Keys to Explosive Practice Growth

Thomas K. Hedge D.D.S., F.A.C.E.
The Profitable Dentist
January 1999

These are some of the techniques that I have used to grow my practice from scratch to 4500 patients, 2 general dentists, 2 part-time specialists, and almost one million dollars per year in revenue.

1. Located in the fastest growing school district in the state.
2. Direct marketing piece sent to all new home owners.
3. Expanded hours.
4. Comfortable environment.
5. Hired a consultant every two years to keep on track.
6. Embraced most new high technologies early.
7. Participated in over 200 hours of continuing education per year, every year.
8. Read every journal, magazine and book that you possibly can about dentistry.
9. Purchase a neighboring practice, close facility, sell excess equipment, and merge patients into existing practice.
10. Raise fees yearly until you are comfortable with fees that are higher than your neighbors.
11. Become a great dental photographer and use photos to show patients your work.
12. Hire an experienced staff and pay them well.
13. Hire an office manager when revenues warrant it.
14. Pay hygienists on commission. Capitalism vs. Communism
15. Manage your practice through statistics. Edward Demming.
16. Set up retirement plan early and fund it every year.