Cross train your team

You’ve done a lot to make your practice more efficient, from adding new technologies to finding better ways to communicate with your patients. It all makes a difference, but if you really want an efficient practice, you might want to think about cross training your team when possible.

From the day Dr. Kristine Aadland opened her doors in 2010, she knew a cross trained staff would be an important part of her success. Cross training helps make every team member more efficient, and that in turn makes her high-tech practice run more smoothly. If a patient has a question about treatment or about billing, she said, anyone on staff can answer-not just one person who may not be available when the patient is in the chair or at the front desk. If someone calls in sick or has to leave early, other members of the team can fill in without a lot of added stress.
 
Most of the new dental softwares make cross training easy because most information can be found at the click of a button-if you are using the software to its full capabilities, Dr. Aadland said.
 
“We take good notes on any conversation to or about a patient, which makes us all stay on board as well,” she said. “It’s easy to take a quick peek at the chart notes on any computer and have a good answer!”
 
Your practice has to be efficient. If it isn’t, patients will notice and may even start looking for a new dental home. Cross training your team members and making sure everyone is knowledgeable about what your practice is about and what is has to offer is one way to do that. Not only that, a knowledgeable staff helps make patients feel more confident in trusting you and your team with their dental care.
 
Your patients are your practice. Without them, where would you be? You have to know the best ways to attract them to your practice, get them to accept treatment and make them happy, life-long patients.

That’s where we can help. Check back regularly for tips on how to keep your patients happy, healthy and loyal.

Check out Dr. Aadland's Featured Practice video: