Dental hygienists suggest ideas to improve dental office dynamics

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• My dentist needs to upgrade his equipment. He needs to become aware of what the staff is doing/not doing. They take advantage of him, and he is not being as productive as he could be.
• Allow the weeding out of noncompliant patients such as those who are always late, those who do not follow treatment, patients who talk disrespectfully to office members.
• Keep the wife and family members out of the office work environment. They cause more work for the regular staff and they make the office a nightmare to work in.
• Patients’ outlook on dentistry as part of their total health, not just something cosmetic; they don't have to have it.
• The doctor is fabulous with his competency and work ethic, but he can be a bit of a cupcake when it comes to affecting changes needed in the office (correcting behaviors or routines that are not efficient).
• Get rid of the consultant because he just causes problems within the office.
• More kudos from the doctor. More incentives
• Insurance! The mentality that it is going to cover treatment for years of neglect.
• I would reduce the number of discounted fee contracts we have with insurance companies
• More frequent staff meetings.
• Somehow get the front and back office working on the same page for the same goals.
• I would change and reduce the stress that the dentist feels all day long I would eliminate micro managing of the dentist, so that he can relax more and know his staff can take care of business
• Length of appointment times for new patients. There is a lot to cover in that initial appointment, and it cannot always be done in one hour. Sometimes patients don't like having to come back for a regular prophy another day because not enough time was given for exam, charting, X-rays, etc. during the first appointment.
• I would like to see more of a team approach between all employees. Only a few of us stay late to help one another and that can be frustrating when you have had a hard day. Also, some of the employees talk to one another more than they should when they could be helping one of the others out if they are running behind.
• Who and how the schedule is managed. Promote things that I know work, like preventive treatments (sealants, for example), allow more time for "small talk" for appointments. This is also a part of the hygienist’s job, making the patient feel comfortable and that you genuinely care.
• Fewer magazines in the reception area for less clutter. More comfortable seating in the reception area since the current sofas are too bulky and "eat" the person sitting in them, making it difficult to get up. Better utilization of space.
• Interpersonal relations are always difficult, so more training would be helpful. Would need to be hands on, not just lecture, and would need to involve all the people who work together, not just strangers (although that would be helpful too)
• I'd like to see an actual updated office manual so people would follow office policy and the boss could default to the manual instead of caving in.
• Doctor is very good practitioner, a perfectionist. But when patients compliment his staff for exceptional work he does not see this as a compliment to his office and himself but makes some flippant remark such as "She accepts tips" or 'Don’t tell her that or she will want a raise." He thinks he is being funny. I feel unappreciated. I just thank the patient for their kind remark and try to let it go.
• Create a more stress free environment for the staff, and design our schedule that production goals are met without sacrificing time with the patient.
• I work in a fantastic practice with great doctors and an amazing staff. I am lucky! The only thing I wish is that our one doctor wouldn't compare himself to this doctor or that doctor in town, and say how bad he has it. He is blessed in many parts of life but sometime dwells on keeping up with the Joneses. It's discouraging for all of us at the office to hear. We work so hard for our office to be profitable and provide quality service. Other than that, I wouldn't change anything!
• Advising the doctor to take leadership training to learn how to become an inspirational leader and creating a team that uses their personal strengths to benefit the practice. I would also advise her to take a 360 inventory. Her stated values are not in alignment with her actions. I think she would be shocked if she knew what the staff really thought about her. In spite of this her dentistry is exceptional and the team is very mature and professional.

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