Embarking on a dental startup journey can be a thrilling yet challenging experience for aspiring orthodontists and dentists. To shed light on this topic, we present the latest episode of the Grow Ortho Podcast, where Luke engages in a captivating conversation with Matthew Veatch, the founder of Veatch Consulting. With almost two decades of experience in the dental industry, Matthew shares invaluable expertise and insights into the key elements that lead to successful dental startups.

Matthew Veatch’s journey in the dental industry has spanned nearly two decades, during which he has honed his skills in assisting startup dentists and orthodontists. He provides insights into the inception of Veatch Consulting and its transformative impact on numerous startup practices.

Selecting the right location is crucial for the success of a dental practice. Matthew emphasizes the role of location in determining the potential for growth. He shares valuable tips on conducting market research to identify areas with high growth potential.

Marketing plays a pivotal role in attracting patients to a dental practice. Matthew discusses the importance of allocating a budget for marketing efforts, encompassing digital marketing, community engagement, and traditional advertising.

Consistent marketing efforts are vital for sustained practice growth. Matthew stresses the significance of continuous marketing strategies to build a loyal patient base and maintain a positive reputation.

Starting a dental practice comes with challenges and potential pitfalls. Matthew highlights how Veatch Consulting offers expert guidance to help dentists and orthodontists make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Veatch Consulting has facilitated successful dental startups across the nation. Matthew shares some of the proven strategies and systems that ensure clients’ success, including streamlined credentialing services, team building, and leadership training.

Beyond technical expertise, leadership skills are vital for dental practice owners. Matthew emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering success and growth, including managing teams and motivating staff towards common goals.

The dental industry faced unprecedented changes during the pandemic. Matthew and Luke discuss the impact of the post-pandemic economy on dental startups, including fluctuating interest rates and rising construction costs.

In this enriching episode of the Grow Ortho Podcast, Matthew Veatch imparts invaluable insights and advice for dental practitioners venturing into startups. From selecting the right location to implementing ongoing marketing strategies and building strong leadership, Matthew provides a comprehensive guide to ensure success in the dental industry. If you are considering starting your own dental practice or seeking to elevate an existing one, this episode is a must-listen for expert tips and strategies to stand strong in the market and become a leader in your community. Take a step towards building a thriving dental practice by tuning in to the episode now!

If you would like to get in contact with Matthew or to learn more about Veatch Consulting, you can visit the following links: website https://veatchconsulting.com/ or email [email protected].

Episode Chapters:

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In the world of orthodontics, success is often fueled by passion, perseverance, and a growth-oriented mindset. Dr. Carter Thomas’s journey into the field started with a childhood dream inspired by his father, a pediatric dentist. However, fate had other plans, leading him to discover a fascination for orthodontics and a partnership that would shape his future. This blog post follows Dr. Thomas’s inspiring story, highlighting the power of mindset and the role of modern marketing strategies in achieving success in the competitive orthodontic industry.

Growing up with a pediatric dentist as a father, Dr. Thomas initially aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps. Completing dental school, he set out on a path to become a pediatric dentist himself. However, a chance encounter with Dr. Keith Harvey during his pediatric dentistry days altered the course of his journey. Dr. Thomas’s fascination with the mechanical aspects and mental stimulation of orthodontics led him to transition to this specialized field, guided by the mentorship of Dr. Harvey.

With his father’s unwavering support, Dr. Thomas embarked on the path to orthodontics. Pursuing his orthodontic training at Tufts University in Boston, he also found love and married his wife during this time. Returning to his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Thomas partnered with his mentor, Dr. Harvey, to establish an orthodontic practice that would later become a testament to their compatibility and shared vision.

The partnership between Dr. Thomas and Dr. Harvey proved to be a perfect fit. Their longstanding acquaintance through work and family connections laid the foundation for a strong bond. Both doctors aspired to build a successful orthodontic practice, and their shared vision allowed them to venture into new territories, expanding their services beyond expectations.

The podcast discussion sheds light on the pivotal role of Hip, an orthodontic marketing and sales support company, in shaping Dr. Thomas’ practice. Though integrating Hip’s strategies initially presented challenges, Dr. Thomas and his team recognized the value of a mindset change. Hip’s comprehensive marketing solutions and effective sales training bridged the gap between lead generation and lead conversion, resulting in accelerated growth.

A transformative mindset played a key role in Dr. Thomas’s journey. Embracing new strategies and letting go of rigidity enabled him to drive continuous improvement and growth. The pursuit of success became more fulfilling than achieving specific numerical goals, setting the stage for reaching new heights in the ever-evolving orthodontic landscape.

The podcast also highlighted the significance of understanding the patient journey. Dr. Thomas acknowledged that patients come through various referral sources and marketing channels, and catering to their unique needs is vital. Hip’s expertise in optimizing the patient journey ensured a seamless experience from initial contact to treatment completion, contributing to the practice’s reputation and success.

Dr. Thomas and Hip recognized the changing landscape of orthodontic marketing, emphasizing the importance of converting cold leads and nurturing relationships with potential patients. Modern marketing channels like social media and online ads played a crucial role, and Hip’s solutions offered a comprehensive approach to patient acquisition, incorporating technology and sales training.

Dr. Carter Thomas’s journey from a childhood dream to a successful orthodontist showcases the power of passion, mindset, and innovative marketing strategies. His partnership with Dr. Harvey exemplifies how shared visions can lead to remarkable growth. With the support of Hip, Dr. Thomas’ practice embraced modern marketing approaches, navigating the evolving orthodontic landscape with confidence. This inspiring story encourages other orthodontists to be leaders in their communities, adapt to change, and embrace growth opportunities in the dental field. As the industry continues to evolve, the value of mindset and effective marketing solutions will remain pivotal in achieving success and making a lasting impact on patients’ lives.

00:00 Intro

00:34 Why did you want to get into orthodontics?

05:54 What was it like to move from the South to up North?

06:41 Are You A Baseball Fan?

08:27 How did you help create the situation that eventually lead to your partnership?

10:03 What was your vision for your practice.

11:28 What Was The Moment That Made You Want To Grow Your Practice?

13:41 How Has HIP Helped With Your Goals

15:18 We didn’t work well the first time why was that?

16:09 When HIP started to grow in Orthodontics

16:56 Marketing Can Expose Problems

18:28 The Patient Journey Is Different For Everybody

19:33 Orthodontist Don’t Know How To Convert Traffic

22:00 You Have To Nurture Relationships

22:58 Orthodontics Will Grow Exponentially

23:21 Consumer Behavior Has To Be Taken Into Account

25:06 Adult Starts Are Up

26:15 Young Adult Patients Are Different

27:40 Teaching Business To Dental School’s and Residency Programs

29:19 Mindset For The Future Instead of the Now

30:48 The Doctor’s Mindset and Personality

31:48 How To Deal With No Shows

33:29 Timing Is Everything

33:45 Mindset Is A Key Factor In Success

35:48 Your Growth With HIP

36:44 Other Marketers Try To Quote ROI

37:28 Having Your Best Month When Others Struggled

38:12 Staying With The Partners That Are There To Help You Grow

39:14 Looking At Other Industries

41:37 Orthodontists Are Mechanical Engineers By Nature

42:21 Orthodontist Are About Precision

43:46 Education VS Real World Applications

45:08 Final Thoughts

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In this episode, hosts Melissa and Luke have an engaging discussion about ‘Passion’, a core value at HIP. They kick things off by sharing their thoughts on what passion means to them. It’s not just about having a strong interest or hobby; it’s about something that drives you to do better and achieve more. They share some interesting stories from a recent team meeting, showing how they inspire their team members to find and harness their own passions.

A big part of the episode is Melissa’s story and how she came to HIP. This story really highlights how her passion aligned with HIP and the mission of our company.

Melissa and Luke also delve into the connection between passion and productivity. They extend this idea to leadership, discussing how passion from leaders can spark creativity and innovation within their teams.

Towards the end, Melissa and Luke give some practical tips on how to identify your passion, nurture it, and keep it alive in your day-to-day work life at HIP. They close the episode by emphasizing the vital role of passion in the workplace, particularly at HIP. They leave listeners with a little teaser about the topic for the next episode, keeping the excitement going.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the power of passion in your professional and personal life.

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In every industry, success largely depends on having a positive attitude and strong mindset. For orthodontic practices, a good mindset can have a significant impact on patient satisfaction, retention, and ultimately the success of the practice. However, it’s not enough to simply invest in fancy new gadgets or technologies to impress patients. A good mindset involves understanding the needs of your patients, being transparent about pricing and treatment timelines, and prioritizing their overall experience.

It’s no secret that orthodontic treatment can be expensive, and most patients are looking for options that are both affordable and efficient. While it might be tempting to invest in all the latest gadgets and technologies to lure patients in, focusing solely on profitability can be detrimental. Patients are more likely to trust a practice that puts them first and provides affordable options. Instead of solely focusing on profitability, create a practice that centers on creating a positive experience for patients.

A lot of orthodontic practices fail to provide transparency when it comes to pricing and treatment timelines. This can lead to patients shopping around for cheaper options or delaying treatment altogether. Be transparent with your patients about the expected timeline and costs, as well as any additional fees that may apply. By doing so, patients will feel confident in making informed decisions about their treatment and be more likely to trust your practice.

When it comes to providing a positive experience for your patients, clarity around your orthodontic value proposition is key. Identify your unique selling points and make them clear to patients. For example, what sets you apart from other practices in the area? Is it your technology, your team of experts, or your commitment to bilingual patients? Communicate these strengths effectively to patients, and they will be more likely to choose your practice over others.

The patient’s overall experience should be a top priority for orthodontic practices. Dr. Castilla’s practice is a great example of this mindset at work. One of their goals is to provide patients with as much flexibility as possible, which means having a team that is bilingual and able to accommodate individual needs. They also focus on making the entire process easier for patients, from scheduling appointments to providing various payment options. By prioritizing patient experience, practices can build a strong reputation and increase patient retention.

Having a good mindset is essential for orthodontic practices to succeed. Rather than solely focusing on profitability, prioritize the patient’s overall experience by providing transparency in pricing and treatment timelines, being clear about your unique selling points, and creating a flexible, accommodating practice. By doing so, patients will be more likely to trust your practice and stick with you for the long haul. Ultimately, a happy, satisfied patient is invaluable to the success of any orthodontic practice.

The post Setting Your Mental Focus and Making a Successful Orthodontic Business with Dr. Castilla appeared first on HIP Creative.

In the ever-competitive world of healthcare, retaining patients and ensuring they receive the best possible care is paramount to the success of your practice. Despite your team’s commitment to helping patients make informed decisions, there will always be those who are not yet ready to pursue treatment, leaving your practice on a “pending” status. This can be disheartening, but it is crucial to recognize that effectively following up with these patients can drastically improve their chances of returning and ultimately committing to care.

Maximizing your practice’s revenue doesn’t only rely on securing immediate ‘yeses’ but also in nurturing the potential within the ‘maybe’ category. By developing a consistent follow-up system, understanding and addressing patient concerns, and providing helpful resources and support, your office can convert these undecided prospects into loyal patients who trust and value your practice. Your TCs are the integral force behind this transformation, so empower them to follow up with confidence for at least a month, and both your patients and your practice will reap the long-term benefits. Remember: following up doesn’t make you a bother; you’re continuously offering assistance to a patient by reminding them about reaching the smile they want.

Implementing an efficient system to track and follow up with pending patients is a prerequisite for enhancing the overall performance of your treatment coordinator and, by extension, your practice. By establishing an efficient, comprehensive, and consistent process, you’ll ensure that your patients receive the care and attention they deserve, leading to higher patient satisfaction, increased treatment acceptance rates, and a more prosperous and thriving practice. Below are the best ways to follow up:

Managing pending patients is an essential aspect of a successful dental practice, and implementing a systematic approach to tracking and following up with these patients will ensure they receive the attention and guidance they need to move forward in their treatment journey.

The success of your treatment center relies heavily on the ability to convert potential patients into committed clients. By understanding the need for persistence and the value of consistent follow-ups, your team can significantly increase conversion rates. Remember to approach each interaction with the intent to build trust and provide genuine support. With dedication and a structured follow-up plan, those pending patients are much more likely to find themselves sitting in your treatment center’s chair, ready to take the next step in their healthcare journey.

Overcoming financial obstacles through reactivation campaigns can play a crucial role in attracting new patients and re-engaging those who have drifted away from your dental practice. By offering incentives like down payment matches and giveaways, you can demonstrate to patients that you genuinely care about their financial concerns and overall dental health. Coupled with strategic marketing efforts through multiple channels, such reactivation campaigns can lead to satisfied patients, increased patient engagement, and ultimately, a thriving practice.

In conclusion, the magic of a consistent follow-up system cannot be overstated. It’s the cornerstone of building strong customer relationships, streamlining workflow, and increasing hours in a day dedicated to boosting your business. As you transition to PB for your patient tracking and follow-up needs, you’ll witness an impressive transformation in your organization’s efficiency and growth potential. Don’t let inefficiencies stand in the way of your success—take control of your patient follow-up process and reap the rewards for years to come.

For full access to the book, you can email [email protected] to receive a printed copy or access the audiobook here. Otherwise, stay tuned for each chapter to be released via the podcast every week!

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In today’s fast-paced world, dental practices are striving to keep up with the demand for efficient and prompt services. One proven strategy that has been working wonders for many dental offices is starting the treatment on the same day as the free consultation. But why is it so crucial to get the patient in the chair quickly? The answer lies in human nature and the art of overcoming patient inertia. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of same-day treatment starts, the benefits for both the patient and the practice, and provide tips on how to successfully implement this strategy in your office.

The key to successfully offering same-day starts lies in effective pre-framing during the very first contact with your potential patients. By incorporating a clear and consistent message about the availability of same-day starts and the benefits of a low down payment and monthly fee structure, you set your TC up for success and increase the likelihood of patients committing to treatment. Remember that a well-prepared team and seamless office operations are crucial to capitalize on the potential of same-day starts and lead your practice to impressive growth and profitability.

Maximizing same-day patient starts is a crucial step in fostering the growth and success of your orthodontic practice. By building a strong team, streamlining consultation processes, enhancing patient education, offering financial flexibility, and implementing efficient scheduling and capacity management, you can create an environment that encourages new patients to commit to treatment immediately. These strategies may require time and effort to implement, but as you persistently work towards these goals, your practice will reap the rewards and see tangible results in the form of increased patient starts and satisfaction.

There are four factors that are part of a patient’s decision-making process when committing to orthodontic treatment:

Being an effective Treatment Coordinator requires active listening and asking the right questions to gauge a patient’s commitment to their treatment. By addressing the four crucial questions mentioned above and being proactive in resolving any patient obstacles or objections, TCs can significantly improve the patient’s overall experience and rapport with the practice. Ultimately, the primary goal of a TC is to support patients and guide them along the path to achieving their health and wellness goals. Ensuring that obstructions are identified and eliminated demonstrates empathy, understanding, and dedication to the patient’s needs, creating a lasting and trusting connection that extends far beyond the initial consultation.

If your patient is still unsure about committing to treatment, here are some strategies the TC can consider to help getting patients onboard:

Working with patients to overcome financial hesitations requires exceptional empathy, understanding, and perseverance. Your TC must balance the delicate task of addressing concerns in a non-judgmental manner while guiding patients towards the necessary care. By fostering trust and rapport, utilizing active listening, and addressing financial and non-financial concerns with sensitivity and expertise, your TC can help patients move forward with treatment and secure a hopeful future for their health and well-being.

Integrating same-day treatment starts into your practice may seem like a simple strategy, yet its effects can significantly boost revenue, increase patient satisfaction, and streamline overall processes. By addressing and overcoming patients’ natural inertia, preparing your team for success, and streamlining internal processes, you can create a powerful and effective atmosphere that fosters exceptional patient care. Embrace this powerful tactic and watch your practice flourish as patients make the swift and rewarding journey.

For full access to the book, you can email [email protected] to receive a printed copy or access the audiobook here. Otherwise, stay tuned for each chapter to be released via the podcast every week!

The post Positioning the Same-Day Start: Chapter 5 of The Ultimate Treatment Coordinator appeared first on HIP Creative.

For many patients, the cost of orthodontic treatment is a major barrier to getting the care they need. Oftentimes, patients will put off treatment because they don’t have the money upfront to pay for it. As a result, it’s important for your treatment coordinator (TC) to be able to discuss treatment costs in a way that doesn’t cause alarm or discouragement. Here are three tips for doing just that

Pre-framing treatment costs is an important part of providing dental care. By doing this, you can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment, build trust with them, and avoid misunderstandings further down the line. There are a few different ways that you can pre-frame treatment costs, including providing estimates upfront and giving patients a breakdown of average prices on your website or in your office. You can also provide financing options for patients who may be struggling to pay for treatment all at once. By taking these steps, you can help make dental care more affordable and accessible for everyone involved.

It’s important for your TCs to lead by providing one simple and easy-to-understand option for payment when discussing a patient’s treatment plan. By offering a down payment of $300 or less and monthly payments of $200 or less, you eliminate confusion and make it easy for patients to say yes! Doing so will help ensure that your practice continues its growth trajectory while giving patients the freedom and comfort needed when making such an important decision concerning their health and wellbeing.

The key takeaway here is that transparency and clear communication between providers and patients during treatment plan presentations leads to greater acceptance rates overall—not only because patients feel informed but also because they appreciate knowing exactly how much money they get to save! When you make sure your TC presents all relevant information upfront regarding insurance coverage, promotions/discounts available at your office, followed by payment structures estimated after all savings have been factored in—your patients will appreciate knowing up front exactly what kind of financial commitment lies ahead for them during treatment planning!

It is important to find ways to help people pay for treatments while still getting paid on time and maintaining our practice’s financial security in the process. Offering flexible payment plans and discounts are great ways of doing this while showing your patients that you value them and want them back again in the future! By finding creative ways to accommodate patient cash flow needs while staying financially secure ourselves, we can create mutually beneficial relationships with our patients that will last for years to come!

Streamlining the orthodontic patient financial agreement process doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—it can actually be quite simple! By having a standard agreement form with clear terms and conditions outlined in it, taking the time to explain what your patients are signing up for, and setting up an organized system for tracking these documents electronically or physically filing them away securely—you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the line! With these strategies implemented properly into your practice’s workflow, you’ll be able to get rid of those long drawn-out meetings where everyone has different versions of the same document floating around by simply presenting one concise form that both parties can sign off on quickly without confusion or misunderstanding.

Creating an effective pricing strategy is key to getting more people through your door and into treatment as soon as possible. By understanding the challenges that prospective orthodontic patients face—from budgeting worries to scheduling conflicts—and providing flexible payment options and value-added guarantees, you can make it easier for them to start their journey towards a beautiful smile without delay!

For full access to the book, you can email [email protected] to receive a printed copy or access the audiobook here. Otherwise, stay tuned for each chapter to be released via the podcast every week!

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The success of any orthodontic practice is based on their ability to bring new patients in the door. However, if you are already seeing a large number of patients, it can be difficult to accommodate the influx of new consults without having to work longer hours. In this blog post, we will discuss how the nation’s top 1% orthodontic practices run 30-minute consultations to provide ample capacity for new patients and growth.

Implementing shorter consultations may seem intimidating at first but taking steps towards achieving this goal can be immensely beneficial for your practice in terms of both time savings and increased revenue from new patient visits.

With proper training and incentives for staff members, running 30-minute consultations can lead your practice into greater success overall!

If a patient is looking for a quick and easy way to get started on treatment, virtual appointments are the way to go! With a virtual consultation, a patient can submit information and photos of their teeth from home, receive a treatment plan and financial option, and schedule an in-office consultation—all without ever having to step foot in theoffice! Plus, patients save time and money by not having to take time off from work or pay for gas or parking. It’s quick, efficient, and convenient!

Streamlining your new patient consultations doesn’t have to be difficult—it just takes some organization and practice! By following our 8-minute record process advice above combined with our 2-5 minute doctor consult & 5-minute fee presentation formula suggestions you will be able to get your consults down to 30 minutes or less while still providing high-quality care & service to your patients. In today’s fast-paced world where everyone values their time more than ever before this could make a huge difference in not only customer satisfaction but also bottom-line profits! So give it a try today!

Reducing consultation time in your office is an important task that requires commitment from everyone involved. By setting goals, developing a training plan, investing in the right tools, and staying consistent with practice and training sessions, you will be able to achieve great results within a reasonable amount of time! By utilizing the secret formula, you will soon see an increase in both efficiency and client satisfaction levels at your business!

Change isn’t always easy or fun but it’s necessary if you want your medical practice to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. By making a commitment to change and following through with tangible steps like setting goals and training staff members, you can ensure that your practice is able to keep up with innovative changes while providing an improved experience for patients.

For full access to the book, you can email [email protected] to receive a printed copy or access the audiobook here. Otherwise, stay tuned for each chapter to be released via the podcast every week!

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Luke Infinger is the founder and CEO of HIP, a full-service marketing orthodontic agency based in Pensacola, FL. Over the past decade, Luke has successfully scaled his agency to become one of the top firms in the orthodontic space with over 10 million in annual revenue.

So, how did Luke do it? Here are some of the key factors that have contributed to his success:

In conclusion, Luke Infinger’s success is a testament to the power of hard work, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence. By focusing on niche expertise, investing in talent and technology, prioritizing client satisfaction, and building a strong foundation, he has built a marketing agency that has stood the test of time and continues to thrive.

Enjoy the interview, to learn more about what we do, visit https://hip.agency.

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Are you looking for ways to get more people into your orthodontic office? Or maybe you’re looking to drive more sales in your business. Either way, having a team that understands processes and procedures is key. After all, it’s the team members who handle new patient phone calls and scheduling who have the most critical role in the practice. They are the ones who drive and dictate the volume of production more than anybody else. So, how can you ensure your team does it efficiently? It all comes down to training your team on proper processes and procedures.

Anybody that handles new patient phone calls and scheduling has the most critical role in the practice, as they drive and dictate the volume of production more than anybody else. They have to be equipped with knowledge about your practice so they can answer any questions a prospective patient may have, as well as being able to make sure patients get scheduled quickly. That’s why it is vital that your team is trained on the proper processes and procedures that will help ensure they do their job properly.

Salesmanship is an integral part of any business; it means helping people! As sales professionals, it should be the goal of your team members to establish trust and connection with prospective patients by understanding their needs and providing informed solutions—all while having fun in doing so! Helping your team members understand this will result in more successful interactions with prospective patients which will ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

How can your front desk team lower the guards of prospective patients?

Processes and procedures are essential components when it comes down running a successful orthodontic practice. With proper training on processes and procedures, plus adequate tools provided by management, anyone handling new patient phone calls has an invaluable role in dictating production volume within the office—and therefore overall success! Get into the habit of letting people know you are there to help them. Additionally, teaching salesmanship skills is just as important as teaching technical skills as it helps build trust between practitioner teams/patients which results in better outcomes all around! All-in-all training your teams on processes/procedures plus salesmanship strategies leads to greater success within any orthodontic office!

For full access to the book, you can email [email protected] to receive a printed copy or access the audiobook here. Otherwise, stay tuned for each chapter to be released via the podcast every week!

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