There is a saying we often use here at ACT, “You can’t fix the place while it is flying.” Obviously, but we see dentists every day wondering why progress is so hard to achieve. Yet these same frustrated dentists are seeing patients around the clock, rarely setting aside time for team meetings much less time for them to think strategically. Quite frankly, dentists can’t work ON their practice while they are working IN the practice. There is a certain mindset needed for successful day to day operations of your practice and a completely different mindset to think strategically about the long term vision for your practice and the path to get there. I experienced both these mindsets last week. Let me share.

Dr. Barrett Straub

May 20, 2024

Every dental practice owner knows a happy, skilled team is the backbone of success. But how do you ensure your team has the tools they need to thrive? Here's the secret weapon: understanding the difference between training and development. Training is a foundation. It equips your team with the essential skills to perform their jobs effectively. This might involve learning new software, mastering sterilization protocols, or perfecting a specific technique. Training is prescriptive, offering clear instructions on "how" to do things. Development goes a step further. It's about nurturing your team's potential and fostering long-term growth. This involves problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to new situations. Development programs encourage an "agile" mindset, where your team can think creatively to find solutions. Are you fostering an environment where your team can flourish professionally and personally? As one of our docs likes to say: "training is something you do to a dog; to develop is human." Training is a great starting point, but don't stop there. Invest in your team's development to build a future-proof practice!

Kirk Behrendt

May 20, 2024

Language is powerful and in your dental practice, it can shape both patient experiences and team dynamics. Seemingly harmless words can have a minimizing effect on your message—and its impact. Take words like "just" and "little:"

Kirk Behrendt

May 13, 2024

New patients are the bread and butter that keep your practice rolling, but you can’t just take on all of them. You need the right amount of the right patients, but how do you know where you stand? The answer is data. We love data here, because data is honest. Like Kirk says, “data has no emotion,” it just

Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH

May 11, 2024

Spring can be a double-edged sword for dental practices. While the season brings new beginnings, it can also lead to a surge in appointments and a hectic work environment. During these times, strong leadership is crucial to keep your team motivated and prevent burnout. But the truth is, you won't always have answers. What matters most is how you respond to the inevitable negative emotions—frustration, anxiety, or uncertainty—that can arise during busy periods. As a leader, your words hold immense power. Here's how to use them to foster calm and support: Affirmation: Acknowledge the challenges and compliment your team. Phrases like, "I really appreciate the great work you’re doing," or "thank you for your tremendous effort today," can make a big difference. Listening: Encourage open communication and create a safe space for your team to express themselves. Questions like, “what can I do to support you today,” or “I’m here to listen if you have concerns” go a long way. Reassurance: Sometimes, the team just needs to hear that things are going to get better. Words like “today was hard; tomorrow will be better,” or “I know we’re busy; things will even-out soon” offer optimism when it’s needed most. By being a supportive presence, you build trust and show your team you value them . It’s what empowers your team to persevere during those April showers—and it’s what’ll keep them around to enjoy the May flowers.

Kirk Behrendt

May 06, 2024

It happens to all of us. A key team member quits. Someone you thought you were tight with, someone you thought would be there forever. Someone you thought was all in and completely committed to you and your practice. They pull you aside and let you know they are moving on to another practice, one they feel is a better fit for their life. Ouch.

Dr. Barrett Straub

May 06, 2024

The Kentucky Derby comes around once a year—but, on any given day, your practice can channel an anxious energy that rivals Churchill Downs. When you’re off to the races with a full schedule ahead of you, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. Running your best race means keeping the triple crown of dentistry top-of-mind: Right Patient: From first-time patients to smiles you have a strong rapport with, get to know who’s on your schedule before the gate opens. You’ll feel more confident walking into the room when you know who’s waiting for you. Right Procedure: Schedule appointments for procedures you excel at and genuinely enjoy. Likewise, block out dedicated slots for complex procedures, leaving ample time for simpler ones. This ensures a smooth flow that’ll keep you relaxed. Right Time of Day: When are you at your peak performance? Are you a morning maestro or an afternoon ace? Schedule demanding procedures for your focus zone, leaving routine checkups for times that might be slightly less intense. By being cognizant of your schedule, you can craft a winning experience for yourself, your team, and your patients. Remember, a good schedule is predictable, profitable, and productive—it feels like a victory lap, not a frantic scramble.

Kirk Behrendt

April 29, 2024

The hand-off is a simple concept in practice, but it has a huge impact on your practice. At its most basic, it’s just a verbal transfer of information, but it elevates your customer service by making patients feel safe and important. Like Kirk says, you want a practice that’s “relational, not transactional.”

Michelle Wakeman

April 27, 2024

Insurance brings a lot of stress with it, and a big part is the anxiety team members feel about talking about it. In fact, answering questions or having discussions around insurance benefits is the leading cause of anxiety for dental team members. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, because with

Robyn Theisen

April 13, 2024

One of your most valuable commodities is time, which is why Kirk often says that “Time is the new rich.” When it comes to hygiene, one of the most common conversations we have is that hygienists don’t have enough time, and want more than a 60-minute appointment, but what if instead of adding time,

ACT Dental Team

March 30, 2024