinclair - Maryville, TN
“ACT has been awesome! From their honest evaluation of my practice, to finding out about my vision and helping me clarify it, they have changed my life. When I started working with them, I wasn’t happy with how I was practicing. I wanted a comprehensive practice, not a single-tooth fixer practice. I wanted to transition to the practice of my dreams. Without that clarification and motivation from ACT, my practice life and my personal life would be totally different. They are one of the few consulting groups that focus on patient relationships and comprehensive care in the same sentence. They are not cookie-cutter. They are truly masterful coaches who customize their training for you. That is unparalleled in our profession. I completely trust, believe, and value who you are and what you do. Would I do it again? Absolutely!”
Dr. Shawn Anderson - Fresno, CA
“I chose ACT because I was at a point in my practice where I wanted to do things better, and I needed someone to help me. Every dental management group that I spoke with, without a single exception, said ‘We can increase your production.’ But none of them said that they could help me like working again, until I found ACT. They put a lot of thought into the program that they have really customized for my office; they are not cookie-cutter. They have been nothing but supportive, and they are building great foundations for me. They have been awesome! I would definitely recommend them for sure.”
Dr. Kevin Browne - New Providence, NJ
"It was an absolutely incredible experience! It is a very comprehensive approach from every aspect of life as a dentist in the office -- from the financial side, in running the practice, and the managerial point-of-view all the way through from building relationships, not only with the team and my employees, but also with the patients. A lot management consultants talk about time management in dentistry and the mechanics of it, but ACT truly helped me to work smarter instead of harder. That is one of the beautiful things of this program is that I am able to see the big picture and plan out my days and years so that my goals are reached not by chance but instead by choice. Every dental office needs a coach and these guys are superb at it. They helped me to become the CEO and CFO of my practice. They personalized their program in a way that their agenda was my agenda. They are super dynamic people, very sincere and honest, great communicators and we have developed great personal relationships from all of this. They are just so on top of their game! They did a wonderful job with our office. I would recommend to any young person going into practice, that they hire ACT to help develop your practice to make your daily life and practice easier. It helps you develop the disciplines so that your practice doesn't run you; instead you run your practice. Once you lose control of your professional life you lose control of your personal life. Now I run my schedule instead of it running me. They are definitely a class act." Dr. Matt Bellafiore - Brooklyn Heights, NY
"The systems that they teach have been helpful in teaching us how and why we do things the way we do. My relationship with them has been excellent. They've always been available when we needed help and have given good feedback when we've asked questions. Organization of our business systems has improved things a lot. Now we set and achieve goals for the practice instead of just putting our heads down and working hard every day. I've spoken to a lot of other management companies, and this is the only group I have ever asked to come in and work with me. It's very individualized. They asked me what I wanted my practice to be instead of telling me what they think it ought to be. They don't have one-size fits all program. Their philosophy is "tell us how you want your practice to be...and we'll help you get there." Their program is for a special-type of dentist. I looked at some other programs that required me to take my staff members, many of which have children, on a road trip for a couple of days. My staff was very resistant to traveling a couple times a year. It's been terrific for me that they come to us and work with us on an individual basis. We're not lumped with other practices. To me, they do what they say they are going to do. They are people of integrity."
Dr. David Mayberry - Salisbury, NC
"For the first time, I finally have a handle on the finances of my practice and the business end of it. I was usually flying by the seat of my pants. ACT's program made me really develop my philosophy for treatment and management. I thought it was great. The program caters to your own personality and style. You can't make one suit and expect everyone to fit into it. Every practice is unique. I would absolutely recommend someone get involved with them. Besides the program being great, they are also great and supportive people. I think the world of these people. It's a nice on going network of people that you are put in contact with that develop into great relationships. Honestly, I haven't met anyone through them, not a single person that I haven't liked."
Dr. Otto Vnek - Bronxville, NY
"They are very, very professional, and they definitely know management. They actually made me look at what my future holds for me. What else can I say -- they helped me achieve my goals! They make you think and act on the goals you have for yourself. Other management companies just give you a cookbook on how to do it, and then they kind of leave you alone. ACT is not like that. They basically personalize everything. And they're very personable -- so it's very easy to talk to them. They've got a great attitude and they're always optimistic. I believe that they've become lifelong friends. They're always keeping in touch. I think all dentists, especially if they're starting out in their careers should actually get involved with ACT, so you don't have to make the mistakes that I've made in the past." Dr. Bernie Villadiego - Chatsworth, CA
"ACT has helped me clarify my vision and better understand where I want to be. I think it's different in the fact that it's not just about working harder. They're more focused on the quality of life, and more focused on your own goals. It also helps you with communications with your staff as well. The attention is personal. ACT is more focused on the quality aspect of things, not necessarily to get more patients to make more money. In the past, there was a point where I would end up just kind of working very hard to stay in the same place. This is about working less and making more by learning more about your business, controlling more of what you do, and doing higher quality work. And what ACT does is show you that you can get there and this is how you do it. They are very organized, in their approach to things." Dr. John Lo - Tacoma, WA
"These people know what they are doing. They understand the nature of dental practices today. They understand human nature, and they understand for what it is for one person to endeavor to do the right thing for somebody else. It's different in several ways. Its only for people who are looking to be, not only the be the best practioners they can be, but the best people they can be in every sense of the word. Its for practioners who want to enhance their skills to run their businesses so they can do the right things for their patients at all times and do right also by their staffs, by their families, by themselves and live a good life. If a dentist is looking to take their practice to the top and to the best dentistry they are capable of doing and treat people like people not as objects then this is a program you really want to get involved with. ACT's program is very customized, very individual and it allows you to practice the way you want to practice and not the way somebody else tells you. There are no hidden agendas. Their only agenda is to make the practice better so that you can do better dentistry and live a good life to enable your patients to live a good life as well. This management program is about benefiting the patient to the maximum, and enabling that patient to trust and to know that you truly care and to run your business thoroughly in that way. It's not about making a quick buck. For me, it's about developing a truly trusting relationship with other human beings to your mutual benefit. That's where it's at. It's not a cookie-cutter thing. They help you apply good solid principles of business to your vision. These are very special people!"
Dr. Alan Stern - Ocean, NJ
"They're very thorough, that's the most important part. They're very hands-on and right there for you all the time. They were able to get their finger on the pulse of what was going on in the practice very quickly. Other practice management programs are interested in increasing your gross income without paying attention what you're spending so you end up grossing a lot but also spending a lot, and really not making any forward progress. The other part of it is the personable one-on-one relationship that they develop with you. Over a period of time it really develops into a friendship -- more than just business mentoring relationship. My motivation is I feel that dentistry is traveling down the wrong path, as a whole, with dental insurance. A fee-for-service practice is really truly about helping people become healthy as opposed to just doing crisis care dentistry. As dentists, we don't create significant relationships with our patients. We kind of fix their damage, but we never help them become healthy. That's where ACT comes in. In order to get to that point, you need to get your practice under control, so you can slow down and not burn yourself out. Not everybody is ready to do this type of thing, but if you're looking to have a more fulfilled life as a dentist and spend some time with your family, this is the way to go -- no question!"
Dr. Gary Green - Caldwell, NJ
“ACT has a very special place in dentistry. There is a certain philosophy of dentistry that needs to be preserved, and ACT can do that. They took my practice from one level to another, and they definitely straightened us out.”
Dr. Stephen Malone - Knoxville, TN |
