Planning Your "Comeback" during COVID-19 Shutdown

As we discuss the “comeback,” I think it is similar to presenting treatment to our patients. We give messages that may initially be subliminal and we build on them with each visit with the patient.

An example would be someone who comes from another practice that you would diagnose with periodontal disease.

As a colleague, you wouldn't say, “Boy was that doctor off! They have severely under-diagnosed the condition of your gums and supporting bone. You need scaling and root planing immediately.”

Rather, your conversation with that patient would be: “ I have some concerns regarding your condition. I would like to take a conservative approach, have you come back in 3 months and re-evaluate your condition at that time. Perhaps with more asserted home care and more frequent visits we can take care of this condition. In the event that it persists, we will do XYZ.”

Similarly, we need to set the stage for what happens next with our patients and our team.

Setting The Stage for Success

I strongly suggest that you keep communication open as widely as possible. Education allows everyone to understand and make the best decisions. Very similar, again, to a well-presented treatment presentation.

1. Do frequent posts on social media which allow you to be seen as the expert in the oral health arena
2. Answer questions that haven’t even been asked yet
3. Share the research in short, bullet-point format from the health care leaders (of which you are one)
4. Tell them what patients are requesting: a) Professional cleaning appointments while they are off work. b) Having their diagnosed procedures completed in the time frame you have diagnosed. c) Keeping their oral health care convenient for them
5. Share the link between oral and systemic health. At this time where our bodies may be combating disease, the body does not need to differentiate between the Covid-19 and bacterial infection in our mouths. Give your body every chance for the immune system to combat the virus if you come into contact with it.
6. Share research that you have read and state the credible sources that you have acquired information from
7. Do some fun activities! EVERYONE is on social media right now. There is a huge audience that can be involved in your growth. While other businesses sit back and react, it's time for you to be PROACTIVE.

When doors reopen, here's how to keep converting new patients during the economic downturn. >>

This is a time to strengthen your reputation

1. Reach out to the community and offer support where you can.
2. Begin a social media chain. Start out with a list of 10 things to be grateful for. Have everyone add their gratitude and forward to their friends and family.
3. Be interactive! Questions to put out there: a) What is your favorite TV series that you now have time to watch? b) What is your favorite book? c) Where is your favorite place to travel? Give a link to virtual travel there!
4. Do a lottery on when we will be back to everyday function in the dental office. State what the prize is for the person who gets the date correct.
5. Have patients put out videos or suggestions of what they are doing to keep their children busy
6. Suggest your favorite recipe and encourage others to try it out and share their end result or some other their favorites.
7. There are no limits to the ideas, so just have fun with it. Take a snapshot of what your life is like at home, share a funny video or meme, anything to brighten spirits.

there are some things that we cannot change, but we do have the power to change the way we think about others.

Keep in touch with your team.

They are as concerned as you are and in some cases more so because many of them live paycheck to paycheck.

1. They need hope! Reassure them that this is only a moment in time. Things will return to normal, but that definition will be different than we have seen in the past.
2. Give them answers. There is no right or wrong, but give them information so they know what they need to do next. a) Are you are going to pay them? b) How long can they count on that? c) If you do pay them, what do you expect for them to do to earn this because patient care is not a choice at this point. If you are not going to pay them, assist them in filing for unemployment.
3. Draft a list of things that need to be completed: a) How long should it take them to accomplish? b)How will you monitor that it was done successfully?
4. STAY CONNECTED. Community is important especially right now. a) Do a group call, ZOOM meeting, GoToMeeting. Technology is incredibly valuable. b) Ask for their input; they will be critical in your “comeback.” c) Send them encouragement if you can. d) Zelle them a little cash for something they can use to have fun with during this time. e) Ask them to share what they did with the cash at your next team call
5. Put out social media posts about why this team member is invaluable to you and the patients. Make sure that you do this for EVERY team member within the next couple of weeks.
6. Send a meal to each of them. If you know their favorite cuisine, have it sent to them through GrubHub or the like. You are helping your team, local business and currier services.

Keep it positive and uplifting.

The biggest understanding that we must have is that there are some things that we cannot change, but we do have the power to change the way we think about others.

Look at the big picture. We are in this together. The particulars of each of our situations may be different but there are more similarities than differences. At this moment every detail seems imperative and insurmountable, but in the long run, it is just a moment in time.

Be kind. Be empathetic. Be grateful. Be safe.

I hope this is helpful! Stay well. I have waived all my fees for strategy meetings through the end of the month. Please go to speaker.dental and reserve your time.