Confidently Move Ahead with Insights from Change Management Experts
In our previous blogs, we explored how Curve SuperHero™—the industry-leading cloud-based, all-inclusive dental practice management software—can transform your practice with minimal disruption. Part 1 of this series highlighted the benefits of integrating Curve into your workflows, emphasizing its user-friendly design and robust support structure that minimizes learning curves and operational interruptions. Part 2 focused on the human side of technology adoption, outlining strategies to manage staff engagement, communication, and resistance effectively.
Integrating Curve into your practice involves more than just technical installation. Effective change management ensures that your team adapts well, and that the benefits of the software are realized quickly and fully. As we dive into Part 3, we shift our focus to a critical component of successful integration: change management. This phase is essential to ensure that the transition to the new all-inclusive practice management platform is not only smooth but also embraced wholeheartedly by your team.
“It's so easy to use and to teach new employees. They have an amazing setup, with videos and tasks to help new users get familiar with the software. And the customer service is great! If you don't have time to call right that minute, it's super simple to send in a quick request through the software and they always respond promptly. Also, on days that I'm working from home, Curve makes it easy for me to login and get work done without any hassle.” –Michelle B., Front Office Manager
"Curve is user friendly and easy to navigate which makes training a breeze in comparison [to our last PMS].” –Practice COO
The following models from leading change management experts build upon previous discussions in this blog series and can help you proceed with confidence.
The 5-Step ADKAR Model for Change Management within Your Dental Practice
Prosci is a prominent change management research and consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations manage and navigate change. Founded in 1994, Prosci is known for its development of the ADKAR Model, one of the most widely used frameworks for change management.
The ADKAR Model is a goal-oriented change management framework that outlines five key stages for successful change:
- Awareness: Begin by creating awareness of the need for change, specifically the benefits of adopting Curve as your cloud-based, all-inclusive dental practice management software. Clearly articulate why the switch is necessary and how it aligns with your practice’s goals.
- Desire: Build desire by demonstrating the positive impact of the cloud-based, all-in-one software. Showcase its features and explain how it will streamline workflows and improve patient relationships, generating excitement and buy-in from your team.
- Knowledge: Provide knowledge through comprehensive training and hands-on experience. Ensure that team members gain a thorough understanding of how to use the software effectively.
- Ability: Develop the ability of your team to use the software confidently. Offer support and resources to help them apply what they’ve learned and integrate the software into their daily routines.
- Reinforcement: Reinforce the change by maintaining ongoing communication about the benefits of the new software. Track progress, celebrate incremental successes, and ensure that the new practices are embedded into your practice’s culture for long-term success.
“I've been in the dental field for almost 40 years. Doing the interviews to get ready to combine specialty practices, I did an in-depth study and when I came across Curve, hands down, it was by far the easiest program to use.” –Beth Loeb, Link DSO
The 8-Step Kotter Model for Change Management
John Kotter is a renowned change management expert and professor emeritus at Harvard Business School. With a career dedicated to studying leadership and change, Kotter has developed influential frameworks that guide organizations through effective change processes. His 8-Step Model, introduced in his seminal book Leading Change, provides a comprehensive approach to managing change and overcoming resistance. Kotter's model emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of urgency, forming a supportive coalition, and clearly communicating the vision for change. It also highlights the need to empower employees, achieve and celebrate short-term wins, and embed the changes within the organization's culture for sustained success.
"Curve is a comprehensive dental practice management software that has simplified our day-to-day operations and improved patient care. It is user-friendly, efficient, and backed by excellent customer support. We highly recommend Curve Hero to any dental practice looking to streamline their operations and enhance patient relationships." –Dr. Michael Chau
Kotter’s model emphasizes the need for urgency and coalition-building to drive change effectively. Here are some examples to apply this method to adopting your new software at your practice:
- Communicate the Benefits: When it comes to technology, if you’re not current with the latest technology trends and innovations, you may be quickly falling behind. Demonstrate to your team why the time is right for adopting a cloud-based dental practice management software. This includes emphasizing the immediate benefits it offers, such as streamlining workflows and enhancing patient care, and contrast these with the potential risks of delaying the implementation. You can also highlight the competitive edge that comes with embracing advanced technology now, including how it can address current challenges and help future-proof your practice.
- Form a Coalition of Key Supporters: Identify and cultivate a group of “champions” within your practice. Depending on your practice’s size, this might include a select group of enthusiastic team members or could encompass everyone, making each person a part of the movement towards change. These champions will play a crucial role in advocating for the software, sharing positive experiences, and leading by example.
- Develop and Communicate a Clear Vision: Craft a compelling vision for how this change will transform your practice. Utilize resources from Curve’s website and insights from your customer success representative to articulate this vision clearly to your team. Focus on how the software will enhance daily operations, improve patient interactions, and contribute to the overall success of the practice.
- Empower Employees with Training and Resources: As highlighted in Part 2 of this blog series, ensure your team is well-prepared by utilizing Curve’s web-based training modules. Allocate dedicated time for hands-on practice, encourage open discussions about the learning process, and make full use of Curve’s support resources. This will help your team become proficient and confident in using the new software.
- Generate Short-Term Wins to Build Momentum: Schedule regular team check-ins to celebrate progress and share success stories. Highlight the achievements of your change champions who are actively engaging with Curve, and use their positive experiences to motivate others. Recognize and celebrate incremental improvements to maintain enthusiasm and momentum throughout the transition.
- Consolidate Gains: Formalize new structures and processes, assign ownership for maintaining the changes, and celebrate milestones to reinforce the positive impact of the implementation. This will help solidify the changes and prevent regression.
- Continue to Reinforce New Practices: Reinforce the adoption of your new technology by continuously monitoring and supporting its use. Address any issues promptly and ensure that the new practices are consistently applied. Strengthen the gains made by integrating Curve’s functionalities into daily routines and promoting ongoing engagement.
- Anchor the Changes in Your Practice’s Culture: Align the software’s benefits with your practice’s values and goals to ensure long-term success. This includes promoting integration into every aspect of your operations that will streamline workflows and save your team valuable time and money. This will help solidify the changes and make the use of Curve a natural and lasting part of your practice’s workflow.
"Curve® is the best practice management software (PMS) for managing multiple locations with a very low startup cost and cloud-based access. Setting up new locations takes 5 minutes, and you can access your information anywhere with an internet connection." –Dr. Luke Winter
What the Models Have in Common
- Anticipate staff questions, training and adjustment time. Fortunately, Curve Dental has made it easy to clearly articulate the benefits, provide stepwise training in easily digestible segments, and assure your team of constant support.
- Prioritize effective communication throughout the integration, starting with clear communication of the reasons for the change and the benefits to be gained. Two-way feedback among team members throughout the process empowers prompt problem resolution, faster adoption, and teamwork.
- Ongoing support includes encouraging leadership from the dentist and practice manager. This support does not end after the initial implementation but continues with setting goals that encourage fuller utilization of Curve’s robust features, and recognizing goal attainment.
Putting Change Management into Practice with Curve
Successfully integrating Curve SuperHero™ into your practice requires more than just technical installation; it demands effective change management to ensure that your team not only adapts but thrives with the new system. The tips provided in the first two blogs of this series, along with the ADKAR and Kotter models, can guide your practice through a smooth transition, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth and efficiency.
Understanding these models is just the beginning. The best way to experience a smooth transition is to schedule a personal demo and consult with our experts.
