Dr Phillip Palmer, June 2014
Client: Dr Kristina Cain
Practice: Refresh Dental, QLD
Joined Practice Management Program: February 2012
How were you introduced to Prime Practice?
I first encountered Prime Practice when I was working as an employee dentist in Brisbane. I noticed that there was an exceptional flow in the practice. It was very calm and everyone was working together. Having worked in non-Prime Practices I knew this wasn’t necessarily the norm. I wondered how this all seemed to be working so seamlessly and it wasn’t long until I realised the key was Prime Practice. After happily working at this practice for a few years, I realised that these were the systems and tools I would like when I run my own practice.
At the end of 2011, I bought my own practice and had already attended Practice Owner’s Workshop. I was delighted to learn when in negotiation on my new practice that they were a Prime Practice too! That meant the team had already been exposed to many of the systems, I knew there would be an understanding of the benefits of working with Prime Practice and there would be no resistance to continuing working with them.
In the practice purchase process and when I started, I really felt supported by Prime Practice.
What have you gained from being a part of Prime Practice?
On a business level, I gained a lot of knowledge about how to manage a dental practice and team. At university, I was taught all about dentistry, but once you finish, you realise there is SO much more to running a dental practice. I learnt about the importance of the numbers- expenses, production etc and also the importance of leading a team and understanding and appreciating the challenges everyone in the team faces.
On a personal level, I gained a lot of knowledge about myself and embraced personal growth. I have also learnt a lot about communication and feel more able to open up communication with people.
Where do you think your practice would have been without Prime?
I think it would have been twice the challenge without the support from Prime Practice.
Also, without the experience of having done Primespeak, I would still be popping out solutions to people’s dental conditions, rather than letting my patients take responsibility for their own teeth. Somewhere, somehow- maybe it is at uni(…?) it is instilled in dentists to feel guilty about the fees they need to charge for their services. Primespeak helped me to take pride in my work and the fees I charge. It taught me how to be less of a dictator and more of a saviour. It gave me the tools to feel comfortable in presentation and diagnosis and really believe that, as a dentist, we are here to help people. The subsequent shifts in trust and acceptance have been huge.
How have you found the coaching experience?
My coach has been fantastic. She has been my confidant and devil’s advocate. She has given me the strength and support to feel confident to make decisions and she has gotten to know me and understand me and is able to talk to my strengths. I can ask for help when there are troubles and I feel she really shares in my successes.
