Michigan Dental Consulting Firm Continues to Grow

Strategic Practice Solutions, a leading provider of dental practice management consulting, coaching and training in the Midwest, announced today the addition of Lisa Duquette and Lela Lawicki to the SPS team.
 

Lisa Duquette has been named Program Development Director and joins the team with extensive knowledge in training development, consultation and project management. Her role is to improve current programs such as the C.O.R.E, Revenue Directed Hygiene and Recare/Recall, create new programs and bring advancements to the Sparkplug Dental Practice Management System.

Previously Lisa worked in the automotive and health care industries and gained practical experience in instructional design, adult learning strategies and customer service. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources specializing in Training and Development from Oakland University.

“To work with a team of true professionals whose focus is always customer centered is truly exciting,” commented Lisa. “This organization is transforming the industry one practice at a time and I am privileged to be a part of it.”

Lela Lawicki joins SPS as a hygiene department coach and trainer. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and has spent the past 25 years in the dental field helping to generate double and triple the production within the hygiene departments.

Previously she has worked as a dental assistant in Endodontics, Orthodontics, and General and Cosmetic dentistry which provided a broader scope of the inter-connectedness within each field.

Lela comments, “I welcome the opportunity to work as a coach and help motivate, educate and move dental practices forward. We offer a unique blend of dental practice consulting, coaching and training customized to meet any budget and timeline.”

“The addition of Lisa and Lela allows Strategic Practice Solutions to better meet strong market demand and continue to develop and bring to market our industry-leading dental practice consulting services,” said Tricia Casasanta, Director of Operations. “I am excited about the skills and leadership they bring to the SPS team," she continued.

Based in Michigan, Strategic Practice Solutions (SPS) is a leading provider of dental practice management consulting, coaching and training in the Midwest. Since 2009, SPS has been providing dental practices with knowledge, skills and personal coaching to improve revenue, leadership, staff communication and client satisfaction. SPS offers a variety of training, seminars, certifications and workshops including, Everything DiSC: a Wiley Brand, for new and existing dental practices in Metro Detroit, Troy, St. Clair Shores, Ann Arbor, Howell, and surrounding areas including Ohio and Virginia. Learn more at www.strategicpracticesolution.com.

Strategic Practice Solutions to Exhibit at 2014 Nemeth Fall Seminar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Cynthia Vince
Strategic Practice Solutions
8187 Rhode Drive, Suite B
Shelby Township, MI 48317
Phone 586-803-7501
Fax 586-803-8130
E-mail   info@spsolutionteam.com
Website www.strategicpracticesolution.com

Howard Farran, D.D.S., MBA

Shelby Township, MI – Strategic Practice Solutions, a leading provider of dental practice management consulting, coaching and training in the Midwest, announce their participation in the Joseph R. Nemeth, D.D.S. & Associates Annual Fall Seminar on Thursday, October 23, 2014. Strategic Practice Solutions has been attending the Nemeth events since 2009.

The Nemeth Fall Seminar takes place at the Diamond Center at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. The speaker, Howard Farran, D.D.S., MBA, promises to be informative and entertaining. His One-Day Dental MBA Seminar explores principles beyond the scope of dentistry that every business needs to implement to ensure success. He will share his proven techniques to increase productivity and expand your business. His topics include the three things you manage: people, time, and money; as well as the three functions of business: make something, sell something, and watch the numbers.

“Once again, we are very excited to exhibit at Dr. Nemeth’s event,” commented Tricia Casasanta, director of operations for Strategic Practice Solutions. “No other seminar in the Midwest brings together as many dental industry professionals as Dr. Nemeth’s annual fall event.”

Strategic Practice Solutions encourages dentists, hygienists and staff members in attendance to stop by and visit booth# 30.

Based in Michigan, Strategic Practice Solutions (SPS) is a leading provider of dental practice management consulting, coaching and training in the Midwest. Since 2009, SPS has been providing dental practices with knowledge, skills and personal coaching to improve revenue, leadership, staff communication and client satisfaction. SPS offers a variety of training, seminars, certifications and workshops including, Everything DiSC: a Wiley Brand, for new and existing dental practices in Metro Detroit, Troy, St. Clair Shores, Ann Arbor, Howell, and surrounding areas including Ohio and Virginia. Learn more at www.strategicpracticesolution.com.

Looking to Hire Motivated Leaders? Find Out the "Nine Benefits of Hiring a Veteran."

Do you struggle to find dependable and motivated leaders to join your practice? 

Wouldn’t having a team member who is always punctual, loyal, and dedicated, be an asset to you?

Do you agree that not only is it difficult to find quality staff, but it’s nearly impossible to find enough time to search for candidates while running your practice?

If you answered “Yes!” and are searching for assistance with dental staffing in Michigan, consider hiring us to recruit a Veteran for your team.  

They have put their lives on the line to protect our country from harm, and have an incredible set of skills and characteristics that could be invaluable to you, including:

• They have incredible teamwork and leadership skills.
• Veterans are skilled at following instructions and procedures.
• They typically have strong work ethic, are trustworthy and dependable.
• They are well travelled and have a deep understanding of working with diverse populations.
• Veterans are accustomed to working under pressure or troubleshooting when unexpected situations occur.
• Hiring veterans can have a positive effect on your practice’s public relations.  They may help you attract new patients who are also veterans or have family serving in the military.
• Veterans understand safety and health standards, and will uphold all guidelines to protect themselves and others.
• Above all, they can be extremely loyal and will be motivated to accomplish their goals.  
• When you hire a qualified veteran, you may also be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. 

We can help you with your permanent and temporary dental staffing in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and surrounding areas.  We take the time to thoroughly screen candidates, including verifying their licenses, certifications, and references.  When you hire us for permanent talent acquisition we also offer human resource coaching and a 180 day service guarantee. 

"If you own a business, the best way to thank a Veteran is to hire one."
-Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis-

Contact us today at 888-421-1808 to start the process to hire a Veteran for your practice.  They give so much to us and ask for little in return. 

The Premiere Dental Office Management Team Warns, "Don't be a Zombie Dentist!"

"Don't Be A Zombie Dentist!"

Does stress or fatigue cause you to struggle to concentrate on the things your patient or co-worker is saying? 

It’s easy to let your mind wander, especially if you’re stressed, tired, or busy.   We understand that it takes a lot of time and energy to succeed at dental office management in Michigan.   But you owe it to your patient, co-worker, friend, child, partner, and YOURSELF to be present. 

Zen masters state that “Being present is being free.  When you live in the past or future, you miss out on the peace in the present.” 

When you aren’t being present, you rob yourself and others from a true connection.  At the workplace, if you don’t foster a connection with your patients, you could miss something very important.  It could be a comment they make about their life, their care plan, their finances, etc. Or, they just may not return if you aren’t engaging enough.  No one wants their dentist to be a zombie … just going through the motions!  Remember that people feel truly cared for when someone listens to them.  Don’t you feel extra special when someone remembers your name or a fact about you? 

What will you gain from being more present?  You’ll feel calmer because you’re able to focus on one task or person.  You’ll work more efficiently instead of over multi-tasking.  You’ll also gain a genuine connection with your patients and co-workers, which will make your workplace more positive. 

Our consulting and practice coaching have helped hundreds of clients with dental office management in Michigan and Ohio.  The following tips are simple yet easy to overlook. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition to help you stay focused.

Remove extra distractions.  Try not to carry a cell phone on your person.  Even when your phone is on vibrate, it can cause a commotion when it buzzes. 

If you find music relaxes your patients, try to play only instrumental music to make conversation easier. 

Review your patient’s file in a quiet location where you’re less likely to be interrupted.**

If your morning has been challenging, try to take a quick walk during a break to get re-energized. 

Brendon Burchard, a self-help guru, states that at the end of our life we typically ask three questions.  

“Did I live?”  
“Did I love?”  
“Did I matter?” 
Burchard reminds us that to live with purpose and passion.  He says, “Having a plan for your life, knowing what you want to achieve, having a purposeful meaning to get up every day, all these things are “being present” in your life.”  

In the field of dentistry, you certainly matter to your patients.  You have the knowledge and skills to not only make their smiles more beautiful, but to take their pain away and improve their health.  Make a difference today and be present with your patients.  We’re here to help you with your dental office management in Michigan.  Contact us today at 888-421-1808 to schedule a practice analysis or to arrange a practice coaching session 

We'd also enjoy reading your thoughts below.  Please feel free to share the ways you stay present at work.  

**If you don’t do so already keep a small note section in your patient’s file.  If they mention their job, vacation, hobby etc., make note of any pertinent facts.  The next time they schedule an appointment refresh your memory with these notes and use it as an ice breaker for the current visit.  This tip doesn’t necessarily help you stay present, but it can make your patient feel that you listen well. 

Strategic Practice Solutions Shares "What Everyone Should Know About the Changes in CPR!"

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) has changed significantly over the years.  As part of your dental office management team, you most likely arrange for your staff to be trained and certified accordingly.  However, if you haven’t taken a course in the last five years you may be shocked at how CPR has evolved.  It’s especially amazing to think that standardized training for CPR has only been around for 40 years.  We hope you enjoy this brief look back on the evolution of CPR. 

The Early Years

CPR was first documented in 1740 Paris, as a way to try resuscitate drowning victims with forced air into their mouth.  It wasn’t until 1903 that Dr. George Crile successfully resuscitated a human by using chest compressions.  In 1956, Peter Safar and James Elam invented mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, which the U.S. military adopted to revive victims the following year. 

Standardized Training

The American Heart Association (AHA) formally endorsed CPR starting in 1963.  However, standardized training, called Medic 2, was not in place until 1972.  Leonard Cobb helped train over 100,000 people during the first two years of this program. 
Emergency dispatchers were trained starting in 1981, to provide telephone instructions to on-scene caregivers, while they wait for backup EMT personnel.  Recognizing the need for alternate guidelines for infants and children, The American Academy of Pediatrics co-sponsored the first pediatric courses in 1988.  In 2005, the AHA brought CPR training into the comfort of your living room with the Family & Friends® CPR Anytime® kit. This kit educated participants on the basics of CPR, AED, and choking assistance in just 20 minutes. 

Big Change Shakeup

Probably the most significant changes occurred starting in 2008 when the American Heart Association began recommending the Hands-Only™ CPR method.  Followed up by their 2010 changed from the ABCs (Airway-Breathing-Compressions to the recommended CAB (Compressions-Airway-Breathing.)  These changes make it clear that chest compressions are the most effective part of CPR and should be started immediately when encountering an unresponsive victim.  The Hands-Only™ method was created in hopes of increasing bystander CPR, because it removes the fear of disease transfer via mouth-to-mouth.

At Strategic Practice Solutions, we offer CPR training certification workshops in our office, or we’ll come to you.  You will find that all of our workshops, from radiology to leadership and beyond, are lead by experts who will transform your staff into a winning team!  Strategic Practice Solutions is the ultimate partner to ensure your dental office management is a success!

Contact us today to schedule your session, or for group discount information! 

Resources to Learn More:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/WhatisCPR/CPRFactsandStats/History-of-CPR_UCM_307549_Article.jsp

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/the-changing-approach-to-cpr/

http://wemakeitsafer.com/blog/2011/05/cpr-has-changed-what-you-need-to-know/

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/39715696/ns/health-heart_health/t/cpr-switch-chest-presses-first-then-give-breaths/#.UxiYi85QYtw

Got the Winter Blues? Six Simple Strategies to Help Your dental office management Michigan!

Tips to Help Your Dental Office Management and Team Combat the Winter Blues!

 
Have you, or your team members been feeling sluggish or irritable?

Are they struggling with concentrating on regular work tasks?

It’s very possible that Seasonal Affective Disorder is the culprit!  This winter has been especially ruthless!  Between the snow, bitter cold temperatures, and gray skies, it’s no wonder our productivity has gone down.  Not only can SAD affect your mood, it can also cause more sick days, and really challenge your dental office management Michigan.

Studies show that approximately six percent of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with an additional 14 percent of people with a milder form of SAD, generally called “the winter blues.” 
 

What causes SAD?

Experts aren’t 100% sure, but they believe it may be caused by a lack of sunlight.   A lack of light may affect the brain chemical serotonin that affects your mood.   Anyone can get SAD, but it’s more common in women between the ages of 15 and 55, who live in geographical areas where winter days are short.  Most suffer symptoms from October through the end of April.

Symptoms of SAD

You feel sad, moody, anxious, or grumpy.
You lose interest in your day-to-day activities, and hobbies.
You eat more, especially carbohydrates, like breads, pasta, and cookies.
You gain weight.
You feel more tired during the day and sleep more than usual. 

How to keep staff morale up during the winter blues!

1. Try light therapy using a fluorescent light box.  You can find a portable light box for under $ 100.00.  A person typically needs just 15 to 30 minutes a day for optimum results. 
2. Keep your team hydrated with water.  This will combat fatigue, ease headaches, and can also help decrease food cravings. 
3. Encourage them to exercise.  If you have room in your office, add a treadmill, exercise bike, or ping pong table.  You could also arrange to have a staff break where everyone takes a turn playing an X-Box or Wii.  Not only is the physical activity great, but there’s sure to be laughter involved too, which is always therapeutic! 
4. Hire a massage therapist to come to the office to give chair massages.  Just a few minutes of a relaxation massage will improve your mood, reduce stress, and aid circulation.
5. Add a white noise machine.  The sound can promote relaxation and help with noise distractions. 
6. Try some aromatherapy by placing essential oils, or potpourri around the office.  Citrus, Peppermint, Lavender, and Rosemary help reduce stress relief, anxiety, and fatigue.  

At Strategic Practice Solutions, we offer some of the best tools for dental office management Michigan has to offer.  We hope you may incorporate one or more of the above suggestions to help improve your team’s mood and productivity. 

Please contact us if you need further help improving your team’s potential through leadership training, dental recall training, case management, and more. We'd also love to hear how you combat the "winter blues" below. 

Hang in there, spring will be here eventually!  

http://www.strategicpracticesolution.com/

Five Tips to Help Your Changes Stick in 2014 from Strategic Practice Solutions!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions or set goals each year?

Have you felt defeated when met with challenges that cause you to break your resolution or lose sight of your goal?

Do you wonder why change is so difficult?

Making changes to our personal or professional life can be uncomfortable, awkward, or painful.  Our natural instinct is to fear pain, so we avoid change.    

Sometimes we don’t change because we aren’t exactly sure where to begin.  We may feel that all of the pieces of life or work aren’t fitting together right, but remain blind to the cause or causes. 

Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Try not to make too many changes at once.  Remember that you may have to learn to walk before you can run.
2. Accept that you will occasionally slip up.  When it happens don’t get overly discouraged and give up.  Identify what triggered the slip, and try again. 
3. Gather friends and loved ones to serve as support. 
4. Write down your goals and keep track of your journey.  This will help you identify what situations help you succeed, or set you back. 
5. Celebrate small milestones. 

Change is hard, but you’re not alone.  When you choose Strategic Practice Solutions, you’ll receive continuous help with making positive changes to grow your dental practice.  We offer a multitude of services to you and your dental team that help to balance your work and home life, increase your practice’s profit and decrease expenses. Our professional coaching will transform your practice into a winning practice. 

Schedule a practice analysis today!  We’ll help you assess where your practice is now to help determine where you want to go in the future. 

http://www.strategicpracticesolution.com/employer/coach/customized_practice_checkup

Strategic Practice Solutions can help you make your changes stick in 2014!