Ortho2 Blog

For mutual funds or other financial products, a common statement on the prospectus is that past performance is no guarantee of future results. The same is true for marketing your orthodontic practice. What was done six months or six years ago may not have the same effect today.

With the holidays coming up, we know how important it is to get a deal on the items we shop for. This is just as true for your office as it is for your home. The Section 179 Deduction makes this even easier by allowing you to write off the full amount of qualifying purchases made in 2012 (up to $139,000) and take advantage of a 50% bonus depreciation on any amount above the deduction limit.

Doctors, your leadership is the key to practice growth! Let’s breakdown common elements of a successful marketing plan:

In May, Ortho2 began an exclusive partnership with Orchestrate Orthodontic Technologies to market and sell their 3D orthodontic CAD software. This powerful system allows the orthodontist to easily define tooth movements to design digitally perfect, yet inexpensive clear aligners and retainers in office. What’s unique about Orchestrate is that it is the first orthodontic system that allows the doctor to scan, design and create appliances completely in house. Since the Orchestrate software system is not aligned with any specific brand or type of appliance, it can be used for a multitude of purposes. Many of the existing Orchestrate users refer to it as “Photoshop for appliance design” with its ability to utilize data from a variety of sources and then easily manipulate this data.

It is critical that potential patients walking into the ortho practice become starts. The treatment coordinator must be completely focused on those prospective patients and parents. Parents must be carefully handled when they call, when they enter the office with their child and, finally, when treatment is accepted. Ortho growth in the post-recession economy depends on truly excellent new patient experiences.

By now I hope you’ve narrowed down your philanthropic initiatives to a handful of great causes that meet the needs of your practice, your patients and your community. (Read Part 1 of this series on Playing the Charity Card by clicking here.) But how do you go about giving back without looking like you’re patting yourself on the back more than you’re helping out the less fortunate?

One of my favorite fairytales growing up was Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” It is a story about a gullible king who is approached by two swindlers posing as tailors. The crooks promise him a magical suit of clothing that is “invisible” to those who are incompetent. Not wanting to look stupid, he and all of his subjects rant and rave about his beautiful new suit as he parades down main street wearing nothing at all. Along the parade route the king is confronted by a small child who states the obvious; "He isn't wearing anything at all!” Sometimes I think we also just follow the crowd when it comes to practice promotion when what we really need is for someone to point out that the emperor is really naked! Today I want to be that someone.

Technology has infiltrated the orthodontic industry at amazing rates throughout the past 10 years. Although technology continues to be in the forefront of our practice goals, it is important to remember that it is not the bells and whistles of technology that will bring or keep patients in your practice.Implementing technology to your practice can enhance the overall practice image, streamline your daily protocols, as well as enhance your patient/parent communications. It is critical to remember the importance of balancing technology with consistent and sincere personal interaction with your patients and parents.

You’ve seen it and heard it many times… You wait in line to pay for your items in a store and you look up to find a sales associate whose eyes are glazed over and sounds like a broken record, “Did you find everything all right?” in a way that you know asking this question is required by management. Not exactly a positive or interesting experience.