True Confessions of a Multi-Location Private Practice Owner
While this may not be as sensational as reality television, I have often felt abandoned on a deserted island over the past twenty years. My husband and I had no idea what challenges awaited us when we entered the dental field in 2005. However, this journey has been eye-opening, exciting, and enlightening.
Despite the incredible adventure of managing three locations and a team of 40 members, the support of others has been key to our success.
How AADOM Transformed My Growth and Leadership
First and foremost, I must give an incredible amount of credit to the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM). My husband is a continuing education enthusiast, but before joining AADOM, my options in the business side of dentistry were minimal.
The resources, support, and education I have accessed through AADOM have been game-changers for me and our practices.
I even led a local AADOM chapter for a time. If you think running a dental practice is challenging, leading a chapter is a whole different level of difficulty. I was surprised to see how little support exists for continuing education in the dental business realm. I encourage doctors to invest in their business teams and allow them to apply the knowledge they gain.
Strengthening Success Through Strategic Partnerships
Another crucial ingredient in our recipe for success has been our dental-focused accountant and financial planner. Without our dedicated relationship with Moss, Luse, and Womble, we certainly would not be where we are today. Their industry-specific planning has enabled us to expand our business with a clear strategy.
Through constant communication, we can adhere to a budget, offer benefits to our team, consistently reinvest in the company, and save for our future. This partnership has enabled us to be an industry leader in our community while providing stability for our team and patients.
Start your marketing strategy and planning early! This is a significant investment, but laying the groundwork immediately will lead to a more successful and viable future for your marketing efforts. To communicate effectively with your team and patients, clearly defining your business’s mission is essential. This ensures that your messaging remains consistent throughout any platform. Once you have completed your strategic planning, invest in a professional website.
Ensure that you own the site and find the right person to manage and update it; this is not something you should handle yourself, especially if you are a dental professional and not a marketing expert.
Elevating Our Business with EOS and Expert Guidance
My husband and I recently invested in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). As mentioned, we engage in a great deal of continuing education in dentistry, but working on our business from a non-dental perspective has been refreshing. With EOS, we have formed a leadership team to get a fresh perspective on how our company operates now and in the future.
If you are in the dental field, having a core group of advisors is vital to elevate your business. You cannot do this alone or even as a couple. While my husband and I have supported each other from the beginning, expanding our team and gaining diverse opinions has been incredibly valuable.
The progress we have made in just six months has been impressive. We are defining the company, documenting processes, and establishing an accountability structure to support us for the next 20 years.
In conclusion, lean on experts who can take you to the next level. Invest in a strategy that will stand the test of time. Take risks with research and confidence. Finally, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will lift you and your business to new heights.
About the Author
Brittany Allen, DAADOM
Brittany Allen is an accomplished business director passionate about creativity and leadership. Holding an MBA (and an Interior Design degree) from Baylor University, she works alongside her husband to manage a thriving multi-location private practice in East Texas.
With a keen eye for detail and a strategic business mindset, she helps lead their practice to new heights while ensuring their mission of excellent leadership in both the office and the community is always at the forefront.
Brittany enjoys traveling, playing mahjong, and hanging out with her family and cats in her free time.
