Content Dam Diq Online Articles 2018 03 Slap 1

I want to slap my dental practice across the face

March 12, 2018

There are days that Dr. Chris Salierno struggles to effectively operate his practice. He knows he's not alone. He invites his peers to attend the third annual PPM conference to network and learn some practical solutions.

Chris Salierno, DDS, Chief Editor, Dental Economics

This article originally appeared in the Principles of Practice Management e-newsletter. Subscribe to this informative twice monthly practice management ENL here.

HERE'S A WEIRD TROPE FROM FILM AND TELEVISION: a character tries to calm down a hysterical person by grabbing the person by the shoulders, slapping the person across the face, and saying something like, “Damn it, get a hold of yourself!” I’ve never actually seen anyone do this in real life. It would probably be considered battery.

But sometimes I would like to metaphorically slap my practice across the face. When I look at my accounts receivable, bills to be paid, and growing staff concerns, I feel like I’m looking at a practice in hysterics. Do you ever feel like that?

Let’s talk about this problem in person. I’ll meet you in Indianapolis on July 12 and 13 with about 100 of our friends at the Dental Economics Principles of Practice Management Conference. We’ll commiserate about our practice headaches and, more importantly, put a plan together to make things better. I’ll jump on the podium to lead a session on systems, which is a passion of mine. Then we’ll both sit back and learn from industry leaders like Tim Twigg, Dr. Brady Frank, Dr. Josh Austin, Allen Schiff, and Dr. Mike Meru. It’ll be like a spa retreat for our business brains.

Maybe it’s us who really needs the slap in the face, a wake-up call. Our practices need a leader and maybe we’re failing them. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have all the secrets to a successful dental practice and that I sometimes need help from the rest of the community. Now in its third year, I can tell you that the PPM Conference is just that community. I hope to see you there.

Cheers,

Chris

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About the Author

Chris Salierno, DDS | Chief Editor, Dental Economics

Chris Salierno, DDS, is the chief editor of Dental Economics and the editorial director of the Principles of Practice Management and Group Practice and DSO Digest e-newsletters. He is also a contributing author for DentistryIQ and Perio-Implant Advisory. He lectures and writes about practice management and clinical dentistry. He maintains a blog to answer patient questions at ToothQuest. Dr. Salierno maintains a private general practice in Melville, New York. You may contact him at [email protected].

Updated Dec. 4, 2020