A Structure That Protects Your Personal Time
Taking on ortho cases can unlock considerable opportunities for your practice. However, you may, like many other general dentists, already struggle with a busy schedule. So how exactly can you fit another service in?
If you’re concerned about orthodontics meaning longer hours and more stress, consider how implementing the right structure can let you enjoy this fulfilling work while protecting your personal time.
Start with the right training.
The first step toward ensuring you can manage ortho cases effectively is to start with the right training.
Orthodontic courses, such as those provided by Williams GP Orthodontic Seminars, build a strong foundation to help you address every step of orthodontic treatment. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to handle scheduling, management, and more.
These courses are specifically made for general dentists, building on the knowledge and experience you already have. You’ll gain the skills needed to provide treatment, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-ups. The confidence that comes with a solid foundation will make taking on cases a smooth experience.
You’ll start off with the practical knowledge on how to implement step-by-step systems during ortho cases. Instead of scrambling to handle cases, you’ll be able to carry them out efficiently, making the most of your available time.
Choose cases that fit your schedule.
Case selection is another key factor to get right. Many general dentists starting to offer orthodontic treatment are tempted to take any cases they can find. However, it’s better to carefully evaluate each situation to determine whether it is the right match for your current experience, confidence, and schedule.
There are many types of cases you can take on once you have a solid foundation in straight wire treatment. These range from mild crowding, spacing, and Class I malocclusions to more complex issues. But starting with the more straightforward cases can help ensure your calendar doesn’t become overbooked.
Carry out screening and case selection during the initial consultation process to ensure smooth treatment. Sticking with predictable treatment plans and knowing when to refer to a specialist instead will let you prioritize orthodontic cases that best fit into your existing workflow.
Use practice management tools.
There’s more to orthodontics than treatment itself. There are also many aspects of practice management that can weigh on your schedule. This is when using the right tools to handle these details will save time and reduce errors to allow for stress-free workflows.
For example, implementing patient tracking forms, consultation templates, and protocols tailored to orthodontic treatment lets you and your team approach cases as efficiently as possible. Checklists allow you to follow procedures consistently, moving through them quickly and accurately.
Your team can learn from Dr. Brad Williams’ own office team through the Orthodontic Practice Management Course. This course is designed to equip your team with the resources to stay organized from day one. They’ll develop the skills and knowledge to handle ortho-specific tasks with confidence, freeing up more of your time to focus on treatment.
Delegate smartly.
Your team can be an excellent resource to support orthodontic success. There are many tasks you can delegate to your team with a bit of instruction. Having them handle photos, records, and other files will help free up more of your time, preventing potential bottlenecks in ortho cases.
There’s no need to try taking on everything yourself. Instead, you can rely on your assistants and front desk team to help manage orthodontic workflows. Laying out clear expectations and developing your orthodontic workflows will help appointments move faster and save time on administrative tasks.
Patient communication is another key area for delegation. Preparing your team with the necessary orthodontic knowledge to communicate effectively with patients regarding treatment plans can offload a major part of your ongoing workload.
Schedule strategically.
Taking the right approach to scheduling can make a world of difference. Setting clear boundaries will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed. One way to do this is to set aside specific blocks each week for orthodontic appointments. This will keep them from overflowing into other operative time slots and putting pressure on the rest of your day.
Orthodontic appointments are high-value sessions that require careful attention. This means you should typically start with times for orthodontic appointments and work around those. Trying to squeeze ortho cases into an already heavy schedule can lead to unnecessary stress.
Maintaining a work-life balance is essential to avoid burnout. Try to keep evenings and weekends off-limits whenever possible, aside from potential emergencies. Establishing and committing to specific off-hours will help you manage the challenges of running a successful dental practice.
Taking a Practical Approach to Managing Ortho Cases
Adding ortho cases to your existing workload doesn’t have to mean eventual burnout. By following these tips for effective orthodontic practice management, you can fit treatment neatly into your schedule. You can browse upcoming courses from Williams GP Orthodontic Seminars to take the best approach to orthodontics.