Have you considered switching plan provider but believed it was too difficult? Here, Practice Plan Regional Support Manager, Amy Hansford, counters some popular misconceptions and explains just how easy it can be.
There’s little doubt that it’s a tough time to be running a small business such as a dental practice. Costs continue to increase while patients, like most of us, are watching every penny. Which is why it’s important that you ensure you’re getting value for money from your suppliers.
There are some things that you know you should be doing, such as reviewing the arrangements you have with your current suppliers. However, when it comes to your dental membership plan provider, a lot of people (mistakenly) believe that switching involves a lot of hassle, so the idea gets assigned to the ‘too difficult pile’ and they stick with what they have. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s one of several popular myths about switching to Practice Plan that I will now bust for you.
It’s too much hassle
Switching to Practice Plan couldn’t be simpler because we take care of a lot of the admin for you. If you chose to switch to us your patients would be transferred to us via Bulk Transfer. This means we can transfer all your patients’ direct debit details in one go so that we can take over the administration of your plan. All you have to do is create a plan to switch to us with agreed timescales. If you’re moving from a provider that uses its own brand name rather than yours, then we can help you develop a brand and identity that will suit your business.
After that, we can agree when you would like us to take over from your existing provider and set a date. That’s when you can inform your patients of the change but impress upon them that there’s no action for them to take. No new direct debit mandates to be signed as bulk transfer will take care of that. All they will notice is a different name on their bank statement next to their direct debit.
Now, does that sound like hassle?
Practice Plan only offers maintenance plans
This is another misapprehension. If you choose to switch to Practice Plan and currently offer full care plans, then we can match them either like for like, or sometimes, better than you currently offer.
Yes, we’re probably best known for our maintenance plans but that isn’t all we can provide. We can tailor plans to suit the needs of your patients and your practice. Want hygiene only? We can do that! Need full care? No problem. We’ll discuss your plan needs with you and come up with the solutions you need.
I’ll lose patients
Highly unlikely. Your patients are loyal to you and your practice, not a plan provider. With bulk transfer, it’s a seamless transition from one provider to another and, as there’s no need for them to complete any paperwork, they probably won’t even notice the difference.
I will have to increase my plan prices
Not necessarily. We like to think that we represent good value for money for our clients because of what we wrap around our service.
We’re interested in doing a lot more for your business than simply collecting your direct debits each month. Our aim is to provide you with the support you need to help your business thrive.
Here’s what you get
As a Practice Plan client, you’ll be assigned your own designated Regional Support Manager who will help you make sure you’re getting the most from your plans. They’ll train your team on how to explain the benefits of the plan, sign up patients and do the admin that’s required at your end. However, as most of our field team have worked in practice themselves, you’ll also be able to tap into the wealth of experience they have. If you tot it all up it comes to more than 300 years! What’s more, they’re supported by a head office-based team for both you and your patients, so help is only ever a phone call away.
Although we love to speak to people, you’ll also be given access to an online portal called Supportal, so you can monitor the performance of your plan and make routine changes to your details. Your patients will also be able to log on to MyPlan where they can also update us on any amendments to their address or bank account etc. As these are online, you and your patients can use them at a time that’s convenient to you and not just during normal working hours.
That’s not all. We also offer a comprehensive programme of exclusive in-person and online events for our clients fronted by leading figures in dentistry. Whether you need to know more about topics such as Employment law, compliance, recruitment or marketing there’s likely to be an event or webinar that will help you. These are also supplemented by an extensive range of blogs and podcasts that you can browse at a time that suits you. If you have a specific need then we can put you in touch with one of our list of consultants who can spend time with you in your practice.
We also have a Practice Marketing team who can help with all your marketing and design needs. Want some new leaflets or TV slides? That’s fine, just get in touch and we’ll sort that for you. Need a complete brand refresh? Our in-house design team can take care of that and come up with the branding that suits you and your practice.
Those are just some of the benefits for your practice. Your patients will also benefit from the switch to us as they’ll gain access to our Worldwide Dental Emergency Assistance Scheme. Unlike with some providers where this would be an add-on, we include it for your patients in their monthly fee. So, as members of your plan, if they’re away from home and need help with their teeth in an emergency, they can request assistance from the Scheme (exclusions apply).
So, what are you waiting for? Why not make an appointment for a no obligation chat with one of our Regional Support Managers to find out more about how switching to Practice Plan could be one of the easiest and best moves you make?