The Dental Desk - Issue #18 : simplebooklet.com

Page 4 - Ask The Expert:What To Expect In 2024Page 7 - What happenedin Palm Springs? Page 9 - Be a Fountainnot a Drain Page 11: Resilience howto metabolize stressPage 16: Press releasefrom the ADAPage 20: Reimagine yourpractice: The power ofdental clinic refresh Dear Readers,It seems like I begin these messages consistently surprised by thepassage of time! Here we are in March and I am surprised, yet again,by the way time is flying by!We, at Avail, have just come back from a highly successful Health andWellness CE Winter Escape in Palm Springs and now we’re preparingfor a trip out to PDC. I hope we’ll see many of you there!As we race towards the second quarter, it feels like there is a bubblingup occurring in the marketplace. Lots of subtle movements all pointingtoward more sales and purchases. This is great news for everybody. Opportunity could be knocking!Now is the time to get your house in order. If you’re a seller, learn thetrue value of your clinic and think about the transition you want andneed. Get the help you need to reach the goals you have for a sale(whenever that may be). If you’re a purchaser, get yourself onregistered buyers lists. Communicate your wants and needs in a clinicpurchase, and make sure you have your finances figured out.Most importantly remember that we, at Avail, are here for you. Contact us anytime to discuss your needs. We’re here to help! And I’lldo my best, in our April edition, to not be surprised by the passage oftime!! CEO's MessageLooking ForFeatured Practice Listings?www.AvailDentalAdvice.comTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 2Founder, CEOAvail Dental Exit Advisory ServicesD A R R E N S H A N A H A NCLICK HERE

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Question: I’m thinking of retiring from dentistry in 5 years. It feelssilly to be looking at my clinic value today when that may be vastlydifferent in 5 years. Why should I be doing this work right now?Answer: Great question! The best reason to duo the work now is tounderstand your current market value for the practice. Knowing yourcurrent value allows you to do the following: Make changes oradjustments in your operating (i.e. income, expenses andoperational flow), do the requires tax planning so that you can takeadvantage of all of the potential tax saving scenarios, work towardsan exit strategy plan that will work for your specific clinic and yourspecific needs.Question: Should I purchase a practice located in a major centredowntown office building at this time (even if the price is reallygood)?Answer: Nobody has a crystal ball. Wouldn’t that make life easier?However, downtown practices have suffered since the start of covid.They have suffered because most of their patients are no longerworking in the downtown and are now working from home. Thatsaid, businesses are trending back into the office at this time albeita modified model. Municipal governments are also working onincentives to revitalize metropolitan downtowns - such as turningoffice buildings into residential complexes. This influx of populationcan only have positive impacts of downtown dental offices. All thatbeing said, this boils down to a risk/reward threshold combined witha lifestyle choice of practice. This is such a complex question,thank-you for asking. I will work to create a more in-depth article todiscuss this question in an upcoming issue.CANDID COMMENTARY ON PRACTICE VALUATIONASK THE EXPERTNeed some personalized,confidential advice?Book A Call With Darren.Book A Call With Darren.We can help.We can help.CallWithAVAIL.comCallWithAVAIL.com

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Question: Are Hybrid sales still a thing?Answer: Yes. Hybrid sales take so many different forms these days that it is imperativeto have a tax specialist (in both the legal and tax planning aspects) as part of youradvisory team to facilitate this financially complex transaction.THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 5ASK THE EXPERT CON'T:Question: What is one piece of advice you would give to a new buyer who isnegotiating to purchase a clinic that they are currently working as an associate?Answer: Solid question. There is so much advice to give in this scenario that we haveearmarked this question to write another full article about! However, the best piece ofadvice I can give right now is to make sure that you - the buyer - understand what thisclinic would sell for on the open market. Just because you work in a practice does notmean that you will get a discount or deal. And that’s ok, because you are reducing yourrisk by purchasing a clinic that is known vs unknown. Theoretically, transition should beeasier too. Question: Do you really think interest rates will drop early in the 2nd quarter?Answer: So many things affect the BOC decisions on whether or not they will lowerrates. Forecasters were sure, in early January, that a major drop would be coming in the2nd quarter. Those same forecasters are now saying that the BOC may stay the ratesone more time before we see a drop. Personally, I feel the conditions could be right for asmall drop in rates with bigger drops on the horizon. This is certainly the way I’m hopingit plays out! It’s probably unlikely to see (in the near future) a return to the extremely lowrates we enjoyed for many years.

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W H A T H A P P E N E D I N P A L M S P R I N G S ?BY YVETTE SHANAHANI’ll admit, I was not someone who paid a lot of attention to ‘Health and Wellness’ hype. Sure, we all know toeat well, sleep well, exercise well, breath well, live well and so on. I knew all of these things - intellectually -but I was hit and miss with the practice of them. After all, I was doing just fine … until I wasn’t.With astounding clarity I can still recall that June day, when I sat in the emergency room at Foothills hospitalin Calgary. I thought the Doctor was going to tell me that I needed my gall bladder removed. Instead, thedoctor told me that they had discovered a mass in my abdomen and they strongly suspected follicularlymphoma.I wasn’t fine.This June it will be 5 years since the day my world was forever changed. I’m one of the lucky ones. I get tolook back on all of it, figure out the lessons, and listen to the wisdom and advice. I’m also compelled to takethat information, process it and figure out how to move forward with it.You see, I’m just like most people. We know all of the ‘right’ things to do but actually doing them seems morechallenging. What is it about people in care giving roles that makes us de-prioritize our own self-care andwelfare? Why do we think busy-ness is best practise, stress isn’t a big deal and self-care is selfish?Well I learned this lesson the hard way, and I made a decision that I wanted to share this lesson with mypeers. As soon as I was well enough (and covid had settled down enough) I began designing a health andwellness conference for health care professionals. I became obsessed with offering these professionals aunique and immersive experience in wellness and self-care, with a big side of vitamin D therapy!Continued THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 7

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So, what happened in Palm Springs? A dream came true - my dream came true!February 20th-24th/24 we hosted the Health and Wellness CE Winter Escape in Palm Springs. We had the bestpresenters (follow this link (https://availdentaladvice.com/ce-winter-escape-2024/) to see the who, what, where,when, and why of all of the things you missed).What happened in Palm Springs? We practised yoga, we meditated, we shared, we discussed, we learned, weengaged, we ate great food, we explored, we stretched limits and mindsets, we became friends and we grew.Simply put, we put our self-care first and we discovered that not only is it NOT selfish - it’s necessary if we want tothrive and not just survive.What happened in Palm Springs? Pure magic. This specially curated event reached into the hearts and minds ofevery attendee, and the lessons I had learned were shared.Each year this event grows, and the groundswell movement spreads. Each year more and more of the mostdedicated professionals I have ever known, learn that by putting their own health and wellness, their own self-care,first - they will be better in literally every area of their lives!Will this event stop illness? Of course not. But it will arm people with better skills to cope, or dare I say, even thrivewhen life hits the valleys instead of the peaks. It will create a community of support and accountability for eachother’s well being. It will connect us.So, what happened in Palm Springs is a great question. Click here (https://cewinterescape.com/) to find out, andthen maybe ask yourself; “What will happen in Palm Springs? When will it happen? And, How can I be part of it?”WHAT HAPPENED IN PALM SPRINGS CONINTUED If you'd like to discuss your practice, give us a confidential call!1-866-Go-Avail (1-866-462-8245)

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B E A F O U N T A I N N O T A D R A I NBY JOYCE KADUKI Do you leave your team members feeling drained, or do you infuse them with new life and leave them feelingrefreshed?The former would be done by a drain, while the latter would be done by a fountain. Drain vs fountain. Withone, water or other liquids run out, leaving something empty or dry; while with the other, water fills, wells upand causes an overflow.Stop for a moment and think about physical drains and fountains.When you Google ‘famous fountains’, search results include lists from BBC, HuffPost, CBS News, CNN Travel,Stuff. Stunning. Spectacular. These are just a few of the adjectives used to describe some of the fountains.On the other hand, when you Google ‘famous drains’ the results are quite different. You neither get lists norany indication of travellers flocking to see or experience drains.When you consider a leader as either a drain or a fountain, you notice clear differences.A drain is a leader who empties; taking away energy, morale, hope, stumping enthusiasm, and leaving othersworse off than they were before. This is the leader whose default mode of operation is to point out what isnot working or will not work, point out why things are worse than they seem – even when they aren’t – playthe devil’s advocate in most meetings, and has a mainly negative outlook. A drain is a ‘taker’. Don’t be thistype of leader.Continued THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 11 www.AvailDentalAdvice.com

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A fountain on the other hand refreshes, brings hope, and leaves others better than they were before. This is theleader who balances accountability and realism with a healthy dose of positivity, encouragement to others,enthusiasm and generates good vibes. This leader is a breath of fresh air not just when things are going well,but even now when so many people are discouraged, fearful, stressed, depressed, and battling many health,financial and emotional challenges. A fountain is a ‘giver’. Be this type of leader.What practical steps can you take to become a fountain?Here are a few specific suggestions.1. Take care of yourself. The popular saying is true: you cannot give what you don’t have. If you lead othersfrom a place of emptiness, you will subtract from them and drain them. You, therefore, need to ensure you aretaking care of yourself and are in good shape. This will give you the ability to lead others from a place ofwellness, abundance and positivity, and add value to them.2. Be a good listener. Listening is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to those you lead. You may not bein a position to do everything that is asked of you – and you should not even try – but listening without judgingspeaks volumes. Ask lots of questions and then listen. When your team feel heard, they will trust that you knowthem well enough and what’s going on, to lead with their interests at heart.3. Empower your team. Support them in developing the skills and abilities they need to serve in their roles.Where applicable, give them the authority that goes with the responsibility you have given them.4. Give helpful and encouraging feedback. A fountain is refreshing. Give your team members feedback in amanner that is helpful and makes them feel appreciated. Speak encouraging words to them.As with famous fountains, when you choose to be a ‘fountain’ leader, people will be attracted to you for thebeauty, refreshing and enjoyment you add to their lives. They will reciprocate by giving their best. A win forthem, a win for you, and a win for the organization.Continued BE A FOUNTAIN NOT A DRAIN CONTINUED www.AvailDentalAdvice.comTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 10

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R E S I L I A N C E : H O W T O M E T A B O L I Z E S T R E S SBY DR KRISTIN YONTIn the last issue of the UPDATER, I wrote about how a career in dentistry is very stressful and how ourdaily stressors like rising costs, increased workloads, and employee shortages, have intensified since theCovid19 pandemic.Our stress response is a natural reaction to adverse circumstances in our lives. Unfortunately, toxicchronic stress is an inflammatory disease (like periodontal disease), due to the metabolic biproductsthat are produced with continual engagement of our HPA (hormonal) axis, sympathetic nervous system,and immune system. This perpetual deployment of daily stress chemicals leads to wear and tear onevery cell in the body increasing allostatic load. Cellular oxidative stress is toxic to our cells, and itincreases our vulnerability to aging and disease.Good news! Thankfully our neurology is plastic, our biology is elastic, and we can learn to metabolizestress better!Do you remember taking a formal course in stress reduction, growth enhancement and resiliency indental school? Probably not. The Benson Henry Institute (BHI) developed the Stress Management andResiliency program (SMART) for their Harvard medical students. The SMART program has been part ofthe students formal training so that they can be resilient during their medical school journey (andbeyond). Now, the University of Saskatchewan is implementing the SMART program as part of the Dean’s(Dr. Walter Sequira’s) student wellness initiative to build more resilient young dentists. I teach the USASKdental students this research-based stress management program to not only help them get throughdental school, but to provide them valuable tools to cope more effectively with their future careers asdentists. ContinuedTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 11

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The American Psychological Association defines resilience as a dynamic process of adapting well in the face ofadversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress. Resilience emphasizes our capability tocope with adversity and usually requiring physical, psychological, cultural, and social resources.How can we develop resilience to stand up to our stress(ors), reframe them to be more positive, or evenexperience a healthy rebound or post traumatic growth? According to the research from Dr. Greg Fricchione andhis team at BHI, elements that promote resiliency are associated with at least six biopsychosocial factorsActive coping styles that focus on problem-solving, acceptance, and managing emotions that accompany fearand stress.Regular physical exercise is a type of active coping that diminishes negative emotions caused by stress.Regular exercise has been shown to improve clinical depression in adults, builds physical and emotionalhardiness, lift mood and improve memory. It also builds protective and growth factors in the brain. Having a positive outlook means using flexible thinking style to enhance optimism, decrease cynicism, andembrace humor. People who are pessimistic tend to view their problems as permanent and pervasive. Gratitude,humour, and positive emotions make it possible to see the lighter side of difficult situations. Social support can reduce risk-taking behaviour, encourage active coping, decrease loneliness, increase feelingsof self-worth, and help a person put problems into perspective. We are mammals! Our DNA determines our needto nurture one another to feel safe and secure. It is believed that social support reduces HPA activation andcortisol release while increasing oxytocin, the chemical in your brain that promotes social bonding andmodulates fear and anxiety.Cognitive Flexibility or cognitive reappraisal is the ability to positively reframe negative events. Individuals whosuccessfully overcome adverse events usually find some meaning in their tragedy by reframing the event.Adequate sleep is one of the largest buffers to stress that we know. It is essential for almost every adult to getbetween 7-9 hours of sleep per night. This is easier said then done especially when we are dealing with chronicstress. Unfortunately stress causes sleep disturbances and sleep instability causes stress - it is a vicious cycle.Fortunately, there are mind body therapies that can help us increase our quality of sleep. ContinuedRESILIANCE: HOW TO METABOLIZE STRESS THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 12

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RESILIANCE: HOW TO METABOLIZE STRESS THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 13The good the bad and the ugly when it comes to stress management and resiliency training.The good: Our DNA, past experiences and present moment interpretation of our stressors all play a part inour coping ability. Lucky for us, our current factory settings on how we analyse and respond to stress canbe changed. The bad and the ugly: Our modern world has us programed to expect instantaneous outcomes with littleeffort. This approach does not work when it comes to reprogramming your brain to manage stress. Wemust actively participate in our own wellness by carving out the time to change our beliefs, behaviours,negative thoughts and emotional reactions. Change is up to us!As a health care professional, I personally believe that dentists can play a larger role in the wellness ofour patients, families, and communities, but the change must start with us and our own mental,emotional, and physical health. “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others” Dr. Kristin YontIn addition to co-owning her practice in downtown Calgary, Dr. Kristin Yont, DMD, is also the lead Dentistfor the Calgary Flames NHL team and is experienced in Forensic dentistry.Dr. Yont is one of only three practitioners in Canada who are accredited to teach the Benson HenryInstitute/Harvard Medical School SMART program - Stress Management and Resiliency Training,educating people on how to participate in their own wellness by decreasing stress and their vulnerabilityto disease.Dr. Yont is an avid speaker and runs workshops, retreats, and programs for dental professionals. She alsoworks with universities, healthcare associations, and business leaders to implement wellness initiativesfor their organizations. She is currently teaching the SMART program to dental students at the Universityof Saskatchewan. Dr. Yont is a College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta’s committee member and is also acertified yoga instructor of over 13 years and teaches yoga teachers the neuroscience of stressmanagement and mindfulness meditation.www.mindbodyteacher.com

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P R E S S R E L E A S E F R O M T H E A L B E R T A D E N T A L A S S O C I A T I O NFederal government needs to clear up confusion about Canadian Dental Care PlanThe CDCP isn’t free from cost and red tape February 8, 2024 – Dentists know that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a major opportunity toprovide oral health care to millions of people who have been unable to access the care they need. However,seniors and other eligible Canadian residents signing up for CDCP are going to be surprised when they findout their care won’t be free. They might also be unaware they might have to change dentists or try to find anew one. Dentists are also unclear about what they’re being asked to sign up for and they don’t know how to answerquestions about the federal government’s plan. Now that more details of the CDCP have been released, it’s time for the federal government to answer the bigquestions Canadians have. Patients will be surprised to know: Am I getting free dental care? No – patients may pay out-of-pocket for services and fees that aren’tcovered under the federal government’s new dental benefits plan, including 40 to 60 per cent co-payments for families who earn more than $70,000 per year. Where government reimbursement does notcover the full cost of care, some patients will pay the balance. 1.Can I choose my own dentist? Maybe not – patients will have to search for dentists who agree toparticipate, despite the unclear terms and conditions set by the government. 2.Will it be easy to get the care I need? Maybe not – dentists expect there will be a lot of red tape that maydelay care and not make this a smooth process. Unlike other dental benefits programs, the CDCP hasinserted processes that get in the way of how patients can access essential oral health care, and therelationship they have with their dentist. 3.The federal government has not answered other critical questions: How will they protect existing work, schooland/or group dental benefits? How will the CDCP work with other publicly funded dental programs, includingprovincial programs? Without addressing these legitimate concerns, how do they expect people to know whatthis will mean for their dental coverage and what they should do next? Based on what the government has announced about the CDCP, the dental associations don’t know if dentistswill choose to participate in the CDCP. How can dentists provide informed consent and agree to participate inthe CDCP without answers to their questions? ContinuedTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 15

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We understand that many general practitioners and dental specialists have already decided not to participate. Health Canada has rushed out a massive program under unreasonable timelines. While dentists were consulted andprovided advice on building a sustainable dental program, it was at the 11th hour for the provincial and territorial dentalassociations across Canada and we still see major gaps and flaws that have yet to be addressed. As experts in oral health care, the dental associations, representing over 25,000 dentists across the country, havepointed out that the CDCP does not meet most of the principles of A Proposed Framework for the Canadian DentalCare Plan, This is an historic investment, so it is critical that the federal government truly gets it right. “Dentists and taxpayers alike need the government to address the gaps we have identified and questions we haveraised. I don’t want any patients to be taken by surprise when they come to my practice. It’s not dentists’ fault that theprogram doesn’t meet the promises the federal government has made to Canadians.” – Dr. Jenny Doerksen, President,Alberta Dental Association “Given the proven relationship between oral and general health, this plan is an unprecedented opportunity to improvethe overall health of Canadians. However, as a dentist who cares deeply for my patients, I’m extremely concernedabout the government’s lack of clarity and collaboration in this plan. Without clear information, dentists cannot makean informed decision on whether or not to participate. This plan cannot succeed if it is carried on the backs of oralhealthcare providers; it must be sustainable for patients, dentists, and taxpayers.” – Dr. Rob Wolanski, President, BCDental Association “The federal government has the responsibility to create a plan that supports and enriches the systems currently inplace. There is a window of opportunity to make the necessary changes to ensure access to quality oral health care forall Canadians and we implore the government to take action. In 20 years, the makers of the CDCP may have moved on,but many of us will continue to practice dentistry. We look forward to a future where the quality and access to careimproves over time, not worsens.” – Dr. Daron Baxter, President, Manitoba Dental Association “New Brunswick dentists care deeply about our patients. We know that dental care can be costly. This plan hasfollowed the design of the federal NIHB program, which is not well respected by dentists across our province. Thatplan imposes a lot of administrative burden on dental clinics, is not easy to access or administer, and does not coverthe full costs of providing treatment. As a result, many dentists do not participate in the NIHB plan and I fear they won’tbe able to participate in this program either. It is important that patients receive simple, clear messaging from HealthCanada and that patients maintain the right to choose their own dentist. New Brunswick dental clinics are alreadyextremely busy and are experiencing shortages of labour. The CDCP should be easy to use and administer, shouldcover all treatments needed and should cover the full costs of those treatments.” – Dr. Joanah Campbell, President,New Brunswick Dental Society.ContinuedPRESS RELEASE FROM THE ADA CONTINUEDTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 16

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“The federal government needs to clearly explain what this program really is, and what it is not, so that patients canmake informed decisions about their care. We are always supportive of increased access to oral health care, but itmust be done right. This plan has to be sustainable for patients, dentists and the government and in our opinion, it isnot at this time.” – Dr. Shane Roberts, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association “The federal government has launched a program that is rushed and says that these issues will be resolved later. Thereis a long history of poorly structured and funded government dental programs in some jurisdictions. I’m concernedabout whether the government will fix the problems with the CDCP or existing plans any time soon, if ever.” – Dr.Steven Partyka, President, Northwest Territories & Nunavut Dental Association “Canadians need to be told how, exactly, the CDCP will work alongside the many existing provincial and territorialprograms. This clarification would go a long way towards making sure patients feel comfortable seeking dentaltreatment when they need it.” – Dr. Juli Waterbury, President, Nova Scotia Dental Association “This program is just not ready to go yet. While we appreciate that Minister of Health Mark Holland and his officialsfinally sat down with us, it hasn’t been a negotiation, just a discussion. A program without patient autonomy, anunrealistic expectation that care will be free, and with a bunch of red tape that stands in the way of care isn’t nearlyenough progress.” – Dr. Brock Nicolucci, President, Ontario Dental Association “The CDCP had the potential to benefit millions of Canadians and required thoughtful planning and smoothimplementation. Developing a national oral health plan is a monumental task that should include all stakeholdersrather than a process without meaningful consultation of the provincial and territorial dental associations.Unfortunately, the need to meet seemingly unrealistic deadlines has won out over sound policy, resulting in a programthat does not live up to the promises made by the federal government.”– Dr. Matt Shaffner, President, DentalAssociation of Prince Edward Island “The College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan applauds the initiative of the Federal Government to increaseaccess to oral health care for Canadians. Unfortunately, dentists remain in the dark on specific details of the plan, andhow the plan will affect their patients, staff, and businesses. Registrants should wait for further details about the CDCPto be released, so they are able to make a properly informed decision whether to register.” – Dr. Derek Thiessen,President, College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan “The YDA welcomes all initiatives to bring accessible dental care to our community, however the federal governmentneeds to ensure that the new CDCP will work with and not against existing territorial dental programs such as theYukon Dental Program that was launched last year. We welcome further conversation in integrating the CDCP withinthe wider framework to ensure existing programs are not disrupted.” – Dr. Kenny Liu, President, Yukon DentalAssociation PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ADA CONTINUEDTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 17

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R E I M A G I N E Y O U R P R A C T I C E : T H E P O W E R O F D E N T A L C L I N I C R E F R E S HQ4 2023 granted our consultants the pleasure of covering a significant portion of our greatcountry of Canada with travels. Regardless if we were in Toronto, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Calgaryor Montreal, the message from clients was fascinatingly similar; “I wish I studied business inschool to have a better understanding of how to run a business verses only being a clinician and<<fill in the blank on specific procedure>>. Dentistry? That’s the easy part.” This week someoneshared; “After 15 years of practicing dentistry, I now accept I need more training on running abusiness, as this profession is now running me.” More and more Doctors are finally coming to terms with the reality that the business of dentistryhas changed and the demands of patients and the team are constantly increasing. The ripplescreated from the staffing shortages, the competitive market, and the pending recession have hadan impact on our profession. In short, doing business is harder than ever.As a business owner, you have four choices;Do nothing and hope you survive until change passes you by and normal returns.1.Fear change and design mechanisms you hope will stop or prevent it.2.Waste energy trying to predict the future and plan the one big move to beat it.3.Or, accept your new reality and develop a flexible strategy that allows you to define success,create your own future, and reshape your business.4.ContinuedTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 19BY YVETTE SHANAHAN R E I M A G I N E Y O U R P R A C T I C E : T H E P O W E R O F D E N T A L C L I N I C R E F R E S HQ4 2023 granted our consultants the pleasure of covering a significant portion of our greatcountry of Canada with travels. Regardless if we were in Toronto, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Calgaryor Montreal, the message from clients was fascinatingly similar; “I wish I studied business inschool to have a better understanding of how to run a business verses only being a clinician and<<fill in the blank on specific procedure>>. Dentistry? That’s the easy part.” This week someoneshared; “After 15 years of practicing dentistry, I now accept I need more training on running abusiness, as this profession is now running me.” More and more Doctors are finally coming to terms with the reality that the business of dentistryhas changed and the demands of patients and the team are constantly increasing. The ripplescreated from the staffing shortages, the competitive market, and the pending recession have hadan impact on our profession. In short, doing business is harder than ever.As a business owner, you have four choices;Do nothing and hope you survive until change passes you by and normal returns.1.Fear change and design mechanisms you hope will stop or prevent it.2.Waste energy trying to predict the future and plan the one big move to beat it.3.Or, accept your new reality and develop a flexible strategy that allows you to define success,create your own future, and reshape your business.4.ContinuedTHE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 19BY JENNIFER BROWN

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R E I M A G I N E Y O U R P R A C T I C E :T H E P O W E R O F D E N T A L C L I N I C R E F R E S H C O N T I N U E D We have witnessed one of our department stores, Sears Canada, closing their doors in 2018after opening in 1953. At the same time, we have all watched, and helped I’m sure, theircompetitor Walmart increase sales and dominate the market place with their “Low PriceGuarantee.” I am not suggesting you need to run your business to parallel Walmart’s discount pricingbusiness model, however, are you challenging yourself to ensure your image and valueproposition is aligned with your market and ideal patient? Are you thinking outside your comfortzone, considering some direct to consumer marketing, evaluating ways to differentiate you andyour team from competition, or working hard to earning the right to ask your existing patients fora referral? As much as your practice demands change, so have the Practice Management consultingservices we provide needed to evolve and adapt to your needs to ensure we are aligned with thedirection you want to take your practice.Call today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your business in more detail and how wecan help with the ever-changing demands you face every day. Alternatively, register for PalmSprings Health and Wellness event in February and we can chat poolside! THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 20 R E I M A G I N E Y O U R P R A C T I C E :T H E P O W E R O F D E N T A L C L I N I C R E F R E S H C O N T I N U E D We have witnessed one of our department stores, Sears Canada, closing their doors in 2018after opening in 1953. At the same time, we have all watched, and helped I’m sure, theircompetitor Walmart increase sales and dominate the market place with their “Low PriceGuarantee.” I am not suggesting you need to run your business to parallel Walmart’s discount pricingbusiness model, however, are you challenging yourself to ensure your image and valueproposition is aligned with your market and ideal patient? Are you thinking outside your comfortzone, considering some direct to consumer marketing, evaluating ways to differentiate you andyour team from competition, or working hard to earning the right to ask your existing patients fora referral? As much as your practice demands change, so have the Practice Management consultingservices we provide needed to evolve and adapt to your needs to ensure we are aligned with thedirection you want to take your practice.Call today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your business in more detail and how wecan help with the ever-changing demands you face every day. THE DENTAL DESK MAGAZINE  | 20

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YOUR TRUSTED INDUSTRY PARTNERDid you know that for over 2 decades, our Founder, Darren Shanahan, hasbeen in the dental industry as the "go-to" for other industry professionalsand leaders? Every phone call that comes into our office is about a dental or healthcareclinic. We don't work in any other industry.We provide owners with a "firewall" to protect them from all of the pitfallswe know are out there throughout a transaction because we know how toprepare the deal and navigate the waters. We're here for you.Meet Our TeamDarren ShanahanCEO & FounderYvette ShanahanCo-FounderLogan ReynoldsTransaction SpecialistJennifer LarocqueTransaction ManagerMorgan MinkusTransaction SpecialistQuestions?Call 1-866-Go-Avail (1-866-462-8245) orvisit: AvailDentalAdvice.com

The Dental Desk - Issue #18

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