TPFD History | How does TPFD work? | Why is TPFD different? | Where can I get TPFD?

A few years back, I was in a deep conversation with the vice president of a leading dental practice management software company. We were discussing the irony that most systems available basically perform exactly the same functions. Surveys show that roughly 80% of dentists have a computer system in their office. All of these computers have so called ‘practice management’ software to supposedly help ‘run the office’. In this task they perform quite well, but not one of these programs actively engages the people who actually ‘run the office’. As stated previously, these systems all provide the same capabilities. That is, they provide a basic ledger system for tracking a patients financial account, store demographic information, allow reporting, provide word processing, assist with insurance processing (some having E-Claims capabilities), allow for scheduling, with a few ‘multimedia’ systems having the capabilities of capturing pictures, x-rays , or even movies and sounds.

The Time Prism for Dentists™ is a revolutionary, collaborative effort between Screen Gems Nine-To-Five software and Dr. Ray Becker of Paradocs, L.L.C. The Time Prism for Dentist’s (TFPD) is the first computerized personal training system written specifically for the entire Dental Team. It is designed to promote, inspire, and guide excellence from the entire Dental Team. The Time Prism for Dentists is the result of efforts from a team of over 25 professionals. This team spent over 5 years to date, 4 million plus dollars, referencing over 90 top resources of personal management (including but by no means limited to Coveys’ The Seven Habits., Michael Gerber's The E Myth, etc., etc.) From this research and development we created a system that is centered around a ‘common thread’ of contemporary conventional wisdom that we have defined as ‘TQ’.

TQ= R/T

Specifically, your TQ (Time Quotient) is equal to the results you obtain over a period of time. We cannot do a lot to change our I.Q’s, and have little influence over our E.Q’s but everyone on the dental team can change their TQ merely by increasing their results obtained over a period of time. Your performance is a result of who you are (your energy level, mission, attitude), what you do (setting goals, making plans, organizing), and how you do it (prioritizing, synergizing, optimizing, and acting now). These parameters are measured and assessed by taking a simple evaluation (the TQ test) which determines your individual strengths and weaknesses in each of these categories.

I have been an advisor and consultant to the Dental software industry since 1991. I also write computer programs. In fact, I wrote the complete management program that my practice used for over 6 years. It had many features that were so advanced at the time, that many aren't even being done today! My program automated prompted entries and printing, had automatic report generation, reminders, total mouse entry (literally the entire program could be run with only the mouse), it error checked entries, and finally, it even talked to tutor you through its functions!

Eventually, with tremendous practice growth, I found it necessary to limit my programming to advising and consulting. This allowed me to let others write the code, and still be part of bringing advanced products to market. Obviously, I still create 'my own' programs, usually being inspired (driven?) when I cannot find a program to fill a specific need within the practice. I have assisted HealthCare Communications, was a member of Unident’s ‘Exact’ (Executive Advisor and Consulting Team), and recently InfoCure (PracticeWorks). I have been involved in countless ‘think tank’ discussions and meetings regarding the dental software industry. This exposure gives me a very realistic view of the capabilities, and limitations, of the current systems on the market. As a matter of fact, I was discussing the current shortcomings of ‘practice management’ as it relates to dental software with a then vice president, when I realized what was missing involved the inability of current systems to evaluate individual team members performance instead of obscure reporting of the offices global performance. He correctly stated that with the myriad of offices and their unique circumstances that there is no single ‘common thread’ to solve this complex problem.

Fortunately, I was also attending Dr. Mike Schuster’s Center for Professional Development (which is arguably the finest practice management group available today). One realization I came to is that even though there is a diverse number of ways to approach practice management, there are many things that all of these groups have in common. In fact, there seems to be a lot in common with management of practically every industry. It is my belief that all of these approaches are in themselves ‘common threads’ that make up a river of sorts which goes in a definite 'direction'.

I was surprised to learn of the Time Prism project as it was forming, being intrigued that such a projects mere existence yet again reconfirms the notion that certain behaviors and traits exist in successful individuals and organizations. Like many revolutionary concepts it amazes me at the timing of this AH-HAH! moment in which all three of these events came together simultaneously. I immediately saw the relevance and working closely with Nine To Five ScreenGEMS I edited and rewrote the entire project specifically for the professions. TPFD already had over 10,000 ‘ideas towards excellence’ harnessed from over 95 top resources! In addition, I added over 10% additional materials specific to the professions which I had learned from my personal training and experiences in dentistry. This made TPFD a very unique, focused, and pertinent tool for the professions.

"The manner of giving is worth more than the gift"- Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

You might ask , why, did I undertake this project? As the above quote reveals, the most significant benefit that I have received from improved management of my practice has been a better 'understanding' of myself and others ­the 'human element'. Quite simply, life is better when things go your way. Whatever you idealize (I don't choose to be critical of your personal aspirations ­success is how you define it!) is more abundant when you focus on the 'cause' instead of the 'effect'. I am a firm believer in the mantra that 'if you receive a gift, it must be returned in kind'. In that spirit, I am trying to enlighten dentists in the manner I know best ­ computers. I find it a tragedy that a majority of dentists recently surveyed, by no less an authority than the ADA, state that they are 'dissatisfied' with dentistry!

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Successful people seem to share certain traits or habits (precisely seven if you are a Covey fan ;)) One thing that became crystal clear to the developmental team is that successful people all stay connected to a system. Mind you, I did not say that it has to be any particular system and everyone franchising a system feels that theirs is the best. Hubris aside, the most important element seems to be the system itself. Successful people stay connected to a system. Its up to you to find one that meets your particular needs and nuances.

I personally feel it is rather arrogant to believe, or assert that any individual or organization has the definitive word on practice management, or personal performance. In fact, the Time Prism for Dentists is not Dr. Ray Becker’s opinion on practice management. It is, however, the observation of our developmental teams ‘think tank’ of the common traits that exist with countless successful individuals and organizations. My goal of this project is to enlighten the countless practices that aren't even aware that they could be doing better -personally, and professionally. Being a great fan of 'simplification'( I love taking difficult, challenging, elusive technologies and beliefs and creating something to make them easier to understand and use) I was driven to create a system that is easy to understand and stay connected to. It is not intended to replace practice management consultants, rather, it is probable that it will inspire many to search out these additional services once it becomes apparent the benefit that can be derived from this way of thinking. I believe that no one ‘owns’ these noble truths. Recently, I was discussing the 'defensive posturing' that is unfortunately apparent in some dental management organizations with a well-known, popular, contemporary musician to which she scoffed "thats ridiculous ­The Beatles 'covered' every possible score, does that mean noone else is allowed to write songs?"­good point. How can anyone be critical of someone trying to improve the lives of others? The Time Prism for Dentists is simply a unique medium by which to disseminate this information. The Time Prism for Dentists is the first computerized personal training system written specifically for the entire Dental Team. It is designed to promote, inspire, and guide excellence from the entire Dental Team.

Almost universally, doctors that have gone through a practice management program have stated the significant and, occasionally, tremendous gains realized both professionally and personally. Then why, you might ask do so few practices embark on this journey? The answers are many, and complex, but probably mirror our patients often repeated excuses of Time, Pain, and Money. Maybe its the fear of the unknown, with programs often costing upwards of $30,000 (money I personally believe is well spent) this fear takes on a new meaning.

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The Time Prism for Dentists™ is unique in the fact that it addresses the individual entering the information into the computer -not the information itself- like other ‘practice management’ software.

As stated before, I would like to make it absolutely clear that by no means is this program intended to replace practice management consultants or management programs. Further, it is not intended to 'give away' what services practice management groups provide. It was created out of a desire to create a tool to assist other dentists along their own personal continuum of success, wherever they may be. It is based on the principle that the 'awareness deficit' is a huge problem for dentists today -quite simply- ‘you don’t know what you don't know’. It is also designed to begin where other systems leave off, taking full advantage of the benefits that computers provide. That is, they are always available, enable repetition of very specific materials, and allow for complete individualization for each and every team member. What separates this product from others is its' uniqueness. This revolutionary program is the only one written to date, that individually tutors team members towards personal and professional excellence This program specifically addresses the 'training deficit' which tells us that we only retain roughly 10% of the material presented to us after 48 hours when we are traditionally taught through courses, seminars, videotapes, etc. It is designed to work specifically on individuals within the team, not merely the leaders, to provide synergy to the organization.

‘Practice Management’ is a term that is rather loosely used when describing today's breed of dental office software. In fact, practically every practice management consultant states that practice management is not obtained with the use of the current breed of computer systems. Appropriately, the more renowned gurus stress the development and creation of appropriate systems and policies, implemented by a more focused and knowledgeable doctor and team. The mantra ‘run your practice by the numbers’ does not mean that practice management can be obtained with any particular report(s) from the current dental software available.

The Time Prism for Dentists™ is available exclusively from Paradocs, L.L.C. and its group of approved dealers. For product availability and pricing please go to the Products Page of Paradocs, L.L.C.

•Orders can be placed Securely (SSL) on the web via the Products Page

•Additionally Phone Orders can be taken by calling: Paradocs, L.L.C. (410) 730-4674

•Checks or Money Orders can be sent to: Paradocs, L.L.C.

5096 Dorsey Hall Drive

Ellicott City, MD. 21042-7711

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