No, everybody’s not having a bad month
Since I work with so many dentists, they frequently use me as a barometer for the economics of dentistry across the country. When someone is having a bad month, they often ask if “everyone” is having a bad month. Maybe misery loves company, or it’s just comforting to know that you’re not the only one. This line of questioning has taken a new direction with the troubled economy, and some are just asking, “Is everyone’s business down?”.
The short answer is – no. Many practices are producing about the same as always, and experiencing their typical incremental growth. Some are still in high-growth mode and continue to break practice records.
But if your practice is experiencing a downturn, you are certainly not alone. There are many stories like your own – with holes in schedules, treatment plans that are rejected or only partially accepted, and a general hesitation on the part of the public to spend discretionary dollars. While more practices are “down” than usual, it remains true that there is anever a universal pattern. I’ve never seen every practice up at the same time, and it’s never so bad that everyone is down.
