The doctor-hygienist relationship is extremely important. This relationship has trickle-down effects throughout the office, influencing everything from patient care to practice culture to team morale.
It can be intimidating to approach the doctor to start building a relationship, especially for new hygienists. Fear not! Here are a few easy-to-implement tips to help you start off on the right foot with the doctor or fix a relationship that might have gotten off to a rocky start.
Get on the same page on day one
When Dr. Roma Patel first joined our practice, she made sure everything started off right. She entered the practice extremely motivated, and her attitude was motivating to me as a hygienist and to the entire team.
Dr. Patel pulled me aside her first day. We sat down and discussed our views on treatment planning, office workflow, and everything in between. She established her expectations from the very beginning, and I responded with my own expectations. By having this conversation, we ensured that the lines of communication were open and that we were very much on the same page.
From that key point of connection, we continued to build a positive relationship. She worked side by side with me for the first few weeks, and we were able to learn more about each other’s working styles.
Sitting down on day one and having an open, honest conversation about expectations, goals, and clinical philosophies can lay the groundwork for a positive and productive doctor-hygienist relationship. If the doctor at your practice does not make the first move, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and take the initiative to get the conversation started.
Keep lines of communication open
When you start on a positive note, maintaining open communication is much easier. You’ll be able to talk to your doctor about challenges you’re facing or new ideas you have. For example, many new hygienists struggle with time management, which could eventually cause conflict with the doctor. When you go from the multiple hours of time per patient you have in hygiene school to the 30 or 60 minutes you have for a patient in the practice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall behind.
Whether you’re nervous about time management or in the thick of stress, have that conversation with your doctor. Talk to them about the issues you’re facing, set expectations for what’s realistic for you, and work with them to adjust your schedule as needed as you acclimate to the office. A simple, “Hey, since I’m new and getting adjusted to the practice, I’d like to ask for an additional 15 minutes per patient appointment during the first month to make sure I can provide thorough and effective care. How do you feel about that?” This is all it takes to get the ball rolling.
When you’re on the same page with the doctor, you’ll know that the doctor has your back. With their support, you’ll feel like a strong and confident hygienist. Plus, patients will be able to see you and the doctor as a united front, which builds further trust throughout the office. It’s empowering to know that the doctor is in your corner, and it gives you the opportunity to grow and master your skills without fear or anxiety.
Ensure long-term success
Because of the open, honest, and positive relationship I have with Dr. Patel, I’m able to bring new ideas to her in a judgment-free environment. Whether that’s new scheduling protocols, different processes, or new ways to implement technology, Dr. Patel always listens and helps me figure out how to test new ideas, which helps keep the practice flexible and adaptable.
That’s not to say even the most positive relationships don’t have their ups and downs. When you hit a snag with the doctor, it’s best to go back to that open communication. For example, if you don’t agree on a treatment plan, sit down and talk it out. Be mindful and respectful and try to reach a middle ground of understanding. You must be open to listening to each other and maintaining that level of respect.
Despite your best efforts, sometimes the relationship between you and the doctor doesn’t work. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to seek a doctor who treats their hygienists as partners and whose practice philosophy aligns with yours. If I were in the market for a new position, I’d look for a doctor who understands and appreciates work–life balance and who has a comprehensive new-patient process. I’d also be sure to interview the doctor as closely as they interview me to ensure we’re on the same page.
Push each other to be better
The best doctor-hygienist relationships are productive, positive, and reciprocal. Doctors shouldn’t be too easy on hygienists—we want to be pushed to be better. We don’t just polish teeth; we have a huge array of skills, and we need doctors to keep us encouraged and motivated so we can grow in our careers.
In turn, we need to discuss our goals with the doctors, both short-term and long-term. Tell your doctor what you need from them, and you’ll reap the benefits of a productive partnership. Furthermore, you’ll be able to push the doctor to improve their mentorship and leadership skills.
Whether you’re new to hygiene or have been in dentistry for decades, it’s important to remember the significance of the doctor-hygienist relationship. Start on a positive note, keep lines of communication open, stay on the same page as often as possible, and always treat each other with mutual respect. Together, you can build an office culture that motivates staff, encourages the team, and provides the best possible patient care.
