Many Dentists Have Been Disappointed by Dental Consultants

Dental Consultants Prove Controversial

In our most recent survey, we asked dentists if they have ever had bad experiences with dental consultants – and most of them said “yes.” The majority (62%) indicate they have had problems with consultants in the past. On the other hand, 38% report being smart and/or lucky enough to avoid the bad ones.

Check out some of the comments from our dentists…

“I had an out-of-town consultant before; it was not as helpful as a local one.” (New Jersey dentist)
“Before you sign, seriously interview the consultant and have a trial period.” (Connecticut dentist)
“I had the experience of working with a consultant who knew nothing of accounts receivables, good ratios, etc. He was a podiatrist who decided to become a business consultant on the side. He should have stayed with feet!” (New Jersey dental office worker)
“I paid an excessive amount to consultants who almost destroyed my practice. It has taken two years to repair the damage.” (Kentucky dentist)
“I got invited to a teaser meeting and returned the next week to experience an aggressive attempt to humiliate me into signing on to an outrageously expensive series of coaching meetings. Not only that, it would eventually involve a religious change.” (Arizona dentist)
“I ended up being sued by my staff. I never ever want to go to a dental consultant again.” (Michigan dentist)
“One charged $70,000 up-front. Never delivered, made false promises, and basically took the money and ran.” (Arizona dentist)
“Most ‘consultants’ want to be practice brokers and not practice builders.” (New York dentist)
“I have never seen any profession that so over-charges…” (Texas dentist)
“She had the staff in tears at her initial presentation!” (Massachusetts pediatric dentist)
“The most recent consultant I had was very negative to my staff and did not return calls.” (North Carolina orthodontist)
“It’s the L. Ron Hubbard/Scientology ones that drive me crazy.” (Connecticut dentist)
Post your own comments!
Read more dentist comments in the full dental consultant survey results

Bryon Satterfield

Not one, but two different Scientology-based consultants got me to waste $20,000 total in consulting fees that were, and likely will always have, a negative effect on my practice. It was my poor judgment in succumbing to the extremely agressive pressure(personal pressure by Steve Poore, the owner of Poore Management)to sign up for the $13,000 fee the second time around.
The 1st consultant was not as agressive as the 2nd, but left town owing me time and services already paid for.
The 2nd consultant, Steve Poore, out of Glen Loch, CA, was super agressive, more concerned about getting his monthly fee by mandated overnight delivery than about doing what I asked for the practice. I asked specifically, “Identify strengths of my practice and help me do more of those.” Poore(POOR!) management tried to hammer me through a hole shaped like Poore Management(Scientology-”Hard Sell”:Repulsive!) using a female consultant I’d never met who the staff had no liking or confidence in. I did get prosletyzed for Dianetics in the course of it.
The main loss is the damage to the practice that will likely be forever. I feel like I put a match to $20,000 in cash. I am not a high-volume producer and will never be. I can’t bring myself to invest in another consultant to burn more money for recommendations I can’t use. I just inquired with Sally McKenzie, who seems like a good consultant, but the $18,500 fee quoted brought back images of thousand-dollar bills burning. I have a practice already successful in very many respects. I’ve been in practice 27 years, reputation as the best dentist in the area and strong loyalty and trust from many people who I have known for more than two decades. I don’t want or need to change my practice wholesale. I would appreciate analysis of specifics and only one or two recommendations that I could IMPLEMENT while maintaining the exceptional character and integrity of my practice that is me and my comittment to do the right thing for people as I would appreciate myself. I just can’t change a lot of things- and don’t need or want to.
My last waste to a consultant (of $3,000) was to a consultant who gave me an analysis of the practice and no recommendations.
I’d say avoid all Scientologists and anyone who uses high-pressure tactics to tell you what is in your own best interests.
http://www.thevisibledentist.com/ The Visible Dentist

Jim, first let me say that I really like your new videos with Julie; they are very effective and convey your messages well.

As for dental consultants — oh boy – they do seem to be popping up these days like mushrooms after a rain. I think most dental consultants, especially those new ones we see, either don’t have a company mission statement in place to guide them, or their primary goal is to only make money off the dentist.

Without a win/win strategy — one which focuses on helping the dentist first and foremost, the consultant begins and continues the relationship as but a liability rather than an asset to the practice. And since dentists tend to network with other dentists, on what works and what doesn’t, both the suggestions and the reputation of the consultant are doomed to failure.

While I restrict myself to advising dentists about online marketing and SEO for their websites, I personally think it’s best, especially in a suppressed economy, to first refine foundational marketing efforts such as:

* prominent signage streetside
* internal marketing to established patients and
* resolving any issues at the front desk

…before exploring other more risky promotional ideas, or contracting with questionable consultants.

John Barremore
Houston, TX
MJ DENTALCONSULTANTS

I am a Dental Consultant in NY and find that alot of the clients are upset that another consultant has failed them.
I believe the goals have to be set between the dentist and the consultant prior to the consultant starting.
Another problem I see is alot of the consultants are via speaker phone or from out of town.
Most dentists appear to be turned off because the system doesnt work in their practice. You can write a handbook and expect it to work for everyone, the clients are differnt, the employees are differnt and the incomes of those employees varies. This requires individualized revisions to these handbooks in order for it to work but most companies via phone do not compromise their guidelines.
Not all consultants are bad all of my clients have been happy and I promise maintenance so support and train in future, no one is left on their own in the end.
http://www.dentalhygieneexcellence.com Dental Hygiene Excellence

Hi,
Dental Hygiene Excellence is a dental hygiene consulting company. The professionals at Dental Hygiene Excellence are dental hygienists. We know how to help hygienists practice to the fast evolvoing profession and implement the standards of practice set forth by ADHA. DHE also knows that it takes a team effort to effectively treat every patient.
We have each practice brainstorm and create solutions to issues that may be holding the productivity and profitability back. Then we help them implement these solutions and a Formula for Success that enhances the flow of patient management. The unique technique C3 model is what makes the biggest difference. We actually work in the practices every month for a year.We know how it is for a consultant to come in and tell you where your weaknesses are but not able to tell you how to improve and work with you to make these changes. Many consultants are not qualified to lead clinicians to practice more effectively because they have limited experience in the profession.
The proof is in the pudding. Our clients increase the hygiene production by minimumally 35% and they are all proud of giving a higher quality of care with our 14 step Formula for Sucess.
DHE@dentalhygieneexcellence.com
“We help you make every day more productive!”
http://PHX,ARIZONA Gil A. Morlock

As someone that has been in dentistry for thirty-three years, it is very frustrating to hear the many horror stories about “Dental Consultants”. Unfortunately like the carpet baggers of the old west there are many individuals out there that think that because they have a little knowledge in practice management, or have learned management concepts from an MBA program that it automatically makes them a consultant, i.e. (Snake Oil Salesman)
A good consultant will gather the data in a practice, analyze the data, develop a proven system, train the doctor and the staff, and get out of the way. If you, as the dentist choose to not follow the proven system, then it is absolutely your fault, not the consultants. It boils down to the thought that If you teach a man how to fish he will not starve. A good consultant should do such a great job that 90% of his business comes from referrals. Next time a consultant approaches you, ask him this question; do you have the scars and the medals to teach me how to be successful in my dental practice? If he or she says yes, then ask him to prove himself at no cost. I guarantee that 95% of the carpet baggers will run for the hills. 3% will look at you with a stupid look on their face, and then run for the hills. 2% will take this on as a positive challenge and prove themselves. These individuals will give you what I call a pearl for your business. This action will prove that they truly know what they are doing as consultants.
When I talk to dentist, I tell them the truth, the ugly truth, and nothing but the truth. I am not there to set up false expectations. I communicate with the entire staff in a professional, positive but honest way. I’m there to find the data and convert it into business intelligence systems that work. I’m not a dentist; however, I started out as a dental assistant, and worked in every position in a dental practice. I have owned part of numerous dental groups playing the role of everything from Office Manager, Regional Director, COO, and CFO, to toilet cleaner. I know what is like to have the same problems that face the everyday dentist, and know what it’s like to have a successful practice. I am not looking for clients. However, I have been blessed in my dental career and therefore believe that people should give back to the universe. So, if you have a question about your practice please drop me a note and I will reply as soon as possible. No charge, no gimmicks, just giving back to the world that has taken care of me.
At your Service

Gil