How To Have A Bargaining Free Dental Practice?

 

How To Have A Bargaining Free Dental Practice?

In my last blog you saw how differentiation can help to have a competition free practice. I had also mentioned about adding "Extra Value", in this blogpost let’s see why & how to add that extra value in your practice.

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What does "Extra Value" mean? 

 

In lay man language, it means giving something extra than what is expected by the patient (not that you pull out an extra tooth. :p) It is about making the patient feel important. It is about "Branding" your practice.

 

Why do you need to do it ?

 

Giving that "Extra Value" can help you to retain your patients and there are many other things that it can do!  Again let's start with examples; Did you ever try bargaining at KFC, Dominos or Mac'D? I'm sure never. On the other hand, when it comes to a local restaurant we never hesitate to ask for discount.

 

Why do people pay happily at THE TALVALKARS GYM but groan, moan and complaint when it comes to paying a personal gym instructor? Why do they happily pay 1000 bucks for a 15 min job at TONY AND GUY and they bargain with their friendly neighborhood barber even for 100 rupees?

 

We try to bargain at places which are considered as local and the synonym for LOCAL is NON-BRANDED! So now you got to my point! You need to change your practice from Local To Branded, because a BRAND belittles the consumer. We find it inadequate to argue, but want to be a part of it, at all costs. In our mind we feel that the brand somehow glorifies us and that's actually true! That's Human Nature!This is why luxury hotels like Taj, Hyatt invest on creating their brand value? This is why they are they behind improving the user experience & building their image in people's mind.

 

I am sure you would have arrived to the conclusion yourself! This is the magic of Branding!

 

Just imagine what can happen if somehow you could convince the patient that he is getting value for his money. Probably the patient will hesitate to bargain, he might appreciate the services he got at your clinic and it is possible that he will never ever think of visiting any other dentist in future.

 

Just like differentiation helps to build a competition proof practice; branding helps you in bulding a "Bargaining Free" practice. Apart from this it has following advantages:

 

1. It gives a hidden message describing certain feature or attributes of the practice.

 

2. It helps to filter patients and you will spend less time on convincing the treatment options.

 

3. It conveys a message about your services to patients thus creating the image of your practice.

 

4. Once you successfully establish a brand, people always associate your business with some quality/ value.

 

5. It also helps you in retaining patients.

 

 

Want to know about how to do brand your dental practice? Will share everything in detail in my next blogpost.

Source : DentistFriend

Dental Practice Marketing: Why You Need Good Online Presence?

 

Dental Practice Marketing: Why You Need Good Online Presence?

The world is evolving

 

I'm sure that many of you must have experienced patients in your practice who are already well versed with their treatment even before you explain it to them. It is happening because; nowadays information is available at the fingertips. The world is evolving; India is getting digital, we are the third largest country with respect to the number of internet users and with every passing day internet services are getting cheaper and better.

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Past Vs Future

 

10 years back, did you even think that you will buy any product online? But it is very common these days;  Pyazz se le ke Payjame tak everything is now available online. The modern “Online shopping” trend is ruling us all to such an extent that even before buying the smallest and simplest thing we do a Google search. Dentistry is not an exception to this; not only that you compare prices of dental materials but also the patients do their part of Dr.Google and then make a decision. I don't say that every patient will Google before visiting your practice, but the once who are looking for cosmetic makeover or some high end dental treatments would definitely do the internet exercise.

 

The Power of Choice!

 

Everyone has some criteria to buy a product or service and same applies while choosing a dentist. Some patients look for affordable dental treatment some want best hygiene, some want convenience of timing and there are a lot of other such factors... And guess where do they get the information?

 

from Obviously internet.

10-15years ago just a reference used to be enough for patients to enter someone’s practice, but it is not the same old way today. Even after getting a reference, the person will Google about dentist, visit his website, read testimonials, check reviews on Google plus, ratings on Just Dial and then decide whether to visit his practice or not.

 

Are You Ready For Future?

 

If your dental practice does not have presence over the internet then don’t you think you are losing out some patients? So now it’s your turn to decide whether your practice needs a strong online presence or not? If you need any help or opinion on how to build a strong online presence for your practice then feel free to get in touch.

 

Here's a list of few basic things that you can follow to improve online presence of your practice..

 

1. Create Facebook page for your practice

2. Register your practice on Google+ and request your patients to write a review

3. Get website for your practice

4. Register on leading social media platforms and connect with people who matter to you

5. If possible you may also think of SEO

 

Source : DentistFriend

Being Dentist: 7 Reasons Why Dental Profession Is Losing Its Charm In India?

 

Being Dentist: 7 Reasons Why Dental Profession Is Losing Its Charm In India?

1. Deteriorating Education Standard

 

In India, oral health care awareness amongst the population is low resulting in fewer patients. On the other hand, the number of dental schools & their intake capacity is ever increasing. Earlier the PG seats were limited so interns were getting the opportunity to perform most of the procedures but since PG seats have increased now; a lot of procedures are allowed only to PG students in many private dental colleges. In some private dental schools, the situation is such that students have to pay patients to visit the college and get treated.

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The lack of clinical exposure obviously reflects; these young dentists hold the degree yet very few are confident about dental practice.  

 

 

2. Lack of Opportunities 

 

Job opportunities are relatively low for dental graduates. Practically speaking there are (no) very few government jobs and even in private jobs dentists doesn’t get paid well.  

Stipend LOL!!!!!!! 

Stipend ke naam pe to chavvanni atthanni milti hai... 

Hope you pay some respectable salary to the dental professional at your clinic.

1. Deteriorating Education Standard

 

In India, oral health care awareness amongst the population is low resulting in fewer patients. On the other hand, the number of dental schools & their intake capacity is ever increasing. Earlier the PG seats were limited so interns were getting the opportunity to perform most of the procedures but since PG seats have increased now; a lot of procedures are allowed only to PG students in many private dental colleges. In some private dental schools, the situation is such that students have to pay patients to visit the college and get treated.

 

The lack of clinical exposure obviously reflects; these young dentists hold the degree yet very few are confident about dental practice.  

 

 

2. Lack of Opportunities 

 

Job opportunities are relatively low for dental graduates. Practically speaking there are (no) very few government jobs and even in private jobs dentists doesn’t get paid well.  

Stipend LOL!!!!!!! 

Stipend ke naam pe to chavvanni atthanni milti hai... 

Hope you pay some respectable salary to the dental professional at your clinic.

3. Quackery

It's 2016 still some patients are getting roadside dental treatment and no strict action is taken against quacks.

The situation is getting even worse due to some educated quacks. There are many postgraduate dentists are working as visiting consultant under quacks just for money. Not only this but qualified dental surgeons are also not on back foot in misleading patients by writing invalid abbreviations after their BDS degree. For example "BDS MIDA" where MIDA stands for “Member of Indian Dental Association” and is not any degree but used to brag about qualification. 

 

Here is the list of some more unacceptable abbreviations by dentists

R.D.P for Registered Dental Practitioner

F.I.C.D for Fellow of International College of Dentists

M.I.C.D for Master of International College of Dentists

F.A.C.D for Fellow of American College of Dentists

M.R.S.H for Member of Royal Society of Hygiene

F.A.G.E. Fellow of Academy of General Education

 

 

4. The Attitude Problem

Unlike medical practitioners, many dentists are reluctant to share knowledge as they believe this will increase their own competition but in reality, they are actually restricting themselves from self improvement.

 

Everyone is willing to practice in urban areas resulting in overcrowding & artificial saturation. This cut throat competition is resulting in price war and hampering our own future.

 

 

5. Lack of Unity

 

It is my personal observation that dentists don't have unity amongst them. Dentists practicing in the same locality consider each other as rivals & the one who takes advantage of this situation is patient.  You can read my blog "Be the change you want to see" on www.DentistFriend.com

 

 

6. Lack of Insurance Coverage

 

In our country, most of the medical treatments are covered under insurance but no dental treatments are covered under insurance which is somewhere restricting the industry growth. 

7. Under-Performing Authorities

 

The authorities are getting commercial. Someone, please make them realize that they are here to create new opportunities & raise the standard of dentistry. They are not just to collect sponsorships from Tooth Paste Companies.

 

 

How can we uplift the status of Dental Profession?

 

I believe that it's not just the fault of authorities but somewhere you & I are directly or indirectly responsible for whatever dentistry is facing today. All of us want a better future but in reality, nobody wants to take the responsibility. Let's stop this blame game because circumstances won't change until and unless we consider ourselves responsible and take initiative.

 

Let's take a stand...

 

Let's play our role to uplift the status of dentistry...

Source : DentistFriend

Things You Should Know Before Setting Up Private Dental Practice

 

Things You Should Know Before Setting Up Private Dental Practice

Many of us are surrounded by people who have negative approach towards the Dental Profession. Staying arround such people... we also start to think negatively.

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I know dental profession is getting tough day by day. I agree salary of a BDS graduate is less than a labourer’s salary under MNREGA. I know PG seats are limited. Not only this but even after doing Postgraduation (MDS), the salaries in academics are shrinking these days. Dental Clinic is no more a cakewalk as everyone wants to start dental practice in a city which is already overcrowded with too many clinics. Many of you are leaving the profession to study MPH/MHA or to work at Pharmacovigilance data centers.

But still I believe that we are in one of the best professions in India. We are the Kings/Queens at our places of work. Do not loose your heart... Follow the 7 golden tips for successful Dental Practice.

 

 

1. Clinical Skills:

 

Master minimally in basic dental procedures before setting up your own practice such as Extractions, RCT, Esthetic Cosmetic Work, FPD, CD.

 

 

2. Invest Sensibly:

 

Whenever you open up your practice, do not waste your money much on interiors & show business initially. Instead invest in dental materials and equipments. Trust me nobody bothers it if you are good at your work. I have seen people investing 70% in showbiz & 30% on Dental materials/equipments.

Result: You know they cry after 6 months.

 

 

3. Have Patience: 

 

It will be fruitful only if you remain calm. Dentistry is like every other business. In the 1st year of your practice you pay from your pocket. In 2nd year you reach a break even point i.e there is NO PROFIT NO LOSS. Its only from the 3rd year that you start to earn. 

 

Suppose you are relocating after practicing for 4-5 years at some place; then regardless of your experience you will still have to have patience because your practice takes average 3 years to show profitability.

 

 

4. Keep Control on Yourself: 

 

Do not do Superman stuff in the initial years of your practice. Its very difficult to earn a name but very easy to spoil your name. Do case selection very effectively. If you don't have confidence about the case then either call a specialist or refer it to some experienced doctor. This way you might loose some money but you will make sure that it won't spoil your name.

 

 

5. Continue Learning: 

 

Attend CDE's & Conferences regularly. It will help you to remain confident of your profession and will also keep you up to the date with the new advances in the field.

6. Money Factor: 

 

Never underestimate youself. Charging less is not going to help you in long term. (Read The Price War In Dentistry By Dr.Pranav Agale). Never let the patient bargain; better let him/her go if he/she tries to bargains. Most of them will come back to you for the treatment at your described costs within a week after visiting 2-3 clinics in their vicinity. Always remember good things never come cheap.

 

TELL ME IF ANY PATIENT BARGAINS WITH AN EYE SURGEON OR  A HEART SURGEON? THEN WHY US???

 

 

7. Marketing: 

 

Do regular marketing for your clinic. Because your clinic is just like a CORPORATE firm and you are the boss (MD).  So you have to do all sorts of advertisements (ofcourse ethically) to let patient's know that YOU EXIST.

 

MORE INPUTS FROM SENIORS AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME.

Source : DentistFriend