CLINICAL INNOVATIONS Every new
Dr. Bryan Laskin
Clinical Director & Innovations
2) “Presell” any new technology
successful launch (software/hardware
technology,
to team and patients to build
requirements, updating systems,
process or
anticipation. Your team should be
firewall restrictions, etc.)
procedure comes
most excited prior to implementing
with a learning
the technology, so that when you
curve or some
inevitably run into snags inherent in
barrier, no matter
change, you will be motivated to carry
how small. You
on to reach success.
and your team will need to slow down in
order to incorporate anything new that will ultimately lead to your working life becoming easier and more impactful. Therefore, key to moving beyond outdated procedures, is coming up with systems that allow you to commit to the improved technology and communicate confidence to the team. Without both improved technology and effective communication, no one will push through the resistance to change that will lead to the positive transformation of your practice. It is always easier to do what you used to do, even if it is more work, more stressful and worse in every way. So, use these 10 steps to keep your eye on the prize and successfully implement any transformative upgrade to your practice! 1) Determine what success looks like prior to implementation. Preschedule follow ups with metrics that match your success goals.
7) Assign a champion. A single person must be accountable for the successful integration of the technology. While only 1 person should be ultimately accountable as
3) Determine how you will
champion of the technology, they
communicate the benefit to your
should ask for assistance from others
patients. Often this is not obvious,
when needed.
so spend some time with your team discussing the end benefits the
8) Make adequate space in your schedule. Give 100% of your
new technology provides from your
and your team’s attention to
patients’ perspective. Or, better yet, ask a few patients whose opinion you value.
implementation training. 9) Make sure you have enough availability of the new
4) Never just “try something
technology. If there is too much
out”. Trials are for before
scarcity in the technology, it will
implementation. Once a new
always be assumed that it isn’t
technology has been decided on, you must commit or it will fail. 5) Communicate to the entire team
available, so it will go unused. 10) Do as much research as you can before implementation. This
why you are implementing the
will allow the time spent during
technology. Key areas to stress are
implementation to be a deeper level
positive impacts to your: a) Clinical quality b) Patient experience c) Team health 6) Lift any restrictions. Prior to implementing the technology, obtain a list of any technological restrictions that may be lifted for a
of conversation and knowledge. Bringing on anything new is hard work, but often leads to benefits that far outweigh the effort of implementation. If you are having challenges with change with your team, pass along these tips or reach out and ask for help from the DCA team… we’re here to help!
LEADING THE WAY WITH THE NEW DCA DR APP Coming in early 2020, Dental Care Alliance will launch a mobile application for our doctors – the first of its kind in dentistry! The DR app will turn our doctors’ mobile devices into miniature powerhouses of function and communication. Capabilities will include DCA News, doctor email integration, schedule viewing, calendar of events, digital case collaboration, and links to important resources like D.I.C.E. in a secure, HIPAA-compliant atmosphere. The app is currently in development and capabilities will be rolled out in a thoughtful, phased approach. The future is limitless with the potential of a communication vehicle like this… and will offer other exclusive innovations such as teledentistry and a live environment for complete communication.
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