CATEGORY 92 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST COLUMNISTS Change is good Managing change effectively can transform your business Pam McKean By Pam McKean, Director, AB Dental & Medical Employment Agency Every successful business needs to adapt. Dental and medical practices are no different. Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) helps identify when change is required to improve performance, profitability and long-term sustainability. Common indicators that may signal the need for change include: u Average production per new and existing patient u Overall practice production u Collections and cash flow u Practice overheads u Profitability u New patient acquisition u Cancellation and no-show rates u Case acceptance rates u Patient retention and attrition While making changes to improve these areas is often essential, implementing change can be one of the biggest leadership challenges. Resistance is common, particularly from long-term team members who have become comfortable with established routines and familiar ways of working. Ironically, many employees regularly discuss ways the practice could improve, yet when change is introduced, uncertainty often replaces enthusiasm. This response is completely normal. Change can trigger fears of failure, criticism, rejection, loss of control or simply the unknown. Unless we have been involved in creating the new idea ourselves, we naturally tend to approach change with caution. The reality is that change is both inevitable and necessary. What determines success is not the change itself, but how people understand and respond to it. Most resistance stems from uncertainty or the perception that something valuable may be lost. Even positive changes require people to learn new processes, adapt their routines and step outside their comfort zone. Rather than focusing on what is changing, focus on how you can successfully transition and make the most of new opportunities. 10 Tips for Managing Change 1. Acknowledge the Change The first step is accepting that change is happening. Ignoring or resisting it rarely makes the process easier. Acceptance allows you to move forward with a more constructive mindset. 2. Manage Your Emotions Feeling uncertain is natural, but don’t allow emotion to dictate your response. Remind yourself that while you may not control the change itself, you can control how you respond to it. 3. Seek Reliable Information Understanding why changes are occurring makes them easier to accept. Ask questions, seek clarification from the appropriate people and avoid relying on rumours or assumptions. Knowing how the changes affect your role will help you prepare with confidence. 4. Face Your Concerns If you’re feeling anxious, write down your concerns and assess them objectively. Many fears become less overwhelming once they’re clearly identified, and you’ll be better equipped to discuss any genuine concerns with your manager. 5. Stay Open-Minded Approach change as an opportunity to learn rather than a problem to overcome. People who remain flexible and adaptable are often the ones who thrive during periods of change and become valuable contributors to the organisation. 6. Communicate and Seek Support Talk openly with your manager and colleagues. Whether the change involves a new role, different responsibilities, a new location or a different team, sharing your concerns and asking for support can make the transition much smoother. 7. Develop a New Plan Once you understand the changes, take time to adjust your daily workflow. Identify what resources, training or support you need to continue performing at your best. 8. Become Part of the Solution Rather than simply adapting to change, actively contribute to it. Volunteer for projects, participate in working groups and share constructive ideas. Being involved creates ownership and builds confidence. 9. Focus on the Opportunities Every change brings potential benefits. You may develop new skills, broaden your experience, strengthen relationships or uncover career opportunities that weren’t previously available. Look for the positives rather than dwelling on what has changed. 10. Maintain a Positive Perspective Organisations that embrace continuous improvement remain competitive and successful. Individuals who demonstrate resilience, adaptability and a positive attitude are often recognised as future leaders. The bottom line Change is an unavoidable part of every successful organisation. While it can feel uncomfortable in the short term, it also creates opportunities for growth, innovation and improvement. By approaching change with curiosity, resilience and a willingness to adapt, you position yourself – and your organisation – for long-term success. Rather than fearing change, learn to embrace it as an opportunity to become stronger, more capable and better prepared for the future. u Pam McKean is the Director of AB Dental & Medical Employment Agency. The company has been in operation for over 22 years. In that time, AB Dental & Medical has grown into the country’s leading recruitment agency for the dental industry, servicing all sectors from government, corporate and private practice. Currently, AB Dental & Medical services over 3,000 businesses with recruiting services including supply of temporary, contract and permanent employees.
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