From Slowdowns to Success: How to Boost Your Practice by 20%

As summer ends, many dental practices brace for a predictable dip in production and patient volume. It's become a ritual: patients go on vacation, kids return to school, and the hustle of daily life shifts. But why accept this? It doesn't have to be this way. Breaking old patterns and creating a new future is entirely within your control.

Wondering how to grow your practice? Consider this: many practices could grow by 10 to 20% simply by eliminating the seasonal dip. This isn't about working harder; it's about maintaining the same level of effort year-round. Imagine the impact on your practice if you could sustain your summer production levels into the fall and beyond.

The key lies in your mindset. Too often, practices fall into the trap of self-fulfilling prophecies. They expect a slowdown, and that's exactly what they get. Over my 24 years of coaching, I've seen this pattern repeatedly. But it doesn't have to be your reality. When you change your perspective, you change your outcomes.

For instance, when schools resume, don't see it as a reason for fewer appointments. Instead, focus on a different age group or specific procedures that align with this time of year. Parents, now that their kids are back in school, may find it easier to schedule their own appointments. Adults need treatments year-round, and targeting them can fill those slots.

Your team's mindset is equally crucial. If they expect a slowdown, they'll unconsciously ease up, contributing to the predicted dip. This is where leadership comes in. You must drive new systems, outcomes, and scripts to keep everyone focused and engaged.

Here’s a surprising insight: eliminating the dip can make your employees happier. When I ask team members if they prefer a slow day or a busy day, they always choose a busy day. Busy days bring energy, purpose, and satisfaction. By maintaining a steady flow of patients, you can boost morale and job satisfaction.

Be deliberate. Be persistent. Be unrelenting. Don’t accept that your schedule gets light in the fall—or any other time of the year. Set clear, actionable strategies that keep your team motivated and your patients coming in. This could involve special promotions, targeted marketing, or simply a renewed focus on patient engagement and follow-up.

Changing old patterns isn’t always comfortable. Your team might feel uneasy at first, but this is where your leadership shines. Communicate your vision clearly and provide them with a concrete plan to achieve it. When your team understands the vision and has the tools to execute it, you'll start seeing results.

Breaking old patterns requires a proactive approach and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It's about recognizing that you have the power to influence your practice's success, regardless of the time of year. By adopting a mindset of opportunity and implementing strategic actions, you can create a new future for your practice—one that defies traditional slowdowns and paves the way for continual growth and success.

As we transition into the fall, let's leave behind old narratives and embrace the possibility of a thriving practice year-round. Define your future, break those old patterns, and watch your practice flourish. Your growth and your team's happiness depend on it.