Practice of the Year 2024
SmileWell Family Dentistry
SmilewellSouthbay.com
SmilewellSouthbay.com
Scott has been instrumental in transforming our practice. Before working with him, we felt overwhelmed and disorganized, struggling to utilize our team effectively. His systems provided structure and clarity, helping us reduce stress, improve patient care, and align our entire team with a shared vision. Previously, we were constantly reacting to a hectic schedule, which left us feeling burned out. Now, with a clear path forward, we've built a stronger, more efficient team, allowing us to work proactively rather than just keeping up.
Micael Hilario, DDS & Sarah Pham, DDS SmileWell Family Dentistry
SmilewellSouthbay.com
Working with Scott has been one of the best decisions I have made for growing my practice in the right direction. My practice was able to increase collections by 30% during the sixteen months we met with Scott. Having been in the field of dentistry for 28 years, I have worked with other consultants before but was never this successful in producing results. His knowledge, wisdom, and skillful training methods are superior to many consultants I have worked with in the past, and he has been a great inspiration to my staff and myself.
I knew our practice had a lot of potential, but needed a dental coach to help us reach that potential. We were working really hard, but the practice was not growing. I met Scott Stewart of Clifton and Associates at a CE course many years ago and decided to reach out to him. I was immediately impressed with his knowledge of dentistry and his expertise in the field of dental consulting. Unlike most other Dental coaches that I have come in contact with, I liked that he was local to my office and he can actually work with me and my team directly in our practice instead of us having to take time off of work and travel somewhere to get trained. Scott has been able to help us get more organized and build structure within our organization. Thanks to Scott we have been able to grow by a significant amount month after month and year after year. I feel like we now have the right systems in place to be efficient and keep growing. 
Our practice has always prioritized patient care, but we haven't always been as focused on finances or systems. And while we were working hard, it didn't always translate into the efficient, profitable practice we hoped for. We decided it was time to call in an expert. In 2017 we hired Scott Stewart and had consulting meetings with him every other week for the first year. Though these meetings might be a slog with other consultants, Scotts' sessions are informative and entertaining, so it was easy to retain new information. The staff also appreciated that Scott respected their opinions and provided a forum for addressing concerns they might have. Scott has suggested changes for the practice both large and small. The changes he's suggested have paid dividends. Our practice is running more smoothly than ever before. Production and collection numbers are up. My days are far less stressful. The practice has benefited without sacrificing the quality of care we provide patients. I would recommend Scott to any practice.
Scott, your expertise in evaluating my office has been helpful in many ways. Although it was initially painful having my deficiencies exposed, you had solutions that I would not have thought of. Even though I was producing well, the 15% increase was a welcome bonus - evidence that improvement and growth were possible! Your recommendations have reduced stress in our processes and given me a smoother running office. Your availability has really helped me. The 5-minute problem solving phone calls have been an answer to prayer. I feel the office flow for new patients has improved with higher case acceptance, our accounts receivable has come down, and our team is even more motivated because of clearly defined goals. In addition, we are having productive staff meetings and our morning huddles are clean and efficient. It's great to have a better sense of structure, with an office that feels lighter at the same time.
Kudos to you Scott and many thanks.
After ten years of private dental practice ownership, I met Scott Stewart in 1995 seeking direction to relieve my frustration with our eradic practice growth and constant staff difficulties. After his detailed practice assessment, he outlined a comprehensive plan of open communication to forge a cohesive team, use of clear expectations for each staff member (including me) and use of productivity statistics in each area of our practice as a basis for management of our practice growth. Scott helped me develop a vision of who I am as a dentist and taught me how to lead my team and share that vision with my team to get everyone working together toward a common goal that the entire team could benefit from. His training modules for each area of the practice have maximized the coordination and communication abilities of everyone in our practice. I was so fortunate to bring Scott into my practice then and continue to use his services 22 years later to help 'guide the ship' to this very day. Scott Stewart, thank you for all that you have done on our behalf through the years. 
I have always believed that the best time to hire a coach is when you are at the top of your game. Athletes are coached throughout their careers to ensure they reach their greatest potential. My team and I work to make the playoffs each and every day. Any small error creates a snowball effect that translates into patient dissatisfaction and my bottom line. Our team would not be complete without a coach. I used Scott eight years ago and again in 2015. He is a systems genius who has organizational skills and the follow through that parallels any dentist I know. He has been able to keep my practice running smoothly so we can meet our patient's expectations, remain calm and enjoy the profitability of practicing dentistry.
I was 6 months into purchasing my new practice and as a new practice owner I was lost and didn't know what to expect. One of my colleagues recommended using Clifton & Associates in order to get some professional coaching and establish systems in my practice. My first interaction with Scott was impressive. He knew so much about this field that I was intrigued by his knowledge. I decided to hire Scott to coach me and my team so we could become a better dental office. Since then I have noticed a 30% increase in my production, that is still maintained today. The office is extremely organized and efficient. My patients have noticed the improvements and this has brought even more patients to my practice. It was the best money spent and I highly recommend him!
We have worked with Clifton and Associates and Scott Stewart twice in our 12 year dental career. First in 2005, we doubled our production in the first year; and then again in 2013 when in an economic crisis, we increased our production in both of our offices by approximately 35%! Beyond the obvious financial benefits, we and our employees have become less stressed and much happier at work. All the implementation of our training by the employees and doctors has proven to be very successful and enjoyable. We have referred Scott to many colleagues with the following statement: "The same way Michael Angelo saw art, Scott sees dental offices." Finally, and on a personal note, we have grown very fond of Scott's work ethic and character and feel honored to have met and worked with such a dedicated, caring and honorable person. Thank you Scott!
I would like to take this opportunity to say that me and my team are very pleased with Clifton and Associates outstanding service. Scott's infectious personality and positivity helped guide our office into a new direction, creating better patient care and management. His thorough dissection of our daily activities allowed him to formulate a plan that now provides our office with the ability to function more efficiently. He was able to train each of us individually while improving our collective performance. In doing so, it has increased our patient satisfaction as well as our productivity. With his help, our office runs more smoothly and with a less stressful environment. The concepts that he helped us with have helped our office of 20 years grow, even during these economically hard times
Working with Clifton & Associates was a highly rewarding experience for our office. Scott himself has a highly contagious energy! His coaching and perspective infused a heightened sense of direction into our team.
Scott Stewart and his company improved my practice in ways that I never dreamed possible! After hearing Scott speak at a local dental study club I knew that he had answers to everyday problems and frustrations that I faced. My coaching journey began in July of 2008 and the results were so impressive in the midst of a deep recession that I have continued to use his coaching services. Improvements occurred in all areas of my practice. Not only did the obvious production and collection numbers improve 34 percent and 30 percent respectively, but patient education and quality of patient care became the core concept around which all of my business and dental delivery systems functioned. The resulting patient acceptance of quality treatment was, and continues to be, a most satisfying professional achievement.
In March 2007 we were introduced to Clifton and Associates through a local study club. We were impressed with the presentation and volunteered for a complimentary evaluation of our practice. After reviewing our systems and the dynamics of our two doctor practice, we were given an overview of what we could expect in practice growth from the training program with Clifton and Associates. We had been in practice almost 18 years and had never worked with a dental consultant.
Scott Stewart and his company improved my practice in ways that I never dreamed possible! After hearing Scott speak at a local dental study club I knew that he had answers to everyday problems and frustrations that I faced. My coaching journey began in July of 2008 and the results were so impressive in the midst of a deep recession that I have continued to use his coaching services. Improvements occurred in all areas of my practice. Not only did the obvious production and collection numbers improve 34 percent and 30 percent respectively, but patient education and quality of patient care became the core concept around which all of my business and dental delivery systems functioned. The resulting patient acceptance of quality treatment was, and continues to be, a most satisfying professional achievement.
Working with Clifton and Associates over the past year has allowed me to remake my practice in ways I had never imagined. I come to work energized knowing that my office and my staff are "online" to be organized and effective in providing a high level of service to our patients. Not only has our profitability improved significantly, but our office is now a much less stressful work environment. Thanks to the Clifton Crew for all your great advice and assistance.
After the practice opened in June of 2003, we had experienced slow, steady growth. In early 2005, I decided to hire Clifton & Associates to help take my team and practice to the next level. With their guidance, we implemented practical, effective methods for improving our systems. At the end of our first nine months of training, we not only met, but exceeded our practice goals. My team and I have great expectations for 2006. Thanks Clifton & Associates! We could not have done it without you.
We had high expectations when contracting Clifton & Associates as our coach. We already had a well-run office, but were interested in taking our practice to the next level. The in-office training helped to heavily integrate our staff into the "patient experience." We now evaluate so many more parameters and indicators of success that have helped to decrease our stress and increase the bottom line. We continue to use the skills and philosophy in our daily practice. Needless to say our expectations were exceeded!
The in-office hands on evaluation and face-to-face training was most beneficial compared to typical seminars or even having to travel to an off-site location. The training in our office personalized and tailored specifically for our office. Our growth far exceeded my expectations and the coaching program provided us with a business plan to meet our new and future goals!
We had high expectations when contracting Clifton & Associates as our coach. We already had a well-run office, but were interested in taking our practice to the next level. The in-office training helped to heavily integrate our staff into the "patient experience." We now evaluate so many more parameters and indicators of success that have helped to decrease our stress and increase the bottom line. We continue to use the skills and philosophy in our daily practice. Needless to say our expectations were exceeded!