Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares

I really enjoy this programme. If you haven't seen it (where have you been?) Gordon visits a failing restaurant and turns it around in a few days. It usually involves falling out with the owner, completely rewriting the menu and a makeover of the restaurant. Gordon is actually very good at this, he builds on their current strengths and invariably simplifies the menu at the same time as encouraging a team spirit.

Its so easy from an outsider's point of view to see where the owner is going wrong. It really highlights the need to have the "full package"; good food, lovely decor or excellent customer service are no good on their own, it has to be all together. In the same format "Mary Queen of Shops" is another excellent programme and when Mary Portas talks about "tribes" I am sure she has read Seth Godin's book on the subject.

One of the reasons I love these shows is that I can understand the processes Gordon or Mary are taking the owners through. I have been fortunate over the last few years to work with Chris Barrow, a dental business coach who helps dentists run efficient and profitable practices that patients love to visit. Not so different from a shop or a restaurant really, its not about excellent dentistry (although that is of course essential) its about the customer service, the ambiance, the team spirit and the systems that help the place run smoothly.

I am always looking for ways to improve my practice, however big or small, though sometimes it needs an outsider to point out where you are going astray. But I know we are doing something right because our patients thank us and write lovely testimonials at the end of treatment.

Another veneer article

Following on from my blog of a few weeks ago here is another article about cosmetic veneers, shorter but less biased than the previous one (its from The Times). Thanks to fellow orthodontist David Horobin who posted it on his blog.

Tooth Fairy hit by Credit Crunch!

Even the tooth fairy is not immune to the effects of the credit crunch it seems. Payments are being cut by 10%, but up to 53% in some cases.

There is even a suggestion that other incentives, such as an extra hour's TV, could replace the financial benefits. Its not the same, somehow.

I think the tooth fairy really needs to make sure her customer care is up to scratch though, in our house she often forgets to do her duty. She usually leaves a note the next night with some excuse about the weather or a sprained wing, but I'm sure she's had one too many glasses of elderflower wine...!