So you’ve had enough of the problems and pitfalls of practice ownership, and you’ve made the decision to work with a practice management consultant. Here are a few things to consider in your selection process.

Has the person you will be working with been “in the trenches”? We see many who claim to be “practice management consultants,” yet they have never worked a day in the dental practice and have zero front office experience. Look for a company with longevity and consultants with legitimate practice management experience.

Does the consultant you are considering come to you, or must you and your team go to them? There is no substitute for what happens on-site, day after day in your practice. Insist on consultants who come to you.

Does the company have a track record of success? You want numbers, data, and references. McKenzie Management, for example, routinely increases practice profitability by 25% in the first 60-90 days alone.

Can this company tailor its recommendations to address the specific needs of your practice? No two practices are exactly alike. You should expect the consulting company to have the experience and breadth of knowledge to address the uniqueness of your practice.

What type of follow-up will this company or consultant provide? Do they spend a day or a few hours with you, hand you a manual to follow, and send you off to implement the recommendations on your own? That’s a formula for failure. McKenzie consultants are on-site for as many days as the dentist would like and work as your partner for a full 12 months.

Finally, remember the old adage “you get what you pay for.” If the services are free and over the phone, they are probably worth what you’ve invested – not much. Give me a call at 877-777-6151 or email sallymck@mckenziemgmt.com and learn more about selecting the consultant who is right for you.