You all know I love dentistry—that goes without saying. However, when my practice was put on pause due to COVID-19, it afforded me time not only to evaluate the weaknesses in my practice but also to explore solutions to correct those deficiencies.
I’m about to celebrate the six-year anniversary of purchasing my practice. Even though I love my patients and the autonomy to do things “my way,” I have always known that I have not had the right team in place. I’ve heard the suggestion to “clean house” after buying a practice, but since I was raised to see the good in others, I decided to give my new staff a chance and keep them on for as long as possible.
Although my team had unquestionable positive attributes, I knew I was making myself uncomfortable to keep everyone else comfortable ... until COVID-19, when it became increasingly evident that I did not want to reopen my practice the way things were. Something happened to my outlook of my practice while the office was closed, and I needed things to be different.
First thing to change: My team
It’s been a few weeks since my office reopened, and I have replaced 50% of my clinical team. It seems drastic, but my dear friend, Dr. Lou Shuman, told me a few months ago that “never have there been more qualified people on unemployment as there are right now.” He was right. You may be wondering how I found such amazing people. Well, there’s a little luck and fairy dust involved, but this is what I did: I asked my friends.
Need a hygienist? Find one of the best ones you know (shout out to Amber Auger!) and tell her that you need help. Amber sent some of the most incredible dental hygienists I have ever met to interview in my office. They all were so impressive; my only problem was that I wished I could have hired them all! We also visited countless online job boards and hit the jackpot finding our assistant. For the first time ever, I had selected my entire team, and I think I finally got it right.
Second thing to change: Marketing
I decided it was time to put some effort into marketing and being more consistent with my practice’s online presence. I have implemented an in-house savings plan for those who are un/underinsured. I also decided to invest in a social media marketing initiative. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes.
Third thing to change: My outlook on vacations
I’ve always been the type to check in or at least be somewhat available while I am away. I think this is helpful for my patients and team, as well as for the docs who cover for me, but it doesn’t allow me to mentally step away from work. Now that I know I can close for 12 weeks without any major emergencies, I know I can go away for a vacation! Next year, I’m going away, and I know that the office and everything will be waiting for me when I come back. My trip to Greece was canceled due to COVID-19 this year, so I can’t wait to tell you about where we select for next year’s destination.
They say that every cloud has a silver lining, and I prefer to focus on just that!
▶️ Related article: Diaries of a dentist during COVID-19: Fishbowl perspectives
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Chairside Daily newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles at this link and subscribe here.
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Chairside Daily. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
