Client interview, February 2015 - Interview with Dr Fong Yong - Principal Dentist at Sunbury Dental House
How were you introduced to Prime Practice?
I had just taken over an old practice and I was stressed and felt I had no one to show me how to run my ideal practice. I spoke with a friend, who is also a Prime Practice client, about my concerns and he suggested that if I speak to Prime Practice, my stress will be alleviated. So I decided to go to the Practice Owner's Workshop.
What was the impact of Practice Owner's Workshop?
It opened my eyes to the fact that I really didn't know a lot about running a practice. Prime Practice presented a lot of great ideas and gave me some hope that my ideal practice was achievable. After this workshop, I was left wanting more... so I joined the Practice Management Program to learn as much as I could.
What has changed?
1.5 years ago when I opened, my practice had one chair. I now have 3 chairs and a hygienist. I wouldn’t have even dreamed that I could do this myself, but the guidance form Prime Practice and my coach has really helped me.
What's the biggest thing you have learnt?
I think the key for me has been improving my communication skills, with both my patients and my team. And also leadership skills has been a big one. But everytime I go to a workshop, there is something new that I have gained.
Primespeak I have done once, but I know I will be doing it again soon. It has been so helpful for me! Not only have I become a better dentist, guiding the patients to the optimum treatment that I think they deserve, but Primespeak has also helped me with communication out of the office. Not to mention the improvements to the bottom line.
How have you found the coaching experience?
The coaching has been great. I don’t think I would be able to reach my goals without guidance from my coach. She helps me look into my numbers and coaches my practice manager too so we work really well together. We are always accountable to someone and to each other and we know there is someone looking over our shoulders to make sure we achieve our goals.
Have these changes affected your life outside of work?
The information I learnt at uni and the experience I had received by working for others really didn’t prepare me for owning or running my own practice. Now that everything is under control and running properly, I don’t have to worry too much when I am at home. Basically I have less stress when I'm out of the office and when I am in the office, I can focus more on dentistry and trust everyone else to do their jobs.
All of that in a year and a half.
