Dental practice’s, like all other businesses, need systems in place to run efficiently and keep the team on track. Implementing a project management tool is one of those systems that can mean the difference between a practice that fosters team communication and efficiency…and not.
While it might initially seem like a daunting undertaking, there are fortunately many easily accessible project management tools available online. Just a few examples are Redbooth, Teamwork and Basecamp. They range from tools that will just help you manage your to-do lists, to tools that will enable collaboration between employees. So with all of these options how do you even get started?
1. ESTABLISH YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE’S NEEDS
First, determine what your top priorities are in a project management system. What are the chronic issues in your practice that a project management tool could help solve?
It is important to research all of the options out there and start weeding out the ones that don’t fit your needs. Create a list of the top two or three that look like they might work for you. Many of these tools will let you do a free trial period so you can test it out without any upfront costs.
3. ASSIGN A POWER USER
Once you determine which system to use appoint a “power user”, someone in the office or an outside consultant that can set it up and work with management on how it will be used. This will be the person who knows the system inside and out, and the go-to in the practice when questions arise.
4. TRAIN & IMPLEMENT
Lastly, utilize the power user to train the entire dental team on the system and explicitly explain how everyone should use it. It is essential to have total buy-in and consistency for this type of tool to be successful.
The right project management system can transform your dental practice into a more productive and enjoyable work environment. There is some upfront work that has to happen, but once established it has the power to transform your practice into a well-oiled machine.
While it might initially seem like a daunting undertaking, there are fortunately many easily accessible project management tools available online. Just a few examples are Redbooth, Teamwork and Basecamp. They range from tools that will just help you manage your to-do lists, to tools that will enable collaboration between employees. So with all of these options how do you even get started?
1. ESTABLISH YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE’S NEEDS
First, determine what your top priorities are in a project management system. What are the chronic issues in your practice that a project management tool could help solve?
- Lack of communication between team members that is leading to things falling through the cracks
- Losing files/disorganization of files
- Lack of ownership among team members
It is important to research all of the options out there and start weeding out the ones that don’t fit your needs. Create a list of the top two or three that look like they might work for you. Many of these tools will let you do a free trial period so you can test it out without any upfront costs.
3. ASSIGN A POWER USER
Once you determine which system to use appoint a “power user”, someone in the office or an outside consultant that can set it up and work with management on how it will be used. This will be the person who knows the system inside and out, and the go-to in the practice when questions arise.
4. TRAIN & IMPLEMENT
Lastly, utilize the power user to train the entire dental team on the system and explicitly explain how everyone should use it. It is essential to have total buy-in and consistency for this type of tool to be successful.
The right project management system can transform your dental practice into a more productive and enjoyable work environment. There is some upfront work that has to happen, but once established it has the power to transform your practice into a well-oiled machine.
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