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!

Strategic Practice Solutions Guide on How to Avoid Holiday Burnout!

It’s that time of year when you’re wrapping up presents to give your customers, staff, friends, and family.  You’re probably also doing end of year inventory and beginning to prepare financial reports for tax season.  There are also a variety of holiday parties, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities to attend! 

If you’re not getting enough rest, your immune system could get compromised and you could get sick.  It’s not just a coincidence that many people are sick during vacation or the holidays. As a culture, we typically “burn the candle at both ends” trying to do more than we should. 

There’s only so much you can do!  Try these tips to have a healthy, more relaxed holiday season!

Gift giving!

• Give the same gift to the bulk of your list.  Perhaps monogram the gift to personalize it for each person.
• Wrap presents as you buy them, or get them wrapped at the store.    
• Encourage your family to create on-line wish lists to make choosing gifts less stressful. You’ll have a better idea of what they want, including their size and color preferences.  
• Tag team with a friend or family member to help each other shop.   You could split up your lists and cover more ground at the mall.                          

 Chill Out!

• Keep at least one evening a week to relax at home.  This doesn’t mean, baking, cleaning, wrapping presents, or shopping online. You need time to unplug and rest.  
• Do your best to get a full night’s sleep.  Begin unwinding an hour before bedtime by dimming lights, drinking a warm, caffeine free beverage, and turning off the TV and internet. Listen to light music, read, or just enjoy talking to your loved ones. 

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

• Try to maintain a fairly healthy diet, which is challenging with so many traditional offerings       being laden with fat and sugar.  Eat a small meal prior to holiday gatherings to prevent from overindulging in seasonal treats.  
• Find ways to lighten up your favorite holiday recipes. Use light butter or olive oil in place of butter.  Try a lower calorie sweetener or a half sweetener/half sugar substitute mixture when baking.   
• Plan meals in advance. If you know you’ll be extra busy, you could try using a crock pot to cook meals while you’re at work.  You could also cook several meals in advance and reheat them on your busy nights.
• Drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation. If you are at a holiday party drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage.  This will help you stay hydrated, which may help prevent a hangover.  
• Hold a cookie exchange! Bake several dozen of the same cookie, and exchange them with friends/family, who bake a different cookie.  This will cut down on your ingredients, save time, and still give you a variety of cookies to enjoy.

 Be Realistic!

• Remember that you’re human.  You’re allowed to make mistakes.  You’re also allowed to ask for help.  You can’t be everything for everybody.  
• Delegate tasks.  Ask a friend or partner to share responsibilities.  If you’re hosting a holiday party, ask guests to bring a dish to pass.   
• Whether your passion is continuing family holiday traditions, worshipping at church, or giving your time to a charity, focus on what is most important to you.  

We hope you put into practice at least one of the above tips to help avoid burnout and enjoy the holiday season.  Our goal at Strategic Practice Solutions is to help you unleash your team’s hidden potential so you can effectively manage your dental practice!  Contact us today to schedule a free practice assessment.  It’s time for your practice’s checkup! 

http://www.strategicpracticesolution.com/employer/assessments/comprehensive

http://www.strategicpracticesolution.com/contact

Tips to Recognize and Reward Your Staff to Boost Morale and Grow Your Dental Practice!

Are You Searching for Economical Ways to Recognize and Reward Your Staff?

The current economy has forced families, businesses and practices to do more with less!  To keep staff motivated and positive about work, owners and managers need to find creative, low-cost ways to recognize and reward their staff. 

At Strategic Practice Solutions we offer you guidance in every aspect of growing your dental practice.  We’ve put together a list of suggestions on how to boost your employee morale.  We hope you find it helpful! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need additional help. 

Virtually FREE Ways To Reward and Recognize!

·          Give them an extra break or a longer lunch.

·          Give them a handwritten “Thank you!” note.

·          Allow flexible work schedules. 

·          Offer a “free pass” or an extra day off to use as they wish. 

·          Feature them in a company newsletter.

·          Hold a “casual Friday” ... on a special day of the week!

·          Allow them to bring their pet to work for a day (if your workplace is suitable).

·          Post a “Thank you!” sign or “Good job!” sign near their office, the lobby or break room.

·          Offer to swap a specific task with them for a day or a week.  It may be good to show them that “the boss” isn’t afraid to get his or her hands dirty. 

Reward and Recognize with Minimal Cost!

·          Arrange to have their vehicle washed.

·          Host a luncheon which is your treat, or arrange for a pot-luck.

·          Take them to a one-on-one lunch. 

·          Hand out “monopoly” money that can be collected and used for real items such as coffee and fast food cards, nice pens, etc.

A Good Place to Start

It’s helpful to get to know your employees in order to know how best to reward and recognize their efforts.  Have a one-on-one meeting and pose the following questions:

            What name do you prefer to be called?

            What are some of your hobbies or interests?

            What type of praise do you prefer: public, private, written, verbal or…?

What reward motivates you the most?  Gift certificates, competition, a genuine Thank you note or email…?

            What is an example of the best recognition you’ve ever received?

Some Traps to Avoid

Make sure that every employee is eligible for recognition and understands what it takes to receive the recognition or reward.

Don’t schedule appreciation activities on a regular basis.  For example, buying lunch for your staff every Friday may cause them to feel entitled.  

Don’t wait until the end of the month.  The reward or recognition should be close to time of their reward-worthy performance to reinforce the behavior.

Try to say more than just “Thank you.” or “I appreciate you.”  Be specific about what you really liked so they will meet your expectations again.  It shouldn’t be a mystery why they were recognized. 

Avoid the Employee of the Month award.  Recognition should be deserved and should not become “Who’s turn is it next?” 

We hope you’ve found our list of Economical Ways to Recognize and Reward Your Staff helpful.  We encourage you to schedule a FREE Comprehensive Practice Assessment to discover where your practice is.  Together, we can design a plan to get your practice where you want it to be. 

Call today to schedule!  888-421-1808

http://www.strategicpracticesolution.com/

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