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Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial Participate in ‘The Git Up’ Challenge

We are excited to release Episode 3 of Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity! This edition focuses on the struggle of creating social media content, specifically The Git Up viral dance challenge. Our team hopes you’ll relate to the differences between the two doctors and enjoy a good laugh as Chris Bentson and Shannon Patterson attempt the two-step then cowboy boogie.

Each episode of the video series, examines generational diversity in the orthodontic workplace, reviews some of the benefits and issues associated with it, and shares some of the best practices based on our company’s experience. The ultimate goal of the series is to remove the age barrier by illustrating the differing viewpoints and asking viewers to take a step back and relate to it from the other side’s perspective.

Click here to watch, or visit Bentson Copple & Associates’ YouTube Channel!

What Do Patients and Parents Look for When Choosing an Orthodontist?

What do patients and parents look for when choosing an orthodontist? By: Mandy King
Client Support Associate

Every orthodontic practice is different so potential patients and their pa
rents will be looking for what looks like the “complete” package. Putting yourself in their shoes, let’s see what that looks like.

Parents want an office environment where their kids feel comfortable. Not only with their surroundings but with the doctor(s) and team members. The first impression of your office is usually a ‘make it or break it’ moment. As soon as parents walk in the door, they are looking around to see if the waiting room is clean and inviting. They will then make a mental note if their interaction with the front desk is a pleasant experience. Your team needs to be aware of how important that first touch truly is to a parent!

Every parent is paying attention to the treatment fees. Several parents might even get second or third opinions. However, that is not always the deciding factor. Parents also value the quality of orthodontic care their children will receive. If they have been referred to an orthodontist by their child’s dentist and other parents that rave about the quality of your practice, price can become a secondary consideration. Let’s face it, word of mouth referrals are a key to a thriving orthodontic practice.

Patients also like to feel like they are the only one in the room while they are being cared for so paying attention to them is of utmost importance. Your team members should carry on conversations with patients and make them feel important during their time in the clinic. Parents like to see that their kids are being treated with individual attention as well. Therefore, when it comes to the new patient appointment, it is crucial to exemplify these qualities so that the parent and patient will choose your practice for their orthodontic care.

Having a “patient-first” approach is certainly what every parent or patient likes to see!

What Should Be Accomplished During an On-Site Visit Interview?

What should you accomplish on a site visit interview? By: Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR
Partner, Kolbe Certified™ Consultant

When a potential employer and/or partner is interested in you, chances are you will be invited to visit the practice. Whether it is your first opportunity post-residency or you’re moving on from a previous opportunity you need to make the most out of the site visit. You should know a few basics and questions to ask about the practice and community to ensure you find the right opportunity in the right place.

When, What, and Who?
As you share with co-residents you will quickly realize that no two site visits are the same. It will be up to you to do some homework before the visit to ensure you get the most out of it. Understanding the three basic W’s – the when, what, and who will help you prepare for the visit.

When Does a Visit Take Place?
Typically you are invited to visit a practice after initial conversations with a potential employer and confirming you both are interested in moving forward. At this point, you should understand the position and have a genuine interest in the practice and the community in which it is located. I have had candidates visit practices as early as their first year of residency if the practice meets their goal parameters and is located in their geographical area of interest. Most potential employers, especially those offering a path to equity, are looking for a person who can adapt to their practice culture and they are definitely willing to wait on the right candidate.

What Does the Visit Include?
A site visit is designed to showcase a practice and the community and what it has to offer a candidate in a very short amount of time. We highly recommend an overnight stay to maximize the visit. Most of the time the visit is tailored to each candidate but has a standard format which usually includes additional interviewing with the doctor, meeting with the team, clinical shadowing, touring the community, dinner with spouses and possibly a social event in the community. We also recommend meeting with a local realtor if you feel strongly that you will accept the position.

Who Should Join You?
Although it is you the practice is interviewing if you are married your spouse will likely have a very important role during the visit. Orthodontic practices typically are very involved in the communities they serve and want to ensure that you and your family will feel comfortable and welcomed. Spouses are often the number one reason candidates reject a job offer especially if the spouse did not attend the site visit. One of the most important parts of the site visit is to envision yourself and your family living in the community where the practice is located. The second part of the “who” question I often hear is “who” pays for the site visit? A potential employer should pay for you to visit the practice. That usually includes airfare, hotel, and a rental car. It is customary that the potential employer reimburse you for travel expenses after the site visit is complete but some employers offer to make travel arrangements for you; either is fine just be sure to get a plan in writing so you understand what will be covered.

Remember your goal on a site visit is to gather as much information as possible about the clinical position, the practice culture, and its alignment with your own values, and the surrounding area and whether it will meet your social needs. At the end of a site visit, you should confirm that the opportunity has the right culture, the right team, and is located in the right place for you to start a successful orthodontic career.

Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial Addresses Pinky Promises

Dr_Boomer_Dr_Millennial_Pinky_Promises_Bentson_Copple Episode 2 of Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity is now available for viewing. This edition focuses on verbal agreements (aka pinky promises).

Aside from the common reasons you might think someone should have an agreement, such as to set forth what is expected of each doctor, what each partner gets in return, and procedures for decision-making – it’s simply an important step to a healthy business relationship. Don’t miss the insights that Chris Bentson and Shannon Patterson share in this short video.

Each edition of the video series explores diverse perspectives, attitudes, motivations, and needs of these two generations of doctors along with the changing dynamics in an orthodontic practice setting.

Click here to watch, or visit Bentson Copple & Associates’ YouTube Channel!

People & Practice: Talking with Chris Bentson

People_&_Practice_Podcast_Chris_Bentson

Chris Bentson is featured in the new episode of People & Practice, LLC‘s The Survival Guide For Orthodontists podcast, hosted by Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein. Chris discusses how orthodontists can take the disruption in the industry and use it to their advantage by offering the same convenience patients are seeking from mail order alignment companies.

This episode digs deep into the nuts and bolts of what forces are affecting the industry and the tools available right now to help independent and small group practices beat the big box orthodontic companies.

How has disruption by Smile Direct Club and Invisalign affected small independent practices
The future of orthodontics is bright for the practice that adopts teledentistry technology
Address the growth of corporate dentistry and consolidation of practices

Listen here: https://pplpractice.com/episode-5/

About the Podcast:
The Survival Guide for Orthodontists, is the podcast that makes YOU the authority in Orthodontics in your community. Get ready for insights on how to compete on expertise and trust against mail order and retail orthodontics. It’s not always about the lowest fees. Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein, co-founders of People & Practice, know the business of orthodontics. They bring you insights, tips, and guest interviews focused on helping you thrive in a massively disrupted industry. Put more patients in chairs by competing on expertise and trust, not the lowest fees. The podcast is available on the People & Practice website, Apple Podcasts, and Soundcloud.

Personal Takeaways from GORP 2019

Bentson_Copple_Associates_GORP_2019 By: Mandy King
Client Support Associate

I had the opportunity to attend my first GORP (Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program) this year in St. Louis along with Shannon Patterson and Anthony Copple. Here are a few things I took away from time spent with our industry’s current orthodontic residents and other vendors.

Orthodontic residents are rock stars! They have a drive for success and a passion for their future. As they took time out of their schedules to stop at our booth, I was able to chat with several of them about their plans and where they see themselves after residency. Many have narrowed down a general location, some are open to going anywhere, and several want to find the opportunity that is the perfect fit. I think the one common denominator was that they are all so excited about the career path they have chosen and look forward to sharing that joy with their future patients.

GORP is a great time for residents to come together and celebrate their journey and where they are headed in their professional careers. They are all working hard to achieve the same goal, so for residents from all over the country to be in one location is incredible. Being able to sit back and observe them meeting one another, talking about residency, and simply having fun together was priceless. Several of the residents expressed to me that GORP is an event that they feel like every resident should attend. They are able to take a step back to breathe and relax for a few days, while still being immersed in learning about the path they have chosen.

I think I can speak for the majority of the vendors at the event when I say we were all there for one purpose – to get to know the next generation of orthodontists and to share our knowledge about the industry or products with them. There is just something about being able to meet people face-to-face that allows you to connect with them and understand who they are as individuals.

While GORP might be known as one big party, it is so much more than that for residents. It is a time for being refreshed. It is a time for learning about the industry and what they can expect once they begin their careers. It is a time that we as vendors can take to hang out with the residents we work closely with to form relationships that will better help us serve them.

Thank you all for a great first time at GORP and I look forward to seeing you all again in the future!

Bentson Copple & Associates Launches New Video Series

New Video Series Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millenniall Bentson Copple & Associates is bringing years of orthodontic experience to its first digital video series, Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity, premiering on their YouTube channel. This series was created to help practices that have age-diverse groups of doctors and team members understand generational differences and offer fun inspiration as one works and leads their team.

It stars Chris Bentson as Dr. Boomer, who is based on Baby Boomer doctors born between 1946 and 1964. His character illustrates a generation known for having a strong work ethic, placing significant importance on professional accomplishments, and for being somewhat reserved from a social perspective. Playing opposite is Shannon Patterson, who stars as Dr. Millennial. Her character is based on the more typical characteristics of Millennial doctors who were born between 1981-1996. This group is viewed as confident, ambitious, achievement-oriented, and is known for being extremely tech-savvy. They additionally value teamwork and seek the input and affirmation of others.

This web series explores the diverse perspectives, attitudes, motivations, and needs of these two generations of doctors, along with the changing dynamics in an orthodontic practice setting. Tidbits of insight are presented regarding the differences between the generations by explaining the needs and expectations of an age-diverse workforce. By learning the motivations and generational footprint of each individual, doctors can leverage their own talents and capitalize on differences.

There are four generations in the orthodontic workforce. Shannon Patterson, Partner, CPR, CMSR, states, “I believe one of the challenges that practices face today is negotiating the differing behavior and values among doctors and team members who were born in different generations. The predominant groups I work with most are Baby Boomers and Millennials. These two generations grew up in different social and political eras that shaped their values and perspectives in the workplace. The reality is doctors of different generations view patient care differently.”

Chris Bentson, Partner, added, “Within each episode of the series, we’ll examine generational diversity in the orthodontic workplace, review some of the benefits and issues associated with it, and share some of the best practices based on our company’s experience.”

“This series offers a better understanding not only of hot button issues regarding orthodontic practice employment, associateship structure, and general practice/business leadership – but of how each generation addresses the issues based on experience and values,” said Laura Overcash, Director of Marketing. “We often take for granted what we believe is a ‘common’ understanding of everyday situations; however, it’s fascinating when you start putting age differences into perspective. While generational gaps may bring about some challenges for doctors, so long as there is a working, open relationship, age should be no barrier.”

To watch episode one of Bentson Copple & Associates’ Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity video series click here!

As an Orthodontic Resident, When Should I Begin Searching for a Practice Opportunity?

As an orthodontic resident, when should I begin searching for a practice opportunity? By: Mandy King
Client Support Associate

As a liaison for residents seeking orthodontic opportunities, my job is to provide you with support during the recruitment process with our placement services. In doing so, I am able to share insight about crafting an “About Me” letter, preparing a curriculum vitae, and answer any questions you might have, including ‘when should I start looking for an opportunity?’

You should begin to determine in which state and city or town you wish to practice after the first six months of your residency. If you wait until your last year to start the process of identifying the area in which you wish to live, you are taking a gamble on finding an opportunity. Some of you are pretty open to different areas, which is great because this will give you more opportunities. A good rule of thumb is, beginning when you are one year out from graduation, you should dedicate two hours per week to your job search depending on your geographical preferences.

If you are considering buying-in or purchasing a practice, you need to start preparing early. Be on the lookout a year or two in advance for practices for sale in the areas where you hope to purchase. Speak with a lender to determine financial goals you may need to meet in order to be extended a loan.

Do not hesitate to inquire about opportunities that interest you or to ask questions you may have about current market trends. You never know when the “right” one will present itself.

Each month our team sends out the Bentson Copple InSight e-newsletter which includes a list of available practice opportunities. If you are not receiving the InSight and would like to stay up-to-date with current orthodontic career opportunities, please click here and sign up.

Retail Healthcare & Teeth Straightening: Your Local CVS Pharmacy Could Include A SmileShop

Retail Healthcare & Teeth Straightening: Your Local CVS Pharmacy Could Include A SmileShop By: Shannon Patterson, CRP, CMSR
Partner, Kolbe Certified™ Consultant

The trend that disrupted healthcare consumerism a decade ago has entered the orthodontic market. Traditionally, retail clinics have been a convenient way for patients to visit a walk-in healthcare clinic. These clinics are located inside of retail stores, such as supermarkets and department stores and are part of a broader category called convenient care clinics (CCCs) in the medical world. Retail health is emerging as a means of delivering quality, convenient care to millions of consumers, as well as a model for healthcare systems, to consider when providing services to new and existing patient populations.

As traditional and big box retailers have watched consumers evolve, they began to understand that consumers expect convenience, quality, and transparency when choosing where to spend their time and money. Naturally, those consumers have come to expect those same experiences from healthcare providers. Therefore, retailers are aggressively stepping up and opening in-store clinics that offer convenient access to health and wellness products and services across the US, and it’s in serious growth mode. In 2007, there were 351 retail clinics in operation. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 3,000.

CVS announced in April they plan to open hundreds of SmileDirectClub shops in its stores in 2019, offering a cheaper way to straighten teeth. Maly Bernstein, CVS’ Vice President recently stated in an interview, “This partnership is about how CVS is very much on the lookout for innovative solutions we can provide conveniently, locally and affordably.” The drugstore is trying to keep up with its changing customers. Consumers are shopping online more, especially on sites like Amazon, which hurt CVS and other retail drugstores sales in traditional beauty and household products. CVS thinks focusing on health and wellness services will be a way to draw consumers in its stores.

As of today, SmileDirectClub SmileShops are open in 57 CVS Pharmacy locations in 20 states, with planned expansion to hundreds more by the end of 2019. Click here to see if there is a SmileShop location near you.

AAO 2019 / Bentson Copple reSource Show Special Extended

2019 AAO Bentson Copple reSource Show Special Extended Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth during the 2019 AAO Annual Session in Los Angeles, took part in the Practice Transition Seminar, attended one of our educational lectures, or visited our table at the Orthodontic Career Fair. It was great meeting all of you!

If you missed coming by our booth, or you couldn’t make it to the meeting this year, we have extended our BOGO Show Special to everyone! Receive a 2-year Bentson Copple reSource newsletter subscription for only $95 (normally $175). The only catch is this deal is only available through Friday, May 31st! Click here to start your subscription and use this coupon code: AAO2019.

Over 1,500 of your colleagues have already discovered what reading the Bentson Copple reSource can do for their orthodontic practice! How can you afford not to stay informed of business trends, keep your finger on the pulse of market dynamics, and read insightful perspectives regarding the world of orthodontics?

Each edition exclusively addresses the topics that are important to all orthodontists, their practices, and future endeavors. Subscribe today and begin receiving the most valuable and up-to-date news, data, and information focused solely on the business aspects of running a successful orthodontic practice!

Publication Highlights:
– Practice Management Tools
– Data-Driven Articles
– Content-Rich Interviews
– Orthodontic Business Trends
– Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
– Financial Practice Benchmarks
– Practice Marketing Insights

Thank you again to everyone who made AAO Annual Session a great show and consider taking advantage of this deeply-discounted Bentson Copple reSource show special!