Use Dentrix reports to not only learn where your office needs to improve, but also to reward and incentivize your team for a job well done.
Updated 4/22/21
Working in a dental office is much like playing on a sports team. In football, there are players who score touchdowns as well as the other supporting team members who provide defense. Similarly, in the dental office there are producers that generate production for the office, such as doctors and hygienists, as well as supporting team members like office managers, assistants, and administrative staff.
It is important to show all the players on your team your appreciation and share the “trophy” at the end of the game, which in your dental office may be sharing the success of a very productive month or a month of high collections.
Showing your team appreciation can come in many different forms. You could buy your team lunch, treat them to coffee, or simply tell them “thank you.” I really like using the Daily Huddle Report when meeting with your team to give them a pat on the back. The Daily Huddle Report will show you important information like how much production is scheduled for today, as well as how much production was completed yesterday, collections totals, and your month-to-date calculations. Use the Daily Huddle Report on a daily basis to incentivize your team to meet production and collection goals and also express appreciation for a job well done.
I am also a big proponent of monthly meetings. This is another time that you can share the success of your practice with your team. You can use the Practice Advisor Report to really delve into your production and collection numbers on a monthly basis, as well as reviewing things like unscheduled time units and numbers of continuing care patients who are scheduled for appointments. By recognizing that your appointment coordinator effectively schedules appointments to maximize provider working hours, or to recognize a hygiene coordinator for her efforts to schedule patients for their next recall appointment, you can help that team member to feel more pride in their work so they continue to do it efficiently and effectively.
Employees and staff tend to respond better to positive reinforcement than to negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement can help your team continue striving to be the best in their respective office roles. It can also help create a more pleasant work environment in your office.
Recognize your team for the dental champions they are, and they will continue to win games for your practice. Use Dentrix reports to not only learn where your office needs to improve but also to reward and incentivize your team for a job well done.
Learn More
For additional information about the Daily Huddle Report, read the following:
For additional information about the Practice Advisor Report, read the following:
By Charlotte Skaggs
Certified Dentrix Trainer and The Dentrix Office Manager columnist
Charlotte Skaggs is the founder of Vector Dental Consulting LLC, a practice management firm focused on taking offices to the next level. Charlotte co-owned and managed a successful dental practice with her husband for 17 years. She has a unique approach to consulting based on the perspective of a practice owner. Charlotte has been using Dentrix for over 20 years and is a certified Dentrix trainer. Contact Charlotte at vectordentalconsulting@gmail.com.
