I normally write about the challenges of data security for dental practices, but I after I read the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, I started thinking about how it could be applied to dentistry.
I have spent more than 20 years helping dentists grow their practices using technology, and I’ve learned a lot about growing this type of business in general.
It’s a highly competitive type of business with many moving parts. Those that flourish have something in common, they know how to leverage ‘systems’.
If you’re seeking inspiration to improve your dental practice, James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” may not be the first place you’d think to look.
After all, the book centers on personal development, not dentistry. But its core principles of small, incremental changes and systems thinking can actually be transformational when applied to running and growing a dental practice.
Building an Identity-Centric Practice
In “Atomic Habits”, Clear emphasizes that successful habit change begins with shaping our identity. Translating this into the context of a dental practice, we must identify and solidify who we are as a practice.
What values do we stand for? What unique offerings do we provide to our patients? How do we wish to be perceived in the community?
Once this identity is well-defined, every decision, from hiring to customer service, should align with this identity, reinforcing a cohesive and powerful brand image.
Applying the Four Laws of Behavior Change
Clear’s Four Laws of Behavior Change — make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying — can be applied in many ways in a dental practice.
- Make it obvious: Clear communication is vital in any business, and a dental practice is no different. From patient scheduling to treatment plans, making processes and expectations obvious for both staff and patients can streamline operations and boost satisfaction.
- Make it attractive: Creating an environment that patients find appealing can lead to increased customer retention and referrals. This might involve aesthetic choices in your office design or the way you structure your services. For instance, bundling routine check-ups with simple cosmetic procedures could make appointments more attractive to patients.
- Make it easy: The easier you make it for patients to engage with your practice, the more likely they are to return. Implementing easy scheduling via a mobile app, providing reminders for check-ups, or offering flexible payment options are all examples of this principle in action.
- Make it satisfying: Satisfaction comes from exceptional service and delivering quality dental care. Consider ways to make your patients’ experience more satisfying, like making changes that address patient anxiety like tv screens, ensuring short wait times, beverage bars, and following up after appointments to address any concerns.
Environment Matters
Clear underscores the power of the environment in habit formation. In a dental practice, this may mean creating an environment that encourages efficiency, productivity, and positivity among your staff.
A well-designed office layout can reduce stress and wasted time, while a positive work culture can motivate your team to provide the best care for patients.
Embracing Small Changes for Big Impact
Perhaps the most potent message from “Atomic Habits” is the power of small, consistent changes. Improvement doesn’t have to mean a complete practice overhaul.
Start with small changes – an improved check-in process, a tweak to patient communication, a slight adjustment in appointment scheduling to stagger the checkout process – and stay consistent.
Over time, these “atomic” changes might compound into remarkable growth and success for your practice.
While “Atomic Habits” may not be a dental manual, its insights into behavior change, systems thinking, and consistent improvement are universally applicable.
By incorporating Clear’s principles into your dental practice, you can streamline operations, improve patient satisfaction, and ultimately, grow your practice.
