{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Shared Practices | Your Dental Roadmap through Practice Ownership","title":"Are You Making First-Year Mistakes in Dental Practice Management?","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2450,"description":"In this solo episode of the Shared Practices Podcast, Dr. Andrew Clingan reflects on his three-year anniversary of practice ownership to share exactly what he wishes he knew during his first 90 days. For any dentist stepping into ownership, mastering the fundamentals of dental practice management is far more critical than chasing the latest trends. Andrew warns against the “shiny object syndrome” of immediately investing in 3D printers, mills, or aggressive marketing schemes before securing the foundations of a healthy practice.\nSustainable growth in dental practice management comes from doing the predictable, repeatable things right every single day.\nHere is your playbook for surviving your first year of practice ownership:\n\nPlay the Long Game: Do not let the pressure of your new practice loan force you into a scarcity mindset. Leave breathing room in your schedule during the first six months so you can focus on building relationships and becoming that patient base’s new trusted dentist.\n\nFix the Leaky Bucket First: Before trying to add new patients, leverage your existing base. Focus on closing the “back door” by drastically improving your reappointment rate, which is the most reliable way to boost your dental practice profitability.\n\nMaster the Basics Before Specialty: Get highly efficient at everyday quadrant restorative dentistry and patient communication before attempting complex specialty procedures. You cannot successfully sell a high-dollar case if you lack the communication skills to properly educate the patient.\n\nLive Like an Associate: While it is tempting to upgrade your lifestyle after closing on your first practice, start conservatively. Live below your means and build up your cash reserves; having liquidity provides you with the flexibility to eventually invest in new CE, equipment, or associate doctors.\n\nMove Slowly With Leadership: The hardest skill to master in dental practice management is leading your team. Do not make massive changes...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/R3yWNcQ2RtchqPxy_YDewFv6yuvZdP2UgRa0ojRYASA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hODRk/ZjNlMmZhYTg3MGNl/ZmJkMDI3MGJlMDIz/Yjc1Ni5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}