Friday, January 29, 2010

Online communication with the treatment team

On line communication in the dental industry to some is a 4 letter word - "change". All kidding aside communication is a huge component of any successful business. The ability to communicate 24/7 via the Internet and mobile allows you to have a more flexible schedule because you can access information at anytime from anywhere you are connected. Often times the lab, doctor, or the other office is in surgery all day, on vacation, or the person you communicate with is out sick. By having quick and easy access to information will allow you to be more efficient and productive with your treatment team.

Some feel why do I need to change the way I communicate? "Why don't we just keep faxing - it's more familiar. I receive a hard copy and it's how my office communicates", or "why do I have to learn something new". The problem with this view is the next generation expects to be on the Internet, they look at the old way to communicate via faxes and US Postal Mail, and say "why would I work that way. It is more expensive, reaches less people, and isn't as flexible".

The question I am asking is how are you changing the way your office communicates not only with your patients but also referring doctors and dental labs. Do the assistants and front office play a larger role then they did 5 years ago. What types of Internet tools and strategies are you implementing.

Next blog - How do you communicate 3D technology patient info with your treatment team.

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