Experience makes all the difference.
It is impossible not to notice all the impactful comments about the most recent Dykema Conference. This and all effective conferences bring the voices of experience on stage to share openly what their journey has taught them “thus far.” Regardless of the impact that may create in the moment, as time passes, the notes, take aways, and impact begins to fade for the audience, yet remains a life-shaping event to the one who lived it.
There is an abundance of DSO consultants of varying degrees. Just as there is an abundance of emerging DSOs and dental groups needing to refine their operations, improve processes, and/or scale along with other needs. It amazes me how many times I engage a group seeking assistance in these areas of operation to hear “I paid so much to a consultant but got no results.” Recently heard, “I could have bought 2 Ferraris for the money I spent!” REALLY? Dental schools not teaching business as they should is no excuse. If you are writing checks but getting no results, you should stop. In fairness, is your team following direction or ignoring it? You can lead a horse to water… That is for you to decide.
Before you sign the front of the first check, make sure the consultant(s) you hire have hands on EXPERIENCE in the areas you want help and direction your long terms goals are focused. If they possess real quality, they will point out the gaps you don’t perceive, Working in any capacity in dentistry does not qualify one to teach in an area they have zero or limited experience. Trust me. People don’t sell 5-to-7-unit DSOs because they are making too much money. If you want to grow to hundreds of locations, you should engage a consultant with experience growing and operating on that level. Every level of growth has a new set of challenges, and they are not limited to operations or policies and procedures. There is no cookie cutter fix. Everyone and group is different. One example. Employee dynamics shift with scale. You need to be as focused on your team’s evolution as you are on patient experience and collecting AR. There is no AI fix for your employees’ attitude, growth and development. It is not the same managing 10 employees as it is 50. Just one area where “if you don’t know- You Don’t Know.”
AI has many great applications among them improving dental operations and mitigating a tight labor market. On the downside, it can allow anyone to present information, in an expert format, when they have no practical experience on the subject matter. Vett them as you would any associate. The CEO may have experience, but who specifically are you interfacing with? What is their level of hands-on experience? Don’t waste your money or sell yourself short. That is stepping over dollars to pick up pennies. If you want the best results, be willing to invest in yourself and organization. You deserve no less. Experience makes all the difference.
Yours in success,
Frank