Introducing AADOM’s December Spotlighted Member
Learn more about Christi Bintliff, FAADOM, AADOM’s December 2017 Spotlighted Member
AADOM Lifetime Member Since 2007
Croasdaile Dental Arts
Durham, NC
Q: What type of practice do you work in?
A: General Dentistry
Q: What is your title?
A: Practice/Operations Administrator
Q: How long have you been with this practice?
A: 11 years
Q: What are some of the duties you are responsible for within your practice?
A: I have a vast array of responsibilities in my position. My primary responsibility is to analyze and optimize the financial health/well-being of our practice. Such things include, but not limited to production/collections analysis, reviewing balance sheets, profit and loss statements, retirement planning, payroll costs, developing an annual budget, implementation of new technology/equipment, fee increases and establishing 3-5-10 year goals that yield continued financial growth. I am also responsible for all aspects of HR, including, but not limited to employee evaluations/counseling, annual employee benefit summary, salary increases/benefits changes or additions that are measured against current salary/benefit scales specific to our zip code, as well as nationwide and years of experience. I also, implement and train the team on new practice/operation systems and programs. In addition I oversee the implementation of marketing programs to ensure that our content in consistent with our branding while making it personable and relatable to our viewing audience.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: The most rewarding part of my career is to see that I make a difference. I am very goal oriented in my personal and professional life. I establish written goals and track them. There is nothing more rewarding than to reach and exceed those goals. I have been in the dental field for more 30 years in different roles from clinical, admin to my current position. I had the pleasure of working with a great boss/mentor for 20 years of that career and pride myself of having gone from student to teacher. For the past 11 years in addition to being a practice administrator, I am also a coach/consultant/trainer for the younger dentist/owners, while being a seasoned long term staff member. We all agree that dentists aren’t taught how to run a business while attending dental school. When I moved into this position 11 years ago, I under estimated how much work would be involved with turning the practice around. I had to change and/or improve many of the old systems and implement new ones. This had to be accomplished in a systematic prioritized manner. I love seeing how far we have come over the past 11 years. At year end, I draft a list of the challenges that we encountered through the year, as well as the list of accomplishments while asking “what did we learn from this, what we can improve on and did we excel?” Every year I am blown away by how much we have accomplished! It warms my heart to know that my years of experience are being utilized in the development of new business leaders/staff and the continued improvement of a 40 plus year old practice. “You are never too old to learn and improve”!
Q: What do you see as some of the benefits of membership to AADOM?
A: Oh gosh, there are so many things. I love the members forum, it’s such a valuable resource. The webinars provide a variety of training materials that address the topics we as practice managers need to understand.
Q: What other services would you like to see AADOM provide for dental office managers?
A: I achieved my FAADOM in 2016, and it was such a rewarding achievement. Let’s face it, we are high level learners. I would love to see more certifications offered. Some examples I think of are HR certifications, CDPM (Certified Dental Practice Manager), Practice Management, etc to continue to help us enhance our careers. I’d also like to see courses that can provide education around becoming a Certified Dental Consultant, which is my next career path.
Q: Have you ever attended an AADOM conference?
A: Yes
Q: Can you tell us about your experience?
A: Absolutely love it! In my role, you don’t have anyone in the practice, other than the dentist/owners, that you can collaborate and brainstorm with on relevant issues. It is so nice to meet new attendees and form bonds/friendships that help with our challenges and celebrate our victories.
Q: Are you planning to attend AADOM18?
A: YES I wouldn’t miss it!
Q: Are you a Fellow or are you pursuing Fellowship?
A: Yes, I received my FAADOM in 2016.
Q: What practice management software do you use?
A: Eaglesoft
Q: What company do you order the majority of your dental supplies from?
A: Patterson Dental, Darby and Henry Schein
Q: Do you or your practice support any charitable organizations?
A: Our practice supports a variety of local charities, Durham Rescue Mission Food Drive, Durham Branch of the NC Food Bank serving 6 counties in our areas, Habitat for Humanity, Crayons2Calculators, Disaster Relief, MOM, Baptist Dental Bus, just to name a few. We also participate with Freedom Day, an event established one day a year in which we provide a variety of complimentary dental services to our military, both active duty, veterans and their families.
Q: What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?
A: Outside of the office, well it’s anything but boring. I continue my love for coaching and inspiring others through my YouTube channel “Motoring Motivations”. These tiny segments incorporate my love of music, my MINI, and motivational quotes/wisdom. My husband and I are very active in our MINI community. We assist with many charity drives and assist others in mods and styling their MINIs. This year, we acquired two classic minis which we are restoring. At 50, I discovered a passion for Cosplay and I have been doing it ever since. I love creating different characters and costumes and participate in local photo shoots and events. I’ve even been featured in two magazines incorporating my cosplay character and my MINI.
