Taking over a practice
A dentist recently asked me a question about taking over a practice from an older, very well-established dentist.
The problem was trust.
The old dentist who had sold the practice was very well-liked and trusted by the staff and patients and the incoming dentist was having a hard time getting respect.
Many patients were not wanting to make appointments with her, they preferred to wait and be seen by the old dentist.
I made a few suggestions:
Work very hard on getting the staff (both chair-side and front desk) to trust you by showing them your good work. Let them know that you do good dentistry.
The same applies to the older dentist. Show him your good work so that he too trusts you.
Put your dental certificate and a portrait in the waiting room for patients to see. Get the old dentist to do the same. Putting your certificates up together shows that you trust each other.
I’d also advise you to be very watchful of the old staff and the old dentist.
The old dentist has been paid handsomely for the practice. They need to be fully supportive of the transition. They need to build you up in front of the staff and old patients. Any reluctance to support you must be dealt with immediately.
Same with the staff. Any staff member who is not 100% supportive of you as the incoming dentist needs to go.
That sounds harsh but they have to realise that you are now the one who pays their wages so they must be loyal to you.
