"When I was a schoolgirl, I helped out at my grandfather's dental practice. I loved watching him relieve a patient's pain or restore someone's smile and self-confidence. That's when I decided to pursue dentistry. After 11 years as an associate, I bought a practice from a retiring doctor. Although I was a competent dentist, I knew nothing about managing the office. As a result, business was very slow and I was stressed.
"One issue was the staff. They were unproductive and used to the ways of the previous doctor who was 78 years old and tired of practicing. If a patient had multiple oral issues, for instance, he'd just treat one and leave the rest for later. When I urged patients to care for their dental issues as soon as possible, my staff would sympathize with the patients and say things like, 'I'm sorry the doctor found those cavities. Just fill one now and maybe do the other next year.' They had the same attitude toward collections and would tell patients to pay whenever they could, if at all.
"I knew about this situation because I'd overhear my staff talking to patients. But I hated confrontations and would let these comments go, all while my practice kept shrinking. Finally, I went to my brother-in-law for help. He advised me that I had to learn how to manage my staff and my practice, and recommended Sterling. I took his advice, became a Sterling client and have never looked back.
"Sterling taught me to manage the staff and control situations. I learned how to overcome stress and deal with problems head-on, including how to effectively communicate with staff and patients. Now, I no longer let anything slide - I take it up with the staff as soon as possible. With Sterling's help, we also replaced a negative employee with a qualified one. And, to engage the staff more, we implemented an incentive plan - when we reach a practice goal, they each receive a bonus. Now, instead of turning patients against me, they support me.
"Before Sterling, I was unaware of the financial condition of the practice. I learned how to track key performance statistics for the office and staff. I know exactly what is going on in the practice and if something is failing, I can see it right away and fix it.
"Since becoming a client in May 2015, collections have doubled and the number of new patients has more than doubled. Better yet, I can take time off to go on school field trips with my son or spend more time with the family. Plus, my husband and I have just bought a wonderful new home. If any of this hits home for you, call Sterling at 1-800-933-7538 and ask for their free DVD/online seminar and introductory consultation. Thanks to their program, I've overcome stress, regained my self-confidence and I am achieving everything I've set out to achieve."
Adriana Barrera, DDS