Staff shortages seems to be a universal problem for dentists. Initially we blamed the pandemic. However, time has passed, and we need to look to ourselves for a solution because maybe we are at fault. Far too often I have heard from chairside assistants that they feel undervalued, and it seems their job purely involves “sucking spit!” Shame on the doctor who has hired these individuals and made their worth akin to a saliva ejector.
I have worked diligently in my career with two goals: to provide the best possible dental care and provide an environment for my staff in which they could contribute to the success of the practice as well as grow in their own roles. As a team we shared a philosophy of saving teeth and providing optimal oral health. To do so meant that we learned from attending continuing education programs that will enhance and develop better clinical skills and outcomes. While clinical courses are necessary, so are courses for improving communication between doctor-staff, staff-staff, and staff-patient. After all, when we advise a patient that they need a crown and then leave the room, the patient is most likely to turn to the assistant in the room and ask, “Do I really need the crown?” How the team member responds may be the deciding factor in accepting the treatment. For example, your assistant should be able to express themselves freely with a good understanding of why you chose that treatment and the philosophy of your practice. They should be empowered to discuss the procedure, from how the treatment is rendered, to cost, to post-op instructions. To do that they need to be educated by the team captain, the doctor. And this is easily discussed and “role-played” at staff meetings. Remember that before you can delegate, you must educate.
I firmly believe that the team that learns together performs better together and that is why I often took my team to local and out-of-town educational conferences. Not only did they learn from programs but often they learned from their counterparts from other practices. This enabled them to gain a broader perspective on how others are achieving success and return to the office with a fresh perspective on how we can all perform our tasks better. I encourage you to allow your staff to achieve greatness by investing in their future both on a personal and professional development level. Make your office a desirable place to work whereby your team is capable, educated, and respected. We often say that dentistry can change lives by changing smiles, and that requires a team effort more than the doctor and a drill. I believe that within our offices we can change the lives of our staff as well. We need to provide a healthy and respectful atmosphere where every team member has a role that is necessary and valuable to the success of our practice. Dentistry is a rewarding profession with enough to share with the entire team. Remember the TEAM stands for Together Everyone Achieves More!
About the Author
Dr. Glazer is a Fellow and Past President of the Academy of General Dentistry and a former Assistant Clinical Professor in Dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY. Most recently, he received the Irwin Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry, presented by the New York University College of Dentistry for “Distinguished Achievement in the Art and Science of Aesthetic Dentistry.” He lectures throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas on dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry and patient management. He maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, NJ, and is the Deputy Chief Forensic Dental Consultant to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York.
