– By Scott E. Graham, MHA, FACMPE, FAADOM · President, OMS Consulting Firm
A focused, 10-minute huddle before the first patient aligns surgeons, clinical teams, and admin staff—boosting efficiency, profitability, and patient satisfaction while reducing stress.
Running a Successful OMS Practice Starts with 10 Minutes of Alignment
Running a successful oral and maxillofacial surgery practice demands precision, teamwork, and communication. Between surgeries, new-patient consults, follow-ups, and last-minute add-ons, the smallest breakdown can create delays, stress, and unhappy patients—not to mention finger‑pointing or the gnashing of teeth between front and back staff.
That’s why the Daily Huddle—a focused, 10-minute team meeting before the first patient—can completely transform your day. It ensures the surgeon, clinical team, and administrative staff are aligned, informed, and prepared.
This simple, no-cost practice management habit increases:
- Efficiency by identifying obstacles before they happen.
- Profitability by catching production and scheduling opportunities.
- Team engagement by reinforcing goals and shared purpose.
When done right, the daily huddle becomes the most valuable 10 minutes of your day.
The OMS Advantage: Why It Matters Even More Here
Unlike general dentistry, OMS practices juggle high-acuity procedures, sedation schedules, and referring‑doctor communications—all in real time. The daily huddle gives your team a chance to review:
- Surgical and anesthesia case readiness
- Lab case status and equipment setup
- Medical alerts or case-specific considerations
- Unscheduled or pending treatment opportunities
- Referral callbacks and thank-you follow-ups
- Financial arrangements and collections updates
When the entire team starts aligned, the result is smoother patient flow, fewer surprises, and higher morale.
8 Easy-to-Follow Tips for a Successful OMS Daily Huddle
1) Commit to Consistency
If you’re not holding a daily huddle, start today—and stick with it for 30 days. You’ll quickly notice improved communication, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
2) Surgeon Participation Is Essential
When the surgeon shows up, the team knows it matters. Use this moment to reinforce the mission, express appreciation, and set the tone for the day.
3) Schedule It Right
Hold the huddle before the first case, or at a consistent time that works best for your practice. The key is routine, not randomness.
4) Keep It Short and Focused
Cap it at 10–15 minutes. Use your OMS software’s Schedule as your guide. Stay on topic—patients, procedures, and performance.
5) Review Today’s Schedule
Discuss each patient’s:
- Procedure type and duration
- Surgical procedure setup
- Lab case verification (Implant surgical guides)
- Medical alerts and allergies
- Financial readiness and post-op coordination
Proactive planning minimizes stress and maximizes production.
6) Save Big Topics for Team Meetings
Avoid letting daily huddles drift into long discussions or complaints. If it’s not critical to today’s operations, table it for your weekly staff meeting.
7) Begin with Positivity
Kick off with a motivational quote, a “win” from yesterday, or a shout-out to a team member who went above and beyond. A positive mindset sets the tempo for the entire day.
8) Assign Roles and Rotate Leadership
Empower your team to own their responsibilities:
- Lead Surgical Assistant: Confirms procedure setups, sterilization, and lab work.
- RN: Checks medications, airway equipment, and safety setup.
- Front Desk Coordinator: Flags financials, consent forms, and special instructions.
- Treatment Coordinator: Notes pending callbacks and thank-you communications.
- Practice Manager: Reports production, collections, and KPIs.
Rotate leadership weekly to promote accountability and buy-in.
The Bottom Line
In a busy OMS practice, communication breakdowns cost time, money, morale, and talent. A 10-minute daily huddle eliminates guesswork, boosts confidence, and drives stronger results—both clinically and financially.
Ten minutes of preparation can save hours of inefficiency and thousands in missed production.
Make the daily huddle a cornerstone of your culture—your patients, your team, and your bottom line will all feel the difference.
Ready to Implement Daily Huddles That Actually Work?
Schedule a Practice Management Review with OMS Consulting Firm and build systems that drive performance and reduce stress.
Recent Comments