Some current trends across my client base

Three workshops last week – London, Manchester and Dublin.

An opportunity to meet with my clients and listen.

My quarterly immersion in their ups and downs and, thus, a chance to identify any common trends.

I mentioned last week the trend of hiring managers and TCOs who have a background in high-street retail management (because that sector is shedding jobs).

Equally, I heard more positive feedback on hiring young dentists as salaried apprentices.

What other trends were in evidence?

  • Team – the ongoing challenges of simply hiring good people – clinical or otherwise;
  • Training – getting teams to follow through on the marketing training that we delivered earlier in the year and to implement and maintain the relentless daily activity of internal marketing;
  • Technology – embracing the innovation that is taking place in digital dentistry and using that to enhance the treatment planning experience;
  • Treatment plan presentation – creating Powerpoint presentations to simplify the practice management software plan and the small print;
  • Testimonials – patient video testimonials professionally created as marketing collateral;
  • Transactions – making sure that protocols exist for every step of the patient experience – no longer relying on people doing their best in the absence of a system.

There was more than one moment during the week when we heard:

I would never have believed, when I came into dentistry, that there would end up being so much to do!

It’s a brave person who runs their own business.

One of my favourite moments of the week was an opportunity to provide a simple answer to an apparently complex question:

Q: “Chris, how do we attract more patients?”

A: “Become more attractive.”

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Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.