Australasian Dentist Magazine Sept-Oct 2021

Category 132 Australasian Dentist T he Independent Dentist Network (IDN) was created to address the changing nature in dentistry, to support the privately owned independent practices which may not be able to compete with corporate entities with large marketing budgets. The dental industry practice ownership has evolved into three categories: health insurance practices, corporate entities and independently owned practices. These independently owned practices need to evolve and develop additional business and marketing skills in order to have the ability to compete with their competitor’s large marketing budgets. The scale that the health fund practices or corporate entities operate on can be overwhelming for privately owned independent practices, which is why the IDN exists. The Independent Dentist Network operates on three pillars, the first being our common interest network, the second being business support and services and the third being a united brand. It is with these three pillars that we are able to help practices compete with the likes of corporate entities and health fund practices. By joining forces, it allows privately owned independent dentists to achieve a higher public profile for their IDN brand and to compete on equal terms. Network The Independent Dentist Network is one that is populated with likeminded, completely independent dentists. These dentists value keeping their practices strong and independent in light of the current emergence of the health fund practices and the corporates in Australia. With the power of our network, we have been able to unite and build a strong fortified brand to stand against the large powers of the corporates and health fund practices. The power of the network is what keeps us running and what can help you in running your business. The IDN network allows members to connect with their peers, use the power of numbers to the advantage of their practice and access closed network benefits. A united brand As a brand the Independent Dentist Network commits to strong ethics and full disclosure ensuring that dentistry remains an honorable and trusted profession. IDN members value their patients’ good health over profits. The Independent Dentist Network is a nation-wide brand that has created a nation-wide marketing strategy in order to educate the public about the importance of visiting an independent dentist. With the importance of the IDN brand your practice will be placed on the Independent Dentist Network web directory where patients who want to visit an independent dentist in your area will be directed to your practice. Together with our members we have built a fortified brand with a strong resilience against health funds and corporates. We have been able to build a repository of information and resources, freely available to IDN members, to ensure they have enough resources to market their practices and generate free time to successfully run their practice. Diversify your brand When we talk about diversifying your brand it means to separate your practice from the health fund practices and corporate entities. By highlighting the difference between an independent practice and a health fund practice, you provide the tools for patients to make an informed decision on what practice they would want to visit. By diversifying your practice, you can attract and retain more patients making it easier for you to remain independent and prosperous as a privately owned independent practice. With each of these three pillars in play the IDN is able to develop marketing and promotional material that enables independent dentists to become proactive against health fund practices and corporate entities. Dentistry in Australia is changing, by joining the IDN you are proactively choosing to change for the better. u To learn more about the IDN contact Berris on 0400 001 172 or email your queries to headoffice@independentdentist.com.au The three pillars of the Independent Dentist Network By Alexzandra Barilla columnists Alex Barilla 1800 806 450 www.amalgadent.com.au Gives us 5 BISCO Every Adhesive has 1 good reason SEE BACK COVER ABU Footer #90.indd 2 25-Aug-21 4:43:52 PM