Practicing Dental Sleep Medicine:

It's Not That Hard 

Introduction

Needless to say, our team here at Forefront talks to lots of dentists. In fact, I have three children with a dentist (loving the PC discount on their ortho, but that's another post for another day). These conversations have led us to the conclusion that there are two types of dentists:

1. Those who practice dental sleep medicine and profit from it handsomely, but still need more patients.

2. Those who want to practice dental sleep medicine and profit from it handsomely, but don't because they believe it's headache to implement.

My dusty old MBA 101 textbook (there's no such thing) tells me that both of their concerns are totally reasonable... But are they easily overcome? Let's examine that question in more detail, shall we?

1. "ROI? More Like RO-Why Bother?"

Overcoming the Objection: Concerned about the return on investment? We get it. There is nothing you can put in your treatment operatory that is more profitable. Don't expect it to be easy. The administrative hassles aren't that bad though and with Forefront Dental's FREE administrative solutions, your practice can grow without breaking the bank. It's about smart investment, not wishful thinking. 

2. "Medical Insurance is More Complex Than My Relationship Status"

Overcoming the Objection: OK, getting credentialed with medical insurance carriers as a dentist can be a bit annoying with all the paperwork and whatnot (we can help - for free). However, unless you're a physician who makes hundreds of different diagnoses every day, filing claims for oral appliance therapy isn't difficult. We get it though, you don't need any more administrative headaches on your plate, so we've got your back.

3. "Are There Enough Sleep Apnea Patients to Go Around?"

Overcoming the Objection: Worried about finding sleep apnea patients? Trust us, there's no shortage. Some studies have estimated that as much as 3/4 of the adult population in the United States has obstructive sleep apnea. And, unfortunately, that number is only increasing. Even in a competitive local market, our data-driven approach and extensive experience ($3mm worth) ensures you get a steady flow of sleep patients. Forefront won't leave you twiddling your thumbs, promise.

4. "State Regulations? I Didn't Sign Up for Law School!"

Overcoming the Objection: Navigating state regulations can be tricky, but you don't need a law degree. We have created an extensive collection cataloguing each state dental society's regulations on dentists treating sleep apnea patients. We always recommend you consult your lawyer for legal advice, but we'll help keep you on the right track. Heck, if medical insurance is annoying - running afoul of your state dental board is like having two toddlers scream in each of your ears. We don't want that for you.

5. "Time Management? I Barely Have Time for Lunch!"

Overcoming the Objection: Implementing sleep dentistry might seem time-consuming, but we do the majority of it for you (for free) so don't stress. Our approach to administration is built from lean operational science methodologies and that helps leave you time for the important things, like lunch. Oh, and chair time? We figure you're ok with 30 minutes for $3k in production, especially when you don't have to even give a shot or whip out an Isolite.

6. "A Long Time to See a Return? I'm Not Growing a Tree Here!"

Overcoming the Objection: OK, fine, the treatment cycle takes 3 weeks but insurance companies pay quickly nowadays (you know that). Plus, you don't bill for oral appliance therapy until the seat date anyways. At worst, you get backwards on cash flow with the lab payment for a week, but otherwise, the wait is darn well worth it for a tx that delivers 80% gross margin, right? We help you find quick success - we're about real growth here, not watching paint dry.

BUT WHY WORRY ABOUT ANY OF THAT NOW?

Well, there's really no need because when you engage us for a digital marketing campaign, we will handle the majority of your sleep practice administration for free (yes, you read that right).

It's not magic and it's not too good to be true. We listen to our market and we know you need this help so it's just good business sense. And anyways, we doubt you'll be too upset when new sleep patients are flooding your office; it's a good problem to have.

Remember that CE course you took that got you pretty hyped about dental sleep medicine? Think back to that time and consider all the reasons you got excited about it in the first place... Now, let's turn those objections into opportunities, shall we?

Practicing sleep dentistry isn't a mystery, but if it was, we'd be its Sherlock Holmes. Click below if you're ready to learn more about how we make it elementary, my dear Watsons.