In this episode of the Growing a Dental Practice podcast, host Hazel Woodward is joined by Rida Alwan, The Dental Negotiator, for an introductory conversation. Rida shares his background in business and consultancy, emphasizing the need for dentists to receive support in running their practices. They discuss the lack of business education in dental training and the challenges dentists face in effectively managing their practices. As a business owner, Hazel relates to the struggles of running a business without formal training. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of providing dentists with the necessary business skills to thrive in their profession.

Timestamps

[00:01:32] The missing business education.

[00:03:58] Easy negotiation tips.

[00:07:34] Customer service and revenue growth.

[00:12:27] Spectacular savings for dental practices.

[00:16:42] HR companies and business decisions.

[00:18:39] Taking emotions out of business.

[00:23:38] Support for dental practice owners.

Detailed Synopsis

In this episode, the guest speaker emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills for dentists and dental practice owners. They suggest that negotiating with suppliers can be as simple as asking if there is a better price available. The speaker advises dentists to engage in conversations with suppliers directly to inquire about the best price they can offer.

The guest speaker highlights the significance of active listening and effective communication during negotiations. Dentists are encouraged to pay attention to the response when asking for a better price and engage in a dialogue. If the supplier responds with a higher price, the dentist can continue negotiating by expressing their belief that there is room for improvement. This simple approach can lead to potential cost savings and better deals for dental practices.

Furthermore, the speaker suggests that dentists should have a good understanding of their competitors' pricing and the potential profitability of different procedures, such as bonding or Invisalign. By being knowledgeable about the market and competitors, dentists can enter negotiations with confidence and have a clear idea of what they are willing to pay or charge for certain services.

In addition to negotiating contracts, the guest speaker mentions their role in helping dentists identify areas where money can be saved or operations can be improved. They offer guidance on various aspects of running a dental practice, such as analyzing receptionist performance and addressing any issues that may be affecting the practice's efficiency and profitability.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills for dentists and provides simple tips for improving these skills. By engaging in conversations with suppliers, asking for better prices, and being knowledgeable about the market, dentists can potentially save costs and make better decisions for their practices.

Quotes

• 00:01:34 - "As a business owner myself, sometimes you kind of feel like, am I doing this the right way?"

• 00:04:40 - "It's also being a little bit persistent, you know, um, so that's, you know, number two, you know, being persistent in anything that you want."

• 00:07:45 - "Yeah, because what it is is that you've got a person that's picking up the phone and just telling people, yeah, well, this is this is the only appointment I can fit you in, rather than giving them a whole calendar of other days."

• 00:09:19 - "And when that builds loyalty within the organization, they love being there."

• 00:11:25 - "You know, I had a practice owner that was part way through setting this practice."

• 00:15:54 - "I'm saving him just in the region of £12,000 as soon as he comes off that contract."

• 00:17:13 - "You know, it's unfortunately business has to be cutthroat and you need to make decisions."

• 00:21:48 - "So you've got it you've got a and because they've tied you into a um into a contract where you're the you're the only service supplier you're locked in that you have to buy everything from them so yes they're giving you cheap items on one side but then they're hiking up the prices on the other"

• 00:24:17 - "It really winds me up when I see people you know taking advantage of dentists and I'm always trying to find them the best deals to make sure that I want them to make sure that they're running for the next 10-15 years and they're absolutely enjoying life because that's what they should be there for."

• 00:25:42 - "Thank you for being my first guest and being so gentle with me."

Guest Bio

Rida Alwan, The Dental Negotiator, is a highly experienced business consultant with over 25 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has helped numerous businesses and organizations increase profitability and reduce costs. Rida opened his own consultancy in 2008, where he continues to provide valuable insights and strategies to his clients. With a strong focus on achieving results and delivering tangible outcomes, Rida has earned a reputation for his expertise in negotiation and business optimization. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the dental industry make him a sought-after consultant in the field. Rida's ethos revolves around empowering businesses to thrive and succeed in today's competitive market. He believes in the power of effective negotiation and strategic decision-making to drive growth and profitability. With a track record of success and a passion for helping others, Rida is dedicated to making a positive impact on the businesses he works with.

Guest Contact Details

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.profectusci.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rida-alwan-662116b/
• Phone: +447985588301