1. ANALYZE HOW YOUR TIME IS PRESENTLY SPENT
a. Keep a Journal for a month.
b. Keep track of the following 3 categories:
1. Productive time (requires doctor)
2. Delegative time (functions that can be delegated)
3. Wasted time (resulting from poor habits, poor systems, and/or poor space utilization)
2. PRIORITIZE TO BE EFFECTIVE
a. Which goals, once met, will have the greatest payoff?
3. PLAN YOUR DAY TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR PRIORITIES
a. Make a to-do list (prioritize tasks)
b. Spend time and energy completing the tasks that matter most.
Efficiency: accomplishing much in a short period of time
Effectiveness: occurs when the doctor accomplishes the tasks that matter most.
4. LEARN TO DELEGATE
a. Tasks that can be delegated… divide into smaller parts, more manageable parts can allow even complicated tasks to be delegated to capable staff members.
b. Delegating duties with clear written instructions gives a clear view of what needs to be done.
5. PRACTICE “SAYING NO”
a. Interruptions are a natural part of the doctor’s practice. Doctors must learn how to manage them.
Rather than respond to every single “immediate” and urgent” request… doctors need to determine whether it merits ignoring the task at hand. Sometimes it is necessary to “say no” to someone else’s “emergency”.
6. GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE AND SLEEP
a. Longer hours and more days does not improve productivity. In reality, it leads to burn out and less productivity.
b. Get an adequate amount of sleep boosts productivity
c. Eating well and exercise is equally important
7. COMPLETE DIFFICULT TASKS FIRST
a. Tackle most difficult jobs first (when energy is high)
b. Avoid phone calls and distractions at this time
8. STAY FOCUSED ON ONE TASK
a. Don’t multi-task (focus on one activity at a time)
9. ESTABLISH CLEAR GOALS AND AGENDAS FOR MEETINGS
a. Doctors shouldn’t waste the time and energy to schedule a meeting unless they have a clear goal and purpose they wish to come from it.
b. Having a written agenda forces your staff to stay on task and improves their success rate.
10. UTILIZE IDLE TIME EFFECTIVELY
a. Keep a reserve of small tasks that need to be accomplished.
b. Keeping a written reserve list handy, allows completion of these tasks during idle times
THE REASONS FOR THIS EXAMINATION FOLLOW:
The posterior occlusion is established when the first molars erupt. At that time, one can evaluate the antero-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion, as well as discover any functional shifts or crossbites.
Incisors have begun to erupt and problems can be detected such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some jaw discrepancies.
For some, a timely evaluation will lead to sigificant treatment benefits; for others, the principal immediate benefit is a parent’s peace of mind.
The American Association of Orthodontists does not advocate comprehensive orthodontic treatment at age 7. However, interceptive treatment may be appropriate in many kinds of problems.
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