After visiting and interacting with more than one thousand dental students, residents, dentists, and team members over the past 10 years, I’ve come to the following conclusion. The green bucket takes up an inappropriate amount of attention. Let’s define success. In order to do so, think of a person who we would consider successful. What do they have? • Nice things …
The Donut Shop Offers Wifi, but I Don’t
When I was 16, I had my first car, and thus needed my first oil change. I found a mechanic, made an appointment, and had the pleasure to sit in a dirty, oil smelling waiting room with no amenities for 45 minutes, culminating with an equally oily individual approach me to condescend about how my air filter needs replacement. This …
The Value of a Communication Center in a Modern Dental Office
“Hey, I have an idea - tomorrow, let’s get a bunch of autumn fruits and veggies, and hand them out to all of our patients as they are leaving, like Pomegranates, or something.” It was Tuesday at lunch. The next day was Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and everyone agreed that Lauren, our office manager, had come up with an …
How Utility Gloves Made Me a Better Leader
I hired Kathy as a dental assistant three months after opening the doors to our practice. She has impressed me over the years as a tremendously loyal, hard-working, infectiously positive contributor to our team. She embodied so much of what I value in a team member, and I often made my sentiments clear to her, through verbal and written appreciation, …