Why Implement SMART Goals in Your Dental Practice

SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives—provide the framework to turn your aspirations into actionable plans.

Instead of setting vague targets like "improve patient satisfaction," SMART goals help you create focused objectives.

For example, rather than aiming to "see more patients," set a goal to "increase patient appointments by 30% over the next quarter through better scheduling and expanded office hours."

The SMART framework helps you set goals that are concrete and trackable. Each element serves a crucial purpose:

• Specific goals provide clear direction.

• Measurable criteria help you track progress.

• Achievable targets maintain motivation.

• Relevant objectives align with your practice's needs.

• Time-bound deadlines create urgency and accountability.

By adopting this structured approach, you'll focus your team's efforts, allocate resources effectively, and measure success in tangible ways.

Patient Care and Satisfaction Goals Examples

Your practice thrives when patients are satisfied and well cared for. 

Here are some example goals you could make to support patient care and satisfaction:

Boost Patient Satisfaction Ratings

Set your sights on raising patient satisfaction ratings from 4.0 to 4.8 stars within six months. Here's how:

• Implement a structured patient feedback system after each visit.

• Provide comprehensive customer service training for all staff members.

• Create a protocol to address common patient complaints within 24 hours.

• Conduct monthly reviews of patient feedback to identify improvement areas.

Optimize Wait Times

Aim to reduce patient wait times by 25% within three months by:

• Analyzing your current scheduling practices to identify bottlenecks.

• Implementing a more efficient appointment system.

• Training staff on time management best practices.

• Streamlining check-in and check-out processes.

• Using digital forms to reduce paperwork.

Increase Treatment Plan Acceptance

Boost your treatment plan acceptance rate from 70% to 85% within six months by:

• Developing clear protocols for presenting treatments.

• Training staff to communicate treatment benefits effectively.

• Offering flexible payment options.

• Creating detailed visual aids to explain treatments.

• Following up within 48 hours with patients who initially decline treatment.

Track these metrics monthly using your practice management software, and adjust strategies based on the results.

Practice Growth and Financial Goals Examples

Setting ambitious yet achievable financial targets allows you to grow sustainably.

Increase Monthly Revenue

Target a 15% increase in monthly revenue over the next 12 months. Break this goal down into actionable steps:

• Offer promotions or loyalty programs to attract and retain patients.

• Expand your service offerings to include popular treatments like teeth whitening or orthodontic options.

• Optimize marketing strategies by leveraging social media and email campaigns to reach a wider audience.

• Evaluate and adjust pricing for services to align with market trends and value perception.

Reduce Accounts Receivable

To achieve a 30% reduction in accounts receivable within six months:

• Implement stricter payment policies, including requiring upfront payments for certain procedures.

• Streamline the insurance claim submission process to reduce delays.

• Regularly follow up on overdue accounts with a structured collection protocol.

• Offer patients flexible payment plans.

Cut Overhead Costs

Achieve a 15% reduction in overhead costs by:

• Renegotiating contracts with vendors for supplies and equipment.

• Conducting a comprehensive review of recurring expenses to find savings opportunities.

• Transitioning to energy-efficient systems to lower utility bills.

• Using inventory management software to avoid overstocking and minimize waste.

Improve Production Efficiency

Focus on maximizing chair time and creating better workflows:

• Set daily production targets for each provider based on historical data.

• Train staff on effective scheduling techniques to minimize gaps in appointments.

• Track key performance metrics like production per hour and collection ratio, and adjust workflows accordingly.

• Develop a system for prioritizing high-value procedures during peak times.

Introduce High-Value Services

Boost revenue by integrating services that align with patient needs:

• Offer cosmetic dentistry options such as veneers or smile makeovers.

• Expand into specialized areas like implant dentistry or sleep apnea treatment.

• Regularly assess patient demographics to identify potential gaps in service offerings.

• Bundle services to provide added value, such as combining teeth cleaning with whitening treatments.

Team Development and Communication Goals Examples

Your practice's success relies on a well-trained, motivated team that communicates effectively.

Promote Professional Development

Ensure each team member completes their minimum required hours of continuing education annually. Create individual development plans, including cross-training opportunities. For example, train front office staff in basic dental assisting within two months. Start a mentorship program by pairing experienced staff with newer team members to share knowledge.

Improve Performance Tracking and Recognition

Set clear performance metrics for each role, and conduct quarterly reviews to track progress. Aim for a staff retention rate of 90% over the next year by improving feedback systems and offering career development opportunities. Establish a recognition program to celebrate individual and team achievements.

Foster Team Building and Boost Morale

Schedule team-building activities to strengthen relationships and collaboration. Use anonymous quarterly surveys to track team satisfaction, aiming for an 85% satisfaction rate. Consider initiatives like celebrating special days or organizing lunch-and-learn sessions to combine bonding with professional development.

Operational Efficiency Goals Examples

Focus on boosting operational efficiency through strategic scheduling and workflow optimization.

Optimize Admin-to-Production Ratio

Set a goal to optimize your admin-to-production ratio—aim for one administrative staff member per $50-60k in monthly production, with each admin efficiently handling up to 21 patient visits per day.

Reduce Wait Times

Track the time spent at each step of patient visits to identify bottlenecks. Set a target to reduce patient wait times by improving check-in and check-out processes. You could also balance high-production procedures with routine appointments to maintain steady daily production.

Improve Staffing Efficiency

Monitor your labor percentage by tracking clinical days worked and procedures performed. This will help you improve scheduling and find correlations with daily production. 

For example, you could hold daily team huddles to align on goals and address potential workflow challenges before they impact your productivity.

Automate Workflows

Set goals for workflow automation, like implementing digital intake forms or automated appointment reminders. You can monitor insurance production patterns to identify the most efficient providers to work with, and track fee-for-service procedures to improve your procedure mix.

Meet Your Dental Practice Goals with Teero

When you implement SMART goals, they’ll clarify your vision and align your team toward common objectives.

Teero can help your dental practice meet these goals, specifically those that have to do with staffing shortages. Our platform makes it easy to find qualified dental hygienists in your area for temporary or free permanent placements. To get started, sign up your office and start hiring.