Dental Brokers

The economy seems to be on everyone's mind these days. Some news reports use phrases such as "global credit crisis," "recession," "inflation," "stagnation," and "stagflation." Other news says the economy has never been better. Some businesses, relying upon discretionary income, may be concerned that the upcoming period may not as good as they had hoped. So what can we as dentists do about this?

While some patients may elect to postpone elective procedures until their personal finances improve, others will forge ahead, determined to address long standing dental issues they have been planning on treating for a long time. Some patients are simply not as affected by the current economy, while others will want a pretty smile for their wedding pictures--no matter what. Some patients will limp along as dental cripples as they always have, while others will finally complete the comprehensive dentistry that we have recommended. In short, just as it is unfair to diagnose the pocketbook of our patients in determining the treatment, we should not assume that any economic conditions--good or bad--should influence our diagnoses.

There are certain "givens" in dentistry that cause patients to seek out dentists for treatment.

1. Pain. It's a powerful motivator. Patients will always need root canals, perio treatment, extractions, TMD treatment, fillings and crowns.
2. Service. Patients would rather be treated well, and offices that provide outstanding service will be favored by patients.
3. Comfort. Everyone knows which dentist in town gives a painless injection and gentle, painless treatment. That dentist is always busy.
4. Quality. Everyone wants the best for themselves.
5. Esthetics. Patients want their dental work to look realistic and beautiful.
6. Affordability. Dentists who provide patients with low monthly payment options will always be busier than those that don't.

If we as dentists understand our patients and address their issues, everyone will benefit, regardless of the economy. Usually, it's simply a matter of asking patients what they want, then giving it to them.

Happy New Year, everyone!

If you want to experience the true significance of changing an individual’s life, get involved and set the example of sponsoring  others and  enrolling members in our fantastic health care network. We use the cutting edge consumer driven health care products absolutely needed in our nation today. Our products eliminate deductibles, limits, and prior existing [...]

Are you without dental insurance?  Are you underinsured?   Do you think you can go without dental care?  Think again!   Unfortunately I was one of those people who didn’t go to the dentist as a child.  My parents couldn’t afford it.  As I got older I was scared to go to the dentist due to the [...]

Here in Oakland, there is an awesome new bakery called Bakesale Betty. Of course you wouldn't know about it from the sign out front because there isn't one. And their signature product isn't a baked good at all--it's a sandwich.

I've been hearing about Bakesale Betty everywhere--from my wife, my kids, my neighbors and my patients. My son actually wanted their soon-to-be famous fried chicken sandwich for a Hanukkah present last week!

Now their baked goods are spectacular but that chicken sandwich is what gets people lined up out the door. And I'm not exaggerating about being lined up. However, you needn't be discouraged about the line because the service is unbelievably fast.

I finally had to visit Bakesale Betty for myself because I had been hearing so much about it. When I arrived with my wife, we got in line and Allison told me to check out the sandwich production. They make one kind of sandwich only--the fried chicken sandwich. It is 2 boneless chicken breasts, buttermilk fried, with jalapeno cabbage coleslaw on soft French roll. DEE-licious! About 1,000 calories, too, and worth every calorie.

So I walked alongside the line toward the back where the employees were in full production mode, everyone working on chicken sandwiches to-go. As I walked up, a very friendly guy behind the counter says "What can I get you?" Unusual, because I was apparently cutting the line. I said my wife was in line and I was just checking out production since it was my first time there.

He says to me, "First time, huh? Can I get you a sandwich?" I said, "No thanks, maybe next time." He says with a smile, "Listen, have a short bread cookie for you and your wife, and here is a sticky date pudding cake for you to try."

It was a gift.

I was an instant convert and Bakesale Betty's newest fan. The cookie and the cake were both out of this world. And I stole a bite of my son's sandwich at lunch-- it was was soooo good! Beyond the quality of the product, the friendliness and the service were well worth the trip as a business lesson. Some businesses spend so much on marketing when a simple gift of a free product is such great advertising. And friendly, helpful service goes such a long way in developing new business relationships.

I learned later that the guy who helped me was one of the owners. A very smart businessman and a heck of a nice guy. Bakesale Betty's is a winner!

Conservative cosmetic dentistry can often provide amazing transformations. By treating Martha's four front teeth only, Martha now has the all new smile she has been wanting for a long time. Using a safe, common sedative, we were able to overcome Martha's anxiety about treatment and keep her completely comfortable and relaxed. To read more about comfort in dentistry, please read my article recently published in the November 2007 issue of Dental Economics. Happy holidays, everyone!