Efficiency profiles in practice
Dr A posed an interesting question.
They noticed that working consistently with the same nurse makes dentists more efficient but that practice managers prefer to rotate the nurses to maintain flexibility.
They asked what my thoughts are, so here goes.
When you boil it all down, there are two types of practice and each has different needs. Therefore, the answer depends on the type of practice you work in.
Corporate/large practices where the dentist is an employee
In this type of practice the dentist must be subservient to the needs of the organisation.
The dentist is just one of the inputs into the operation of the practice. Other factors that are equally or more important than the dentist are management, equipment and staffing.
What I observe in such practices is that the efficiency of the dentist is not maximised. Instead the dentist works in a sub-optimal way to make the practice run more smoothly and easily. Hence, for example, the dentists often work with an ever changing roster of nurses to make management and staffing easier.
This is perfectly understandable and acceptable.
Dentists who choose to work in this type of practice need to accept the fact that this is how things are. You can’t work in such a practice and then demand to have everything your own way.
By way of compensation “corporate” dentists have fewer things to worry about. No hiring, firing or having to buy expensive equipment.
Private practice where the dentist is the owner
In this type of practice the dentist can (and should!) have everything their own way.
The plan here is to make the dentist’s life as easy, comfortable and productive as possible. Equipment, staffing and management are all secondary to the needs of the owner dentist.
Optimisation of the dentist is the game.
If the dentist can be made more productive by adding equipment or staff then it makes sense to do so.
This is why a fully-optimised dentist in private practice can be 2, 3 or even 4 times as productive as an average dentist in corporate practice. The downside is that the dentist takes on the extra financial and management responsibilities involved in running a practice.
Sadly, I have seen many practice owners in private practice run their practice as if it was a corporate practice. That’s such a wasted opportunity.
Which game do you want to play?
There is no correct answer. Depending on what you value and your life situation either could be the right choice.
If you have no talent for or interest in management then “corporate” dentistry may suit you.
If you want to do your own thing and are prepared to pay the price then owning a private practice can be wonderful.
