Controlling the Chaos: The Hidden Gem of Your Orthodontic Practice

In the clinical hustle and bustle, the clinical lead plays a crucial role in keeping everything on track. Think of them as the steady force that helps your practice run smoothly, ensuring patients and team members have a positive experience. 

So, what does a clinical lead do? They manage the day-to-day operations, coordinating patient flow and overseeing team members from chair to chair to keep everything organized and moving. They’re skilled at recruiting and training new team members. They also manage team meetings, lunch and learns, and clinical team growth plans, ensuring everyone is ready to contribute effectively.

A big part of their role is communication. They engage with patients and their families, addressing concerns and building trust. This personal touch is essential in making patients feel comfortable and valued.

The clinical lead also focuses on maintaining high standards of care. They oversee clinical procedures, handling everything from sterilization to treatment charting properly. This attention to detail helps create a culture of excellence within the practice.

Collaboration is another crucial aspect of their job. The clinical lead works with other coordinators to ensure everyone is aligned and functioning as a cohesive team. They help streamline processes, making it easier for everyone to do their jobs efficiently.

With their knack for optimizing clinic flow, they minimize wait times and enhance the overall patient experience. They also stay updated on industry trends, ensuring the practice remains competitive and knowledgeable.

When to Appoint a Clinical Lead

Deciding when to bring a clinical lead on board can be a game-changer for your orthodontic practice. Everbloom’s common rule of thumb is to consider appointing a clinical lead when you have more than three clinical chairs to manage. 

With three or more chairs, your practice's dynamics shift significantly. Managing multiple chairs means more patients, more chairside clinicians, and an increased need for coordination. A clinical lead becomes essential to streamline operations and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Signs It’s Time to Recruit:

1. Increased Patient Load: If you’re seeing a steady influx of patients, it may be challenging to maintain the quality of care without someone dedicated to overseeing clinical operations.
2. Staff Management Challenges: As your team grows, managing schedules, training, and performance becomes more complex. A clinical lead can provide the oversight needed to keep everyone aligned and engaged.
3. Communication Breakdown: When multiple chairs are involved, effective communication becomes vital. A clinical lead is the point person, ensuring that information flows seamlessly between the doctor(s), team members, and patients.
4. Quality Control Needs: With more patients, the risk of errors increases. A clinical lead helps maintain high standards of care and compliance with protocols.
5. Operational Efficiency: A clinical lead can identify bottlenecks and optimize clinic flow, making processes smoother for staff and patients.

Ultimately, the clinical lead is vital to your orthodontic practice by managing clinical chaos and ensuring smooth operations. Investing in a capable clinical lead is crucial to the success and growth of your practice.