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Dental Articles
As we approach the new millennium a visit to the dentist continues to become more and more enjoyable. As a retired dentist and a Coach to successful dental practices, I believe anyone can keep their teeth for a lifetime. This of course requires good oral hygiene coupled with regular visits to your dentist. However, many Americans live under the misconception that modern dentistry is uncomfortable, expensive and unimportant. These beliefs are unfounded and need to be changed. Fortunately, gains in technology, painless treatment methods and advanced materials are allowing dentists and their teams to improve the dental treatment experience. These advances enable them to increase their efficiency in the delivery of care, which holds down costs. The introduction of new technologies and materials has reduced or eliminated the discomfort previously associated with dental treatment. Yet, with all of these advancements, many people in this country avoid the dental office or are unaware of the remarkable advances in patient care and comfort. When my clients ask for ideas on how the dental community can bridge this gap, I offer up a productive, simple, and fun solution…Toastmasters International.
My clients, as well as the majority of dentists find themselves in a unique position to positively influence others. They are found in community leadership positions, on school boards, they are members of service organizations and they can be found in local politics. Every day they are communicating with patients, staff, peers, community leaders and as such have the opportunity to present the positives that dentistry has to offer. Many times the dentist is asked to deliver presentations to school groups, PTA’s, Chambers of Commerce or other service groups. How important is it for the dental professional to be able to communicate clearly, convincingly and compassionately? I submit, it is very important.
I Coach my dental clients that by participating in Toastmasters and developing excellent communication skills, they can become a missionary for life-long smiles. I have identified the Top Eight ways Toastmasters can help grow a dental practice and advance a profession.
1. “Ice Breaking.” You learn how to introduce yourself, how to make a strong point and how to communicate conversationally. Meeting a new patient or leaders from a local organization requires that the dentist speak clearly and audibly and with confidence.
2. Speak with sincerity. Everyone responds to honesty and sincerity. Learning to speak with a strong conviction and from the heart, helps patients understand and engage them to enthusiastically support the doctors viewpoint.
3. Organization. To present and explain a specific treatment or to describe the latest technology to a group of interested parents at the local PTA, the dentist needs to know how to organize an awakening opening, an action oriented close both wrapped around a body of interesting and factual information.
4. Show what you mean. The majority of our persuasive communication is based on body language. How to use facial expressions, body movements and gestures are hallmarks of a Toastmasters training process. I want my clients to know that when they look at their patients that they believe that the doctor cares about them. Patients want to feel their dentist is honest, credible and friendly.
5. Work with words. Typically, professionals use “big words” unique to their profession. Many times the patient nods in agreement and yet never understood what the doctor just explained. How do you say a lot in as few words as possible? Toastmasters teach how to use words economically, to use short sentences and short words that paint a vivid picture.
6. Persuasion. It is critical that the dentist gets the patient to understand, accept and then act on a recommendation or finding. Toastmasters teach how to present evidence in such a way that it generates emotional commitment.
7. Leadership. Dentists are regularly called upon to lead organizations, both professionally and in their communities. In Toastmasters you develop leadership skills when you organize and conduct meetings. You have the opportunity to serve as a club leader and can earn leadership awards while working on projects specific to your professional life. Exactly what the dentist needs to succeed.
8. “Think and Speak” on your feet. This is an important skill for every dentist to master. Toastmasters provide the ability to respond to challenging questions. Impromptu responses to patient questions that are clear, organized and spontaneous will enhance the dentist-patient communication and trust. Quick thinking is a must.
I encourage my clients to recognize that the value of Toastmasters can be both financial and personal. They can grow their practice through serving as guest speakers or panelists for other service organizations, potentially, a source of new patients. Because they are more organized, self-assured and able to communicate with greater clarity, the Toastmaster dentist can attract new patients no matter where he/she may be. They can maintain and endear their existing clients to the practice and they can expand their relationships with other organizations and become recognized as a significant community asset.
Tools, techniques and talent to communicate the value and benefit of life-long dental health need to be part of the treatment modality for every dentist. Toastmasters is a wonderful tool to bridge the gap between patient fears and unknowns and the remarkable world of dental health. I would Coach any dentist to take the next step and visit your local Toastmasters meeting.
© Copyright 2003 by EgyptDentists.com
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