It’s undeniable that the number of dental offices in Ontario is higher than ever before. In this increasingly competitive environment, relying on the basics and expecting your practice to thrive is no longer enough. Every dental office, regardless of their current success, must focus on key strategies to ensure continued growth and sustainability.
1. Strengthen Patient Loyalty
Retaining your current patients should always be a top priority. This requires consistent effort from your entire team. Never assume your systems are flawless, regular training and process reviews are essential. Establish meaningful connections with patients by remembering their names, understanding their lives, and helping them reach their oral health goals. These personal touches build trust and loyalty. Research shows that 68% of patients who leave a practice do so due to perceived indifference from the team. Treat every visit as a Five-Star VIP experience. Develop clear protocols outlining your service standards and ensure they are consistently followed at every appointment.
2. Maximize New Patient Referrals
New patient referrals remain the foundation of practice growth. While online reviews and social media are effective tools, 70% of new patients still come from internal referrals. By delivering exceptional care to your current patients, you naturally encourage them to recommend your office to others. Track patient flow monthly to ensure your new patient numbers are consistently exceeding patient attrition.
3. Monitor Hygiene Program Retention
Hygiene retention is a vital metric for a healthy practice. Evaluate how many patients complete their hygiene appointments within three weeks of their due date, always aim for an 80% success rate. Also, track overall patient visit frequency to ensure that your patients are coming at a frequency that meets their periodontal needs. Support this with strong educational messaging, robust scheduling systems, and adequate appointment availability.
4. Know Your Break-Even Point
Understanding your monthly break-even point is crucial. Work with your accountant or calculate it yourself by adding your fixed expenses, variable expenses, and your desired owner compensation. Avoid making financial decisions, whether cutting or adding expenses without knowing how they impact your bottom line. Being proactive with spending doesn’t mean cutting costs indiscriminately. Investing in the right team or equipment may be exactly what your practice needs to grow.
5. Invest in Growth-Oriented Resources
Continual investment in technology, ongoing education, or bringing a specialist into your office can significantly boost your practice’s success. If there are procedures you prefer not to perform, ensure someone on your team is qualified to handle them. Providing comprehensive care in one location is not only convenient for patients—it also enhances practice profitability.
Use these strategies as a checklist to assess your practice. Confirm that your protocols are being followed, your finances are in order, and your patient care aligns with best practices. If managing all of this feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional coach who can help your practice thrive.
