In Jim Collins' book Good to Great, a study about what turned good companies into great ones, he details an idea called the hedgehog concept.
This comes from the idea that the hedgehog has adapted to survive despite being a fairly simplistic creature.
It does one thing very well - when it is attacked it rolls in to a ball.
That's it.
No mixed martial arts needed.
It simply rolls into a ball until the threat is over.
Collins goes on to explain that companies that went from mediocre to great applied the hedgehog concept.
This article gives some ideas on how dentists can apply the hedgehog concept in their practices to launch their practice from a good one to a great one.
Dentists are often more specifically labeled "General Dentists".
This is because they can practice within all the various fields of dentistry including oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and endodontics.
Some general dentists prefer the label "Restorative Dentist" where they focus on the basics of dentistry - fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc.
- because this is what they are best at.
These dentists often decide to refer patients to be treated by a specialist whenever possible.
They may choose to do this because they simply don't find that specialty enjoyable or maybe they don't feel they are good at it, or more importantly they feel that the specialists is the best at it.
The best dentists are not necessarily the ones who are good at everything, but the ones who are the best at the most important things.
The hedgehog concept involves the intersection of three main principles:
The great dentist finds the areas that he is most passionate about, becomes the most skilled and educated clinician amongst his peers, and then practices in that area in a way that is also financially rewarding.
Some ways that I have seen dentists apply this hedgehog concept are the following: 1.
Sedation Dentistry - dentists who can sedate patients are highly sought after and have little competition for this market.
2.
Spa Dentistry - Some dentists have put a massage chair in their reception, positioned a pot of lucky bamboo in the corner, played a CD of relaxing music and called themselves a spa.
This is not being the best in the world at spa dentistry.
The best have built their entire practice and philosophy around an understanding that patients can mix a little pleasure with their pain.
This is appealing to many patients as long as you maintain high quality on the actual delivery of dental services.
3.
Dentures - False teeth are no fun for most people, but many dentists have made a name for themselves in the area of removable prosthodontics.
These dentists have become masters of the materials and options available to patients for comfortable and functional dentures.
4.
Cosmetics - Most dentistry has some element of esthetic appeal making all dentists in a way "cosmetic dentists.
" However, many have spent a lot of time and dollars in extra education learning to build esthetic, comfortable, and long-lasting smiles.
They have mastered the art and science of cosmetic cases that involve a deep understanding of the patient, the materials, and the techniques of cosmetic dentistry.
There are many dentists that have found great fulfillment in being the best at cosmetics, and the best dentists attract patients from even distant geographic locations.
5.
TMJ - Patients will travel great distances to see a dentist that has focused on the niche of jaw joint and muscle problems.
A single dentist with a TMJ focus in a major metropolitan area will receive patients from dentists all over the region.
Patients are happy to go, and dentists are even happier to refer.
6.
Gold - Dental restorations fabricated from gold is becoming a dying art in this country.
When I came through dental school in 2003, it was hardly taught.
Gold restorations are some of the most conservative and long lasting of any dental restorations.
The biggest name in dental gold restorations that I am aware of is Dick Tucker, and patients fly all over the country to get treatment from dentists that have been trained at this hand.
7.
What areas are you best at? Please comment below.
There are many other ways to create a niche dental practice, but by now you get the idea.
Consider what areas of dentistry interest you most and commit to being the best at them, not just competent.
Once you have determined what you are passionate about and become the best in the world at it, you still need to make it financially rewarding.
In other words, patients need to find you.
For this you should have an outstanding website that showcases your niche.
This comes from the idea that the hedgehog has adapted to survive despite being a fairly simplistic creature.
It does one thing very well - when it is attacked it rolls in to a ball.
That's it.
No mixed martial arts needed.
It simply rolls into a ball until the threat is over.
Collins goes on to explain that companies that went from mediocre to great applied the hedgehog concept.
This article gives some ideas on how dentists can apply the hedgehog concept in their practices to launch their practice from a good one to a great one.
Dentists are often more specifically labeled "General Dentists".
This is because they can practice within all the various fields of dentistry including oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and endodontics.
Some general dentists prefer the label "Restorative Dentist" where they focus on the basics of dentistry - fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc.
- because this is what they are best at.
These dentists often decide to refer patients to be treated by a specialist whenever possible.
They may choose to do this because they simply don't find that specialty enjoyable or maybe they don't feel they are good at it, or more importantly they feel that the specialists is the best at it.
The best dentists are not necessarily the ones who are good at everything, but the ones who are the best at the most important things.
The hedgehog concept involves the intersection of three main principles:
- What are you deeply passionate about.
- What can you be the best in the world at.
- What drives your economic engine.
The great dentist finds the areas that he is most passionate about, becomes the most skilled and educated clinician amongst his peers, and then practices in that area in a way that is also financially rewarding.
Some ways that I have seen dentists apply this hedgehog concept are the following: 1.
Sedation Dentistry - dentists who can sedate patients are highly sought after and have little competition for this market.
2.
Spa Dentistry - Some dentists have put a massage chair in their reception, positioned a pot of lucky bamboo in the corner, played a CD of relaxing music and called themselves a spa.
This is not being the best in the world at spa dentistry.
The best have built their entire practice and philosophy around an understanding that patients can mix a little pleasure with their pain.
This is appealing to many patients as long as you maintain high quality on the actual delivery of dental services.
3.
Dentures - False teeth are no fun for most people, but many dentists have made a name for themselves in the area of removable prosthodontics.
These dentists have become masters of the materials and options available to patients for comfortable and functional dentures.
4.
Cosmetics - Most dentistry has some element of esthetic appeal making all dentists in a way "cosmetic dentists.
" However, many have spent a lot of time and dollars in extra education learning to build esthetic, comfortable, and long-lasting smiles.
They have mastered the art and science of cosmetic cases that involve a deep understanding of the patient, the materials, and the techniques of cosmetic dentistry.
There are many dentists that have found great fulfillment in being the best at cosmetics, and the best dentists attract patients from even distant geographic locations.
5.
TMJ - Patients will travel great distances to see a dentist that has focused on the niche of jaw joint and muscle problems.
A single dentist with a TMJ focus in a major metropolitan area will receive patients from dentists all over the region.
Patients are happy to go, and dentists are even happier to refer.
6.
Gold - Dental restorations fabricated from gold is becoming a dying art in this country.
When I came through dental school in 2003, it was hardly taught.
Gold restorations are some of the most conservative and long lasting of any dental restorations.
The biggest name in dental gold restorations that I am aware of is Dick Tucker, and patients fly all over the country to get treatment from dentists that have been trained at this hand.
7.
What areas are you best at? Please comment below.
There are many other ways to create a niche dental practice, but by now you get the idea.
Consider what areas of dentistry interest you most and commit to being the best at them, not just competent.
Once you have determined what you are passionate about and become the best in the world at it, you still need to make it financially rewarding.
In other words, patients need to find you.
For this you should have an outstanding website that showcases your niche.
Source...