Housekeeping for the New Year: Diary Optimisation in Dental Practice
As 2026 begins, many practices are already bracing for the familiar peaks and troughs in patient bookings. Some of these dips are predictable—seasonal slowdowns, school holidays, or the ripple effects of tighter household budgets that make patients hesitant to commit. Rather than viewing these troughs as setbacks, think of them as opportunities to sharpen your […]
How Language Shapes Patient Experience—and Why It Can Make or Break a Conversation
In any patient-facing role, especially front-of-house (FOH), the way we speak matters. A lot. It’s not just what we say—it’s how we say it. And when tensions run high, the wrong choice of words can turn a routine conversation into a complaint, or worse, a confrontation. We see this all the time: a patient gets […]
“Mind the Gap”: Navigating Generational Nuance in Dental Customer Service
Delivering excellent customer service in a dental practice isn’t about being trendy—it’s about being tuned in. As practices serve increasingly diverse age groups, it’s easy to fall into the trap of generational guesswork. One patient’s “fantastic follow-up call” is another’s “why are you ringing me when a text would suffice?” So how do we strike […]
Count to 5 – The Struggles of a Dental Practice Manager
Dental practice managers are the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry. They ensure the smooth operation of dental practices, coordinating staff, managing appointments, handling patient complaints, and juggling administrative tasks, all while keeping a smile on their face. However, the constant pressure and multifaceted responsibilities often lead to significant stress. One of the primary struggles […]
Team Meeting Success & Pitfalls
Are your meetings filled with high-stakes decisions and dramatic moments? Or is it more about the fast pace and unexpected twists? Or maybe they are painfully quiet, and you feel like you are treading on eggshells. As practice managers and owners, we all know that meetings can feel like we are stepping into hostile territory […]
Are you a “proper” practice
Over the last few months I have seen increasing numbers of practices either wanting to introduce a dental plan or increase the number of patients joining an existing plan. For me, its something that will be a practice builder, especially as we are seeing many practices withdraw NHS dentistry or reduce their contracts. In some […]
Harnessing Patient Reviews and Feedback for Enhanced Dental Practice Management and Compliance
In today’s digitally connected world, patient reviews and feedback are invaluable tools for dental practice management. Not only do they offer insights into patient satisfaction and areas for improvement, but they also play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Here’s how leveraging patient feedback can transform your dental practice: Improving Patient Care […]
The Power of Routine
Establishing Habits for Efficiency in Dental Practices In the high-pressure environment of a dental practice, where every minute counts and patient care is paramount, establishing daily routines and habits can be a game-changer. Consistency and structure not only boost efficiency but also help dental professionals manage their time and tasks more effectively, reducing stress and […]
Hot Tips For Preventing PM Burnout
One of the main reasons I am contacted by principles starts with “I’m worried about my PM, they need support, and it can’t always be me”. It doesn’t take long for me to understand why! Of course, there are many other factors, but the starting point is to look at what the PM is.doing day […]
Are you a “proper” practice – introducing patient plans to your practice
Over the last few months I have seen increasing numbers of practices either wanting to introduce a dental plan or increase the number of patients joining an existing plan. For me, its something that will be a practice builder, especially as we are seeing many practices withdraw NHS dentistry or reduce their contracts. In some […]