Brian Taylor
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Global Realities
These really are extraordinary times. Looking back over the last 12 months, we recall the extreme weather events around the globe that include earthquakes, tornados, volcanic ash eruptions, snow and freezing temperatures in typically warm climates, extreme rains, floods and tsunamis. Economically, things have been equally tumultuous. Nobody needs to remind us of the financial disasters that have rocked our country and now seem to be echoing throughout Europe and other parts of the world.
These very real events have impacted our day-to-day business lives. In this issue, we examine a number of topics from long-term/elderly care to the growth of group practices and consolidation of dentists into group practices and/or dental service organizations. We also asked several manufacturers to weigh in on what they see ahead in the light of healthcare reform and the economy. All of these issues are influenced by the economics of the day. Many who may have thought these dental groups were just a passing fancy a few years ago, may have to reconsider, given the financial strains that many dentists are feeling. With revenue pressure being felt from reduced demand for high-end cosmetic, implants and restorative procedures, dentists feel the need to look at controlling costs to maintain their profitability.
As mentioned by one of the manufacturers, the only certainty seems to be the uncertainty of it all, which doesn’t make your job any easier. Wouldn’t it be great if we knew that at a certain point in time everything would revert to the way things were only a few short years ago? But in our hearts we know that isn’t going to happen, so we must deal with the reality of today’s very volatile and uncertain world.
In the near term, being informed is the first step to take to strengthen your value with the customer. To at least know what might happen is better than not having a clue. Having frank and open conversations with your customers as to how they think you might help them not only survive but thrive is an imperative if you expect to succeed.
Look for ways to streamline processes and improve workflows through protocol or new technologies. Yes, there will be a lot of homework necessary for those that seek to grow their businesses. But if and when the economic cloud lifts, no one will be stronger or better positioned to excel than those that have invested in themselves.
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