SmileVision explains why sustainability is an opportunity rather than a burden for dental practices – by improving profits, and saving time and energy.
Sustainability leads to being more ‘efficient’ and by that very definition will result in a reduction of costs, time and energy. The process does not need to be daunting or overwhelming.
Consider how far we have come domestically, whether that be by recycling, insulating our homes and solar on our roofs. By applying the same logic to our businesses will ultimately save us money whilst protecting our environment. In addition, early adopters can benefit from the competitive advantage that going green can offer.
The climate crisis can be an influencing factor in the choices patients and employees make in their decisions. This means practices should be in step with current thinking if they are to meet expectations for a greener environment.
There are three pillars of sustainability to consider: environmental, social and economic.
The key drivers
- Patient demand – Patients are becoming increasingly environmentally savvy; choosing products and services that align with their values. Ultimately patients want to know that you care and partner with sustainable suppliers. Patient loyalty will follow
- Your team – Recruitment and retention of staff is key to a thriving practice and are one of your biggest assets, more and more talented candidates are looking for a role in an organisation that takes their part in environmental climate change seriously, the values you hold will aid in staff retention
- Improved sustainable profits – Reducing waste and energy loss will lead to a reduction in overheads
- Increase your market – Become more attractive to patients who will benefit and appreciate your making environmental responsibilities a key part of your practice values
- It’s the right thing to do – Governments, industries and alike are introducing ever tighter regulations so aligning your practice methods now before the rush when it becomes mandatory is key.
Where to start?
The first step is the mindset change; you know your business best so applying your grey matter to the opportunity is the starting point. Like any change management, small incremental steps is likely to lead to a better plan than trying immediate wholesale changes.
- Set manageable goals – Focus efforts and measure their impacts, more can be achieved through choosing a narrow focus and performing well, rather than attempting too much.
- Efficiencies – Choosing environmental methods over old, antiquated methods will have a measured impact. Reduce the quantity of paper the practice procures and uses can be achieved by switching to digital methods. Send pre and post advice, treatment plans, example videos and promotional material digitally.
- Be authentic – Another risk with over-promising and under-delivering is losing the trust of your patients and team. Be authentic in the way you explain what you’re doing. A small and focused impact in your local community is likely to be most impactful
- Record and measure – It is important to document the results and record your plans and efforts.
The typical Quick Wins
- Buildings and premises – Consider what practical and cost-effective solutions can you implement. That could be draft excluders on doors and windows, insulating a loft or having automatic door closers to keep heat in/out.
- Solar energy – If you own the premises consider the value solar could bring, with the business consuming the power during the day when the sun is shining – no need for the cost of batteries to store the energy
- Reduction of physical waste – Choosing a sustainable supplier, separating recyclable waste and implementing simple ways manage it
- Digitalising print-based communications – Going paperless and switching to electronic media inside and outside of the practice improves the patient experience whilst saving time, reducing waste, costs and demonstrates your commitment to protecting the environment.
Next and larger steps
Consider and identify suppliers and supply change that can offer you a sustainable solution.
SmileVision‘s primary aim is to help dental and orthodontic practices increase in their profitability and reduced their carbon footprints. It delivers this by helping to digitalise patient communications which is proven to help reduce operational costs, improve environmental efficiency, and increase practice revenues (by increasing private/specialist treatment enquiries).
SmileVision solutions
SmileVision has developed solutions to communicate with patients digitally both inside the practice (TV) and also outside the practice (digital). These have been produced to integrate with existing practice management and CRM software. A number of initiatives to help practices further with this green profitability opportunity are also at the research and development stage.
SmileVision’s improved path to sustainability
Choosing to go digital presents the opportunity to maximise the impact of patient communication and avoid all the associated costs whether that be materials and/or time.
When calling us, SmileVision can demonstrate how:
- Sustainable practices save money and time whilst driving patient and team loyalty
- Practical and easy to implement solutions are available
- Saving time, save energy, cutting costs are at your fingertips
- Engaging your team with the same goals makes it a win win for everyone.
SmileVision unlocks solutions to an effective way of sustainably increasing profits whilst improving your environmental credentials.
It’s now pivotal to embrace the environmental targets, it’s non-negotiable and it’s our future worth smiling about!
Find out more
This article is sponsored by SmileVision.
