Creating Your Ideal Patient Base: A Guide to Stress-Free Dentistry

In my previous article "Are you running your practice like a sorority?" I touched on the importance of creating a clear vision for your practice.

In short: decide on the goals for your business based on your personal goals and needs.

To do this, start with these questions:

• How many hours a week do you want to work?
• How much money do you want to make?
• What kind of services do you want to provide?
• What schedule would work best for that?
• What insurances would be beneficial to accept, if any?

Once you get very clear on your practice goals, vision, and values, now it's time to move on to step two: patient base.

You will need to do this if, every week, you see a patient's name on the schedule and you feel:

• Stressed
• Overwhelmed
• Annoyed
• Frustrated
• Uncomfortable
• Resistant

To become a dentist who enjoys their life and career, you must be intentional about your patient population.

Here is what I mean by that.

Do you know what your ideal patient is?

What type of patient fulfills your practice's vision, goals, and values?

This is a tough decision for many, especially women dentists.

We, women, are conditioned to want to be:

• Liked
• Approved
• Avoid conflict

Because of that, we have a hard time setting boundaries, not accepting certain new patients in our care, or being firm about our medical recommendations.

If a patient needs a procedure that is NOT covered by insurance, can you confidently look them in the eyes and say that this must be done?

Patients deserve dentists who are strong advocates for their long-term health.

To build your dream practice filled with patients you enjoy working with, answer these questions:

What is my ideal patient?

What are their age, gender, marital status, and specific dental needs?

Are they family people or young, single professionals?

Once you have a clear idea, direct your marketing efforts toward attracting that type of patient.

Remember, no dental consultant knows you and your desires better than you. The vision for YOUR life and YOUR career is the foundation for a happy and #nostressdds dentist.