The onboarding process for Associate Dentists is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for their long-term success. Despite this, many practices take a very ad hoc approach without the proper planning it deserves.

It's crucial for practice owners and managers to orchestrate an efficient onboarding experience…

Read article

Effective communication with patients is a necessity in any successful dental practice. Every interaction counts towards patient satisfaction and loyalty, from handling inquiries over the phone to addressing clinical concerns. However, being a confident communicator doesn't come naturally to everyone. That's where the mantra "practice makes perfect" comes into play.

As owners and leaders in your business, you know that having longstanding, loyal patients is positive - we all want our patients to come back and see us. While we know returning patients are the ideal, consider whether you've truly explored the Lifetime Value of your patients. What's more, have you explained…

Read article

Patient complaints are an inevitable part of running a dental practice, and how these complaints are addressed can significantly impact the reputation and success of the practice. When a patient complains about an Associate Dentist in your practice, it's essential to handle the situation with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to resolving…

Read article

Credabl and Prime Practice have progressed to the next phase in their long-term plans for growth, with Credabl completing the acquisition of Prime Practice and appointing Michelle Gianferrari as its permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This builds on Credabl’s initial strategic shareholding of Prime Practice in 2022 and capitalises on the symbiosis between…

Read article

The dynamic relationship between Associate Dentists and Practice Owners plays a crucial role in the success and harmony of a dental practice. While many practices maintain a positive and collaborative environment, it's common for Associate Dentists to encounter challenges and issues with owners and their practices. Identifying and addressing these is essential…

Read article

The global landscape for dental practices has evolved significantly, with new challenges emerging alongside ongoing changes in the economy and patient behaviour. Amidst these shifts, maintaining a steady flow of appointments and ensuring practice profitability remains a top priority for dental teams. In this blog post, we'll explore contemporary strategies to address…

Read article

Providing exceptional patient care should be a top priority for any practice aiming for growth and a positive community reputation. While dental practice owners have control over their own patients, ensuring consistency across Associate Dentists in their team can be challenging. As such, they must provide support, encouragement, and guidance in their…

Read article

Effective patient handovers are crucial in maintaining a smoothly functioning practice. However, a common issue Practice Managers often encounter is Front Office Coordinators (FOCs) needing to be more readily available when patients leave the treatment room.

A seeming 'avoidance of looking after the patient' can lead…

Read article

If you're looking to create a more positive and productive work environment, learning how to use the Five Languages of Appreciation may be just what you need. According to authors Gary Chapman and Dr Tony Robbins, these are the five ways people prefer to feel appreciated: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts,…

Read article

Welcome to Part 5 of our 10-part mini-series dedicated to enhancing the relationships, environment, productivity, and happiness of the Associate Dentists in your practice.

Associate Dentists significantly influence the success and growth of a dental practice by contributing to its production, reputation, and patient satisfaction.

Welcome back to our insightful 10-Part Mini-Series. In Part 4, we dive into strategies that recognise not just the contributions but the pivotal role Associate Dentists play in the growth and outreach of your dental practice.

The dynamic landscape of the dental industry requires more than…

Read article

Welcome to Part 3 of our 10 Part Mini-series aimed at improving the relationships, environment, productivity, and happiness of the Associate Dentists in your practice.

In the fast-paced and challenging field of dentistry, optimising Associate Dentist performance is crucial to practices wishing to achieve growth, deliver…

Read article

Welcome to part 2 of our 10-part mini-series aimed at improving the relationships, environment, productivity and happiness of the Associate Dentists in your practice. 

Fostering a sense of autonomy and decision-making among Associate Dentists is crucial for real practice success. Allowing Associate Dentists to take ownership…

Read article

Welcome to part 1 of our 10-part mini-series aimed at improving the relationships, environment, productivity and happiness of the Associate dentists in your practice.

Managing associate dentists requires careful planning, effective communication, and a proactive approach to address the various challenges that may arise. From maintaining…

Read article

What is the difference between a satisfied customer and a raving fan?

In the business world, there's a significant difference between satisfied customers and raving fans. While a customer is defined as someone who receives good service, a product, or an idea, a "raving fan" is…

Read article

The past six months have presented unique challenges for the dental community. From grappling with staff shortages and recruiting Front Office Coordinators and Dental Assistants to embracing teledentistry and cutting-edge technologies, and even weathering the financial struggles of a recession – we've heard you. Our conversations with clients during coaching sessions, interactions…

Read article

Business owners often say to me that finding motivated, skilled, and loyal team members is challenging and getting them to stay can be even more so.

It can be so disheartening when you employ what you believe to be the right person for the job and…

Read article

Leading with authority can be a powerful tool in leading your team to success. Not only does it help create a clear direction for your practice, but it also inspires confidence and trust. When you make decisive decisions and take charge, your team can feel more secure in their roles and responsibilities.…

Read article

If you asked your team members what the highest priority for the practice is, they would likely say that it's ensuring your patients have a great experience. We know that patients don't just want quality dental care; they also want to feel valued and cared for throughout their entire interaction with your…

Read article

Many awards will have new rules on temporary shutdowns from 1 May 2023, including the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.

What’s changing?

From 1 May 2023, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award will have updated rules on directing…

Read article

Self-care and benefits of spending time in nature for dental professionals

Over the past twenty years coaching business leaders and their teams, I have noticed a positive correlation between Self/Team growth and Revenue/Profitability growth. Whilst it can be sometimes difficult to measure, there is a natural…

Read article

One of the biggest challenges facing leaders today is how to ignite the level of engagement that results in a thriving, engaged and happy practice. So here are three questions to get the ball rolling:

1. Do you feel like you are dragging your team up…

Read article

Prime Practice has been supporting the growth of dental practices for the last 26 years, and we’ve seen practices go through a lot over those years. From the rise of the corporates to the influx of dentists from new dental schools and the introduction of the OHT; from a global recession (just…

Read article

Does this sound familiar?

"Why is Dentistry so expensive!"
"Can I get a discount on my treatment?"
"Wow, that's a lot - I guess I’m paying for the Dentists new car huh!”
"My neighbour had a crown from the place down the road, and
it only cost them $800!"

Read article

The culture of your practice and the way it functions could be having a greater impact than you think on the retention of clients. By John Burfitt

In the simplest terms, company culture can be defined as how your practice does what it does. That…

Read article

There was a time when it was considered reasonable for a dentist to adopt a didactic and paternalistic role. The patient was given a diagnosis followed by a recommended treatment plan, and they were expected to follow the dentist’s advice.’ But times have changed, and so have the patient’s mindset and their…

Read article

With the technological advancements in recruitment and communication, it is easier than ever to keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process. So why is it then that phenomenon’s like ‘ghosting’, the term used to describe ending a relationship by not responding to texts or calls, has gained such popularity in recent years?…

Read article

We've been asked on many occasions, "we're a small business; why do we need an employment contract for employees?”.  Before we answer, let's confirm what an employment contract is:

An employment contract is an agreement between an employer and employee that sets out terms and…

Read article

As a dental practice looking to grow your team or replace a key team member, chances are you will post a vacant position on a job board at some point in your career, here are a few common mistakes that practices make when posting a job ad that hinder their recruitment process. 

Read article

Do you have new team members?

Many practices are finding themselves employing staff without dental background or experience. A number of people are deciding to move to a new career or have a change of focus and see dentistry as an exciting choice, bringing fresh energy…

Read article

Media Release

Prime Practice, [25 March 2022]. Credabl and Prime Practice are joining forces to create the next evolution in holistic service provision for the medical, dental and veterinary communities. On 17 March 2022, Credabl Holdings acquired a strategic shareholding in Prime Practice (Prime), with…

Read article

In an era when the workplace is undergoing a revolution, the four-day working week is being hailed as a good option in creating a more effective practice. By John Burfitt 

The past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic have shaken up our perception of what…

Read article

Read article

The gender pay gap is holding female dentists back—as well as the profession. Here’s how practices can remove barriers to women’s equal participation in the workforce. By Angela Tufvesson with contribution of Bethan Flood.

Australia’s gender pay gap is just over 13 per cent. This…

Read article

Australian workers show a strong preference for part-time work. So how can practices best balance the needs of staff requesting fewer hours with the demands of the business?

Read article

Read article

Read article

Do you have the rejected dentist syndrome?

Edited and updated on October 15, 2020.

When we ask dentists the question “if we looked into the mouths of everyone in the population, would we see…

Read article

Infection Control Training and Education

Your team and your patients are no doubt feeling a little nervous about dental visits now. All clinical staff members need to understand the principles that are outlined in regulatory documents and to be able to apply them practically. Education is critically…

Read article

Difficult conversations with staff and suppliers can become even more difficult depending on your mode of communication. Here’s how to convey your message with empathy and respect. By Angela Tufvesson

Difficult conversations with staff members, suppliers and even patients are unavoidable when you’re running a dental…

Read article

There has been much interest in the latest Full Federal Court decision which has reconfirmed that casual employees who work regular (happens at set hours and normally set days) and systematic (rostered well in advance) hours, and are long term (a minimum of 6 months but normally over a period of years) indicating “predictable…

Read article

An integral piece of your required documentation at your practice, in adhering to Australian and New Zealand Compliance protocols, is the Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual.

This manual must be an ultra-comprehensive document that includes information about procedures specific to the daily routines of…

Read article

Supporting each other through the current challenging times is not easy and some may find it quite daunting.

Principal Dentists and their team are worried about their personal health and well-being, as well as that of their families and patients. Owner Dentists have the added concerns…

Read article

In certain situations, the human body is a perfect environment for microorganisms to grow. Both harmless and harmful microorganisms are found on our skin, mucous membranes, and other body orifices. Normal flora is microorganisms that live both on and/or in our body in a symbiotic and non-harmful relationship with us.

People wearing face masks when they are not in clinical environments is a common sight these days. Air quality in some regions has meant increased use of surgical style face masks in the hope of filtering out pollution. 

In dentistry, clinical staff work in close proximity…

Read article

Viral Evolution - A Timely Reminder in Support of a Back to Basics Approach

What is a virus?

Viruses are microorganisms that exist almost everywhere. They can infect most living things including humans, animals, plants, fungi and…

Read article

There are regular changes with regard to HR and Payroll matters within the Australian business landscape and keeping up to date can sometimes be daunting. Here are just a few that you may have missed. All are in effect now.

Please ensure you familiarise yourself and…

Read article

The opportunity to request Flexible Work Arrangements is now available for certain employees under the National Employment Standards (NES). The Fair Work Act states: “To be eligible you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months on a full-time or part-time basis. Long term casual employees who have a…

Read article

Reused and reduced.

Recycled and repurposed.

Composted and compounded.

Historically in dentistry, we have been a high waste, non-reusable industry. We’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to reduce and reuse but there seem to be numerous obstacles…

Read article

We all have a responsibility to provide a safe and fair workplace for our employees. Creating a mentally healthy Practice has benefits for both the Principal Dentist, the employees and the patients!

A mentally healthy practice should support the mental health of the individual and the…

Read article

Fair Work states that a manager will find taking notes being “useful for keeping a record of your meetings and discussions with employees. Employers are advised to always keep written records throughout the process of managing performance or conduct issues”

Notes can be comprehensive, bullet points or…

Read article

Is reference checking worth the time and effort to complete? Many say that reference checking is a waste of time, but completed correctly, it can assist to confirm your decision….or confirm the red flags you had about the candidate.

We recommend you complete reference checking on…

Read article

It is quite often the case within a dental practice that a new employee is requested to complete a trial. If you are requesting this at your practice……are you completing it correctly??

Trials are traditionally unpaid and should be for no more than a few hours…

Read article

Estimate reading time: 3 - 5 mins

An integral piece of your required documentation at your practice, in adhering to Australian and New Zealand Compliance protocols, is the Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual.

This manual must be an ultra-comprehensive…

Read article

A support person is someone who accompanies an employee into a meeting, normally a performance counselling/disciplinary meeting. They are chosen and requested by the employee as the support person.

The manager conducting the meeting, must ensure that the support person is clearly aware that it is…

Read article

Estimated reading time: Approx. 5 minutes

Whenever asked about infection prevention and sterilisation protocols and procedures, the three most common statements we hear from different members of the dental team are:

“Oh, the girls do that.”

Sharing interview feedback is not only an important aspect of the hiring process, but the timeliness of the feedback is equally important. Timeliness of feedback, impacts the candidates and the employer.

Often this important aspect is missed out because employers are either too busy, they do…

Read article

The Dental Council of NSW has issued an important announcement on the. 7th of November 2018 that it will carry out random infection control audits at dental practices whether or not a practitioner or practice has been subject to a complaint.

"Following a serious infection control…

Read article

Estimate reading time: 5-7 minutes

Is your practice compliant?

Infection control breaches should never ever be taken lightly. With most practices achieving an average of 77% compliance rate when audited, the risks are very real and concerning.

Think for a moment about somebody you really trust. It might be a family member or close friend. It might be a professional person such as a doctor or an accountant.

Whoever it is, it is likely that you have some sort of history with that…

Read article

Ever have this experience?

You thought the appointment went really well; the patient was listening, they were smiling, they were nodding, they accepted treatment. You thought they went to the front desk and made an appointment, only to find out later that they didn’t. Or worse…

Read article

Dental Practices across Australia need to be aware of the recent amendment to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. A Casual Conversion clause was recently included and is effective 1 October 2018.

The new clause will affect the obligations of all dental practices employing casual…

Read article

Edited and updated on October 15, 2020.

When dentists offer treatment options, they do so with the patient’s optimum oral health in mind. It seems logical that a person should choose the best option as determined by their health professional. Even though there is…

Read article

Most patients aren’t really concerned about their missing tooth. It’s long gone and there’s no pain.

But as dentists, we know that it’s effects are causing more problems.

So, we recommend a bridge or an implant.

Every now and again a new way of thinking causes a paradigm shift in our society. We’ve seen this in technology over the past 25 years. Encyclopedias, typewriters, DVDs have been replaced by google search, text messages, and Netflix. What used to be ‘normal’ is now no longer useful. What used to…

Read article

When diagnosing as a dentist, there is always the chance of a backlash from patients where they could react negatively. 

Sometimes it is about the price, and other times it is because they didn’t realise what is actually happening in their mouth.

The Problem
Here’s what most skilled dentists do:

They bond well with the patient and develop rapport. They spend a lot of time in the exam explaining the treatment that they recommend. They get the patient back for an extra consultation and have prepared a an optimal treatment plan.

These days, most dentists and practices are keen to explore ways to get new patients through the front door. It’s now commonplace to spend big dollars on advertising and marketing your services, boosting SEO, running special offers on various platforms, or working out ways to encourage existing patients to refer their family…

Read article

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” [Warren Buffett]

A question I often pose to a new dentist I am working with is: What is the most valuable thing you have…

Read article

Edited and updated on October 15, 2020.

Depending on the type of practice you run, you probably see about 15 patients every day. That’s 15 conversations about next steps and potential treatment options; which means 15 opportunities for you (or your front desk coordinator)…

Read article

One of the biggest challenges of being a dentist is that you’ll often hear the phrase “I hate going to the dentist.”

- Ouch!

No matter how thick-skinned you might be, this is a confronting statement to hear over and over…

Read article

In the past 10 years, I have worked with thousands of dentists across the globe on their practice success. In that time, I have seen many patterns emerge, especially in the way dentists think and behave that damages their success.

Here are the top 10 mistakes I’ve seen dentists unknowingly make…

Read article

Whether it’s your own resume or a resume you have received for a role, there are several areas within a resume that may be detrimental to the applicant’s progression to the next stage – sometimes referred to as “red flags”. Many of these may be addressed in interviews, but some may hinder…

Read article

Prime Practice Compliance, a division of Prime Practice, is launching Infection Prevention Online Self-Assessments.

The Online Self-Assessment will allow Australian and New Zealand dental practices to undertake fast, cost-effective assessments that are fully compliant with the current AUS/NZ standards for infection prevention. The Audit tool will produce a comprehensive audit report and action…

Read article

Prime Practice, the leading independent practice management company in the southern hemisphere, is excited to announce the launch of its new Compliance division, headed by Meg Sharpe. 

Infection prevention requires co-operation and adherence to strict rules by the whole dental team. Overall responsibility for infection prevention…

Read article

The onboarding process for Associate Dentists is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for their long-term success. Despite this, many practices take a very ad hoc approach without the proper planning it deserves.

It's crucial for practice owners and managers to orchestrate an efficient onboarding experience…

Read article

Effective communication with patients is a necessity in any successful dental practice. Every interaction counts towards patient satisfaction and loyalty, from handling inquiries over the phone to addressing clinical concerns. However, being a confident communicator doesn't come naturally to everyone. That's where the mantra "practice makes perfect" comes into play.

As owners and leaders in your business, you know that having longstanding, loyal patients is positive - we all want our patients to come back and see us. While we know returning patients are the ideal, consider whether you've truly explored the Lifetime Value of your patients. What's more, have you explained…

Read article

Patient complaints are an inevitable part of running a dental practice, and how these complaints are addressed can significantly impact the reputation and success of the practice. When a patient complains about an Associate Dentist in your practice, it's essential to handle the situation with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to resolving…

Read article

Credabl and Prime Practice have progressed to the next phase in their long-term plans for growth, with Credabl completing the acquisition of Prime Practice and appointing Michelle Gianferrari as its permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This builds on Credabl’s initial strategic shareholding of Prime Practice in 2022 and capitalises on the symbiosis between…

Read article

The dynamic relationship between Associate Dentists and Practice Owners plays a crucial role in the success and harmony of a dental practice. While many practices maintain a positive and collaborative environment, it's common for Associate Dentists to encounter challenges and issues with owners and their practices. Identifying and addressing these is essential…

Read article

The global landscape for dental practices has evolved significantly, with new challenges emerging alongside ongoing changes in the economy and patient behaviour. Amidst these shifts, maintaining a steady flow of appointments and ensuring practice profitability remains a top priority for dental teams. In this blog post, we'll explore contemporary strategies to address…

Read article

Providing exceptional patient care should be a top priority for any practice aiming for growth and a positive community reputation. While dental practice owners have control over their own patients, ensuring consistency across Associate Dentists in their team can be challenging. As such, they must provide support, encouragement, and guidance in their…

Read article

Effective patient handovers are crucial in maintaining a smoothly functioning practice. However, a common issue Practice Managers often encounter is Front Office Coordinators (FOCs) needing to be more readily available when patients leave the treatment room.

A seeming 'avoidance of looking after the patient' can lead…

Read article

If you're looking to create a more positive and productive work environment, learning how to use the Five Languages of Appreciation may be just what you need. According to authors Gary Chapman and Dr Tony Robbins, these are the five ways people prefer to feel appreciated: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts,…

Read article

Welcome to Part 5 of our 10-part mini-series dedicated to enhancing the relationships, environment, productivity, and happiness of the Associate Dentists in your practice.

Associate Dentists significantly influence the success and growth of a dental practice by contributing to its production, reputation, and patient satisfaction.

Welcome back to our insightful 10-Part Mini-Series. In Part 4, we dive into strategies that recognise not just the contributions but the pivotal role Associate Dentists play in the growth and outreach of your dental practice.

The dynamic landscape of the dental industry requires more than…

Read article

Welcome to Part 3 of our 10 Part Mini-series aimed at improving the relationships, environment, productivity, and happiness of the Associate Dentists in your practice.

In the fast-paced and challenging field of dentistry, optimising Associate Dentist performance is crucial to practices wishing to achieve growth, deliver…

Read article

Welcome to part 2 of our 10-part mini-series aimed at improving the relationships, environment, productivity and happiness of the Associate Dentists in your practice. 

Fostering a sense of autonomy and decision-making among Associate Dentists is crucial for real practice success. Allowing Associate Dentists to take ownership…

Read article

Welcome to part 1 of our 10-part mini-series aimed at improving the relationships, environment, productivity and happiness of the Associate dentists in your practice.

Managing associate dentists requires careful planning, effective communication, and a proactive approach to address the various challenges that may arise. From maintaining…

Read article

What is the difference between a satisfied customer and a raving fan?

In the business world, there's a significant difference between satisfied customers and raving fans. While a customer is defined as someone who receives good service, a product, or an idea, a "raving fan" is…

Read article

The past six months have presented unique challenges for the dental community. From grappling with staff shortages and recruiting Front Office Coordinators and Dental Assistants to embracing teledentistry and cutting-edge technologies, and even weathering the financial struggles of a recession – we've heard you. Our conversations with clients during coaching sessions, interactions…

Read article

Business owners often say to me that finding motivated, skilled, and loyal team members is challenging and getting them to stay can be even more so.

It can be so disheartening when you employ what you believe to be the right person for the job and…

Read article

Leading with authority can be a powerful tool in leading your team to success. Not only does it help create a clear direction for your practice, but it also inspires confidence and trust. When you make decisive decisions and take charge, your team can feel more secure in their roles and responsibilities.…

Read article

If you asked your team members what the highest priority for the practice is, they would likely say that it's ensuring your patients have a great experience. We know that patients don't just want quality dental care; they also want to feel valued and cared for throughout their entire interaction with your…

Read article

Many awards will have new rules on temporary shutdowns from 1 May 2023, including the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.

What’s changing?

From 1 May 2023, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award will have updated rules on directing…

Read article

Self-care and benefits of spending time in nature for dental professionals

Over the past twenty years coaching business leaders and their teams, I have noticed a positive correlation between Self/Team growth and Revenue/Profitability growth. Whilst it can be sometimes difficult to measure, there is a natural…

Read article

One of the biggest challenges facing leaders today is how to ignite the level of engagement that results in a thriving, engaged and happy practice. So here are three questions to get the ball rolling:

1. Do you feel like you are dragging your team up…

Read article

Prime Practice has been supporting the growth of dental practices for the last 26 years, and we’ve seen practices go through a lot over those years. From the rise of the corporates to the influx of dentists from new dental schools and the introduction of the OHT; from a global recession (just…

Read article

Does this sound familiar?

"Why is Dentistry so expensive!"
"Can I get a discount on my treatment?"
"Wow, that's a lot - I guess I’m paying for the Dentists new car huh!”
"My neighbour had a crown from the place down the road, and
it only cost them $800!"

Read article

The culture of your practice and the way it functions could be having a greater impact than you think on the retention of clients. By John Burfitt

In the simplest terms, company culture can be defined as how your practice does what it does. That…

Read article

There was a time when it was considered reasonable for a dentist to adopt a didactic and paternalistic role. The patient was given a diagnosis followed by a recommended treatment plan, and they were expected to follow the dentist’s advice.’ But times have changed, and so have the patient’s mindset and their…

Read article

With the technological advancements in recruitment and communication, it is easier than ever to keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process. So why is it then that phenomenon’s like ‘ghosting’, the term used to describe ending a relationship by not responding to texts or calls, has gained such popularity in recent years?…

Read article

We've been asked on many occasions, "we're a small business; why do we need an employment contract for employees?”.  Before we answer, let's confirm what an employment contract is:

An employment contract is an agreement between an employer and employee that sets out terms and…

Read article

As a dental practice looking to grow your team or replace a key team member, chances are you will post a vacant position on a job board at some point in your career, here are a few common mistakes that practices make when posting a job ad that hinder their recruitment process. 

Read article

Do you have new team members?

Many practices are finding themselves employing staff without dental background or experience. A number of people are deciding to move to a new career or have a change of focus and see dentistry as an exciting choice, bringing fresh energy…

Read article

Media Release

Prime Practice, [25 March 2022]. Credabl and Prime Practice are joining forces to create the next evolution in holistic service provision for the medical, dental and veterinary communities. On 17 March 2022, Credabl Holdings acquired a strategic shareholding in Prime Practice (Prime), with…

Read article

In an era when the workplace is undergoing a revolution, the four-day working week is being hailed as a good option in creating a more effective practice. By John Burfitt 

The past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic have shaken up our perception of what…

Read article

Read article

The gender pay gap is holding female dentists back—as well as the profession. Here’s how practices can remove barriers to women’s equal participation in the workforce. By Angela Tufvesson with contribution of Bethan Flood.

Australia’s gender pay gap is just over 13 per cent. This…

Read article

Australian workers show a strong preference for part-time work. So how can practices best balance the needs of staff requesting fewer hours with the demands of the business?

Read article

Read article

Read article

Do you have the rejected dentist syndrome?

Edited and updated on October 15, 2020.

When we ask dentists the question “if we looked into the mouths of everyone in the population, would we see…

Read article

Infection Control Training and Education

Your team and your patients are no doubt feeling a little nervous about dental visits now. All clinical staff members need to understand the principles that are outlined in regulatory documents and to be able to apply them practically. Education is critically…

Read article

Difficult conversations with staff and suppliers can become even more difficult depending on your mode of communication. Here’s how to convey your message with empathy and respect. By Angela Tufvesson

Difficult conversations with staff members, suppliers and even patients are unavoidable when you’re running a dental…

Read article

There has been much interest in the latest Full Federal Court decision which has reconfirmed that casual employees who work regular (happens at set hours and normally set days) and systematic (rostered well in advance) hours, and are long term (a minimum of 6 months but normally over a period of years) indicating “predictable…

Read article

An integral piece of your required documentation at your practice, in adhering to Australian and New Zealand Compliance protocols, is the Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual.

This manual must be an ultra-comprehensive document that includes information about procedures specific to the daily routines of…

Read article

Supporting each other through the current challenging times is not easy and some may find it quite daunting.

Principal Dentists and their team are worried about their personal health and well-being, as well as that of their families and patients. Owner Dentists have the added concerns…

Read article

In certain situations, the human body is a perfect environment for microorganisms to grow. Both harmless and harmful microorganisms are found on our skin, mucous membranes, and other body orifices. Normal flora is microorganisms that live both on and/or in our body in a symbiotic and non-harmful relationship with us.

People wearing face masks when they are not in clinical environments is a common sight these days. Air quality in some regions has meant increased use of surgical style face masks in the hope of filtering out pollution. 

In dentistry, clinical staff work in close proximity…

Read article

Viral Evolution - A Timely Reminder in Support of a Back to Basics Approach

What is a virus?

Viruses are microorganisms that exist almost everywhere. They can infect most living things including humans, animals, plants, fungi and…

Read article

There are regular changes with regard to HR and Payroll matters within the Australian business landscape and keeping up to date can sometimes be daunting. Here are just a few that you may have missed. All are in effect now.

Please ensure you familiarise yourself and…

Read article

The opportunity to request Flexible Work Arrangements is now available for certain employees under the National Employment Standards (NES). The Fair Work Act states: “To be eligible you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months on a full-time or part-time basis. Long term casual employees who have a…

Read article

Reused and reduced.

Recycled and repurposed.

Composted and compounded.

Historically in dentistry, we have been a high waste, non-reusable industry. We’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to reduce and reuse but there seem to be numerous obstacles…

Read article

We all have a responsibility to provide a safe and fair workplace for our employees. Creating a mentally healthy Practice has benefits for both the Principal Dentist, the employees and the patients!

A mentally healthy practice should support the mental health of the individual and the…

Read article

Fair Work states that a manager will find taking notes being “useful for keeping a record of your meetings and discussions with employees. Employers are advised to always keep written records throughout the process of managing performance or conduct issues”

Notes can be comprehensive, bullet points or…

Read article

Is reference checking worth the time and effort to complete? Many say that reference checking is a waste of time, but completed correctly, it can assist to confirm your decision….or confirm the red flags you had about the candidate.

We recommend you complete reference checking on…

Read article

It is quite often the case within a dental practice that a new employee is requested to complete a trial. If you are requesting this at your practice……are you completing it correctly??

Trials are traditionally unpaid and should be for no more than a few hours…

Read article

Estimate reading time: 3 - 5 mins

An integral piece of your required documentation at your practice, in adhering to Australian and New Zealand Compliance protocols, is the Infection Prevention Policy and Procedures Manual.

This manual must be an ultra-comprehensive…

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A support person is someone who accompanies an employee into a meeting, normally a performance counselling/disciplinary meeting. They are chosen and requested by the employee as the support person.

The manager conducting the meeting, must ensure that the support person is clearly aware that it is…

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Estimated reading time: Approx. 5 minutes

Whenever asked about infection prevention and sterilisation protocols and procedures, the three most common statements we hear from different members of the dental team are:

“Oh, the girls do that.”

Sharing interview feedback is not only an important aspect of the hiring process, but the timeliness of the feedback is equally important. Timeliness of feedback, impacts the candidates and the employer.

Often this important aspect is missed out because employers are either too busy, they do…

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The Dental Council of NSW has issued an important announcement on the. 7th of November 2018 that it will carry out random infection control audits at dental practices whether or not a practitioner or practice has been subject to a complaint.

"Following a serious infection control…

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Estimate reading time: 5-7 minutes

Is your practice compliant?

Infection control breaches should never ever be taken lightly. With most practices achieving an average of 77% compliance rate when audited, the risks are very real and concerning.

Think for a moment about somebody you really trust. It might be a family member or close friend. It might be a professional person such as a doctor or an accountant.

Whoever it is, it is likely that you have some sort of history with that…

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Ever have this experience?

You thought the appointment went really well; the patient was listening, they were smiling, they were nodding, they accepted treatment. You thought they went to the front desk and made an appointment, only to find out later that they didn’t. Or worse…

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Dental Practices across Australia need to be aware of the recent amendment to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. A Casual Conversion clause was recently included and is effective 1 October 2018.

The new clause will affect the obligations of all dental practices employing casual…

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Edited and updated on October 15, 2020.

When dentists offer treatment options, they do so with the patient’s optimum oral health in mind. It seems logical that a person should choose the best option as determined by their health professional. Even though there is…

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Most patients aren’t really concerned about their missing tooth. It’s long gone and there’s no pain.

But as dentists, we know that it’s effects are causing more problems.

So, we recommend a bridge or an implant.

Every now and again a new way of thinking causes a paradigm shift in our society. We’ve seen this in technology over the past 25 years. Encyclopedias, typewriters, DVDs have been replaced by google search, text messages, and Netflix. What used to be ‘normal’ is now no longer useful. What used to…

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When diagnosing as a dentist, there is always the chance of a backlash from patients where they could react negatively. 

Sometimes it is about the price, and other times it is because they didn’t realise what is actually happening in their mouth.

The Problem
Here’s what most skilled dentists do:

They bond well with the patient and develop rapport. They spend a lot of time in the exam explaining the treatment that they recommend. They get the patient back for an extra consultation and have prepared a an optimal treatment plan.

These days, most dentists and practices are keen to explore ways to get new patients through the front door. It’s now commonplace to spend big dollars on advertising and marketing your services, boosting SEO, running special offers on various platforms, or working out ways to encourage existing patients to refer their family…

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“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” [Warren Buffett]

A question I often pose to a new dentist I am working with is: What is the most valuable thing you have…

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Edited and updated on October 15, 2020.

Depending on the type of practice you run, you probably see about 15 patients every day. That’s 15 conversations about next steps and potential treatment options; which means 15 opportunities for you (or your front desk coordinator)…

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One of the biggest challenges of being a dentist is that you’ll often hear the phrase “I hate going to the dentist.”

- Ouch!

No matter how thick-skinned you might be, this is a confronting statement to hear over and over…

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In the past 10 years, I have worked with thousands of dentists across the globe on their practice success. In that time, I have seen many patterns emerge, especially in the way dentists think and behave that damages their success.

Here are the top 10 mistakes I’ve seen dentists unknowingly make…

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Whether it’s your own resume or a resume you have received for a role, there are several areas within a resume that may be detrimental to the applicant’s progression to the next stage – sometimes referred to as “red flags”. Many of these may be addressed in interviews, but some may hinder…

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Prime Practice Compliance, a division of Prime Practice, is launching Infection Prevention Online Self-Assessments.

The Online Self-Assessment will allow Australian and New Zealand dental practices to undertake fast, cost-effective assessments that are fully compliant with the current AUS/NZ standards for infection prevention. The Audit tool will produce a comprehensive audit report and action…

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Prime Practice, the leading independent practice management company in the southern hemisphere, is excited to announce the launch of its new Compliance division, headed by Meg Sharpe. 

Infection prevention requires co-operation and adherence to strict rules by the whole dental team. Overall responsibility for infection prevention…

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