Every industry across the globe has been affected by the recent pandemic outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. It stands to reason that dental practices have yet to fully realize the impact that this health crisis has had and will have on the medical field. Owners of dental practices are facing challenges now that they had not been prepared for, which makes preparing for the future of health care even more important.
Envisioning The Road Ahead
No amount of training or education could have incorporated a health crisis situation of this magnatude, which is why dental practice managers must play catch up quickly in order to map out a successful plan for the present as well as the future. Surviving a prolonged period of interruption in business and the uncertainty of an ever changing playing field has prompted many dental practices to scramble to make appropriate changes in how service is provided.
Managing Patients
Communication with patients is key in this era of continual and unforeseen change. Practices are engaging every method of patient contact at their disposal in effort to keep them informed of cancellations and office closures. Voice message, mailers, social media, texting and website updates all must be utiliized at the fullest extent in to ensure patients stay informed.
Patient protocols and screenings have been recommended to stay in place indefinitely as the new standard of care. Temperature checks, questionnaires, and waiting in cars or designated areas for appointments all are shaping how people personally interact with their dental care. Maintaining these safety protocols allow patients to seek the dental care they need without feeling at risk of contracting an illness, which allows practices to remain open and in business even if an outbreak reimerges.
Staff Management
Unfortunately, the impact of a dental practice’s closure hits staff the hardest. Patients can wait for some time to recive care under typical situations, but for staff the closure affects their livelihood. Unemployment insurance only partially meets the majority of people’s financial obligations, especially under the duress of a pandemic. Many dental practice owners choose to retain staff on salerie while under closure, however, it is important for managers to understand what is affordable and what is beyond reach financially. Planning for saving for emergency funds is recommended moving forward, calculating at least six months of expenses in the event of future closures.
Outsourcing Takes Priority
Having less staff on the payroll is ideal when facing uncertain times. Limiting the number of people who work on a daily basis will help a practice stretch out savings over time, keeping people on salary longer. Outsourcing of areas such as billing can help a dental practice streamline managerial practices as well as remain more secure financially. Dynamic Dental Solutions provides a range of dental billing services for practices of all sizes. We help your practice keep a healthy bottom line by ensuring billing is handled appropriately and efficiently, even in uncertain times.
