Management Lessons from the Underground Railroad

So you think you have management headaches.  Imagine trying to orchestrate the transfer of slaves to freedom prior to the Civil War.  Men, women, and children, most of who were frightened out… Continue On +

Personal Expenses and the Corporate Account

Commingling personal expenses and business expenses is a bad idea for multiple reasons.  A prudent business owner needs keep the expenses separate and it is important to understand that even if you… Continue On +

Planning in 2012 for 2013 Tax Law Changes (Part I)

With the recently “upheld” Health Care Reform Act (HCA) and the “Bush Tax Cuts” (BTC) expiring, we are expecting some big tax changes for 2013.  This presents some tax planning opportunities that… Continue On +

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

How do you handle situations where dental patients refuse x-rays?  Do you see the patients anyway?  How about when patients need treatment for gum disease, yet they insist on having a basic… Continue On +

3 Tips for Making Stronger Connections with Patients

Making a strong connection with your dental patients is vital for improving treatment acceptance and practice performance.  Fortunately, the path to making a stronger connection is easy to master if you remember… Continue On +

How to Permanently Plan for Temporary Disability (Part II)

During many difficult situations we encounter in life, it is often our friends and colleagues that help us weather the storm of uncertainty and doubt, and get us back up on our… Continue On +

Bet on your Staff

After you expend the time and resources to hire someone, how do develop your new team member to ensure she/he meets your expectations?  Just because a new hire has experience doesn’t mean… Continue On +

Resolve Conflict by Focusing on Needs and Interests

Few of us enjoy conflict.  But instead of hiding from it, consider how you can manage it more effectively. Max Lucade once said, “Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.”  Hopefully we… Continue On +

It’s All in Our Brain Chemistry

Are you a slave to your brain chemistry?  At times we all are as Kent Greenfield illustrates in his book The Myth of Choice. For example, when men do not feel satisfied… Continue On +

Know the Rules before Rewarding Patients for Referrals

How do you acknowledge dental patients when they refer friends and family to your practice?  Hopefully you always send a thank you note to the referring patient—something personalized and not just a… Continue On +

Doctor: The Small Business Owner

Generally speaking, you are a doctor because you enjoy science, medicine, helping people and even the artistic component in sculpting teeth and creating a beautiful smile.  You did not become a doctor… Continue On +

Giving OHP a Second Look

It is common for dentists and their teams to not want to accept patients from the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).  But is that the best course of action, especially since there are… Continue On +