How were you introduced to Prime Practice?
It started back when Prime first started in NZ in 2003. We met Michael and Phillip in Auckland for an introductory course and it happened there. We were one of the first practices to join Prime in New Zealand.
What are the biggest things that changed?
Good team work and great communication between clinicians and patients, and between clinicians and support staff.
From working with Prime, we have systems in place in our practice and continued education for our staff to empower them and lift their verbal skills. Our clinicians have also learnt a lot from Primespeak and they’re able to offer what’s best for our patients without judgement, and without our patients responding with “Can I afford this or not”.
Says Chris’ wife Sally, “Chris was good at communicating with patients before, and now he is FANTASTIC! My husband has changed and turned into a lovely human being”.
“I’m no longer grumpy”, adds Chris.
Says Sally, ”I really have enjoyed the Prime learning experience from the beginning, back in 2003. Even after all this time, when we go to a workshop we pick up something new and different.
When we first started we were really just newbies and we thought we knew what we were doing, then we realised that everything we were doing just wasn’t right. Once we started to put all the systems in place, which was a lot of hard work, and with a little push from our coach, we really started to experience the benefits of a well-run practice.
How have you found the coaching experience?
It’s great. It’s like having a big brother to turn to, to offer independent advice. When I was coming back to Wellington to start my practice, I turned to older dentists to be my mentors. I have now outgrown that and have turned to Prime Practice which supports me with experienced coaching and effective training - especially when it comes to communication skills and how to handle staff. Prime provide an avenue to help solve any problem.
Have these changes affected your life outside of work?
If we leave the practice for 2 or even 3 weeks, I don’t have to worry. I know the girls will run things smoothly and, if anything, they step up and become more independent when we’re not around. Since joining Prime I have managed to have more time for my photography, and my family.
Adds Sally, “Now we are enjoying the fruit from the tree we planted when we joined Prime.”
