Play Hard, Play Fair, Have Fun!

A good friend of mine balances his personal and professional responsibilities far better than most.  In addition to serving as an academic dean, clinical professor, classroom teacher, husband, and father, he volunteers as the coach of a local youth soccer team.  His mantra: “Play hard, play fair, have fun!”  Oh yeah, his teams have won their share of state titles!

Curiously, I’m reminded of this amazing philosophy as I reflect on owning and operating a dental practice:

Play hard:  Compete with the “big boys” by offering a remarkable patient experience.  Seat them on time.  Greet them by name.  Establish a personal relationship with each one, and get to know their family.  Educate them so they value that which you do for them.  Create “raving fan clients” that build your practice through good old fashioned “word of mouth” marketing.

Play fair:  Establish competitive fees, and always disclose all fees for planned treatment before initiating any.  Make certain that your patients understand your recommendations.  Get outside the operatory and into your community!  Become known for your personal and passionate involvement in a local cause.  Post your activities on your practice Facebook page.

Have fun:  Challenge yourself!  Take participation courses with the Masters to enhance your clinical skills.  Offer more to your patients, and keep more services in house.  Provide opportunities for your staff to advance in their knowledge and excel in their abilities to care for your patients!  Laugh a little.  Laugh a lot.  Have fun every day, and love what you do for others!  Your patients will love you back!

When a youth soccer team succeeds by having fun while playing hard and fair, maybe you and your staff should examine that philosophy!  It’s all about focusing on one patient at a time, and ensuring that they receive your finest care from start to finish!  If you do that, everything else will fall into place, and you’ll likely win your share of “states titles” too!  Good luck!