The 3 C’s to a Better Relationship with Your Dentist
re-la-tion-ship – noun
- The way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave toward each other. “The dentist-manager relationship”
Do you ever find yourself about to lose your mind over something your dentist did or said that contributes to your already overwhelming day? Or even something to make you feel less than worthy in your role as office manager? We’ve all been there! The key is knowing how to overcome these feelings to have a better relationship with your dentist. Think about it; you are with your doctor and teammates the same amount of time as your family, if not more. This means you must take the time to work on issues between you.
Care
What does it mean to care? Showing you care can refer to many things, but it typically means demonstrating appreciation and support for one another. For some, it may involve steps to improve the relationship, and for others, it may come naturally. One way to exhibit care would be by showing professionalism; by conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. It is important for both the doctor and manager to have a strong sense of value for each other. This shows the amount of care and support he/she has for the manager’s position and how presenting themselves as a unified front to the team is crucial for the overall office culture. This is what we are all striving for!
Commitment
Commitment to continuing education and learning is tied directly to improved longevity within a practice. When team members intensely engage in doing and learning new things, their well-being and happiness can blossom. To obtain a successful practice, it takes the full support of the dentist, manager, and team. Commitment in these relationships can differ depending on past and present experiences and expectations. It is the feeling of responsibility that a manager has towards the goals, mission, and vision of the practice. A strong dentist-manager commitment to each will bring added value to the team.
Communication
Where would we be without communication? This is the key to a healthy relationship with your doctor. Think of your relationship like a marriage. Without open, honest communication, it will not be successful. Honesty is the best policy when it comes down to communication. Choose your words wisely, listen to what the other has to say, and consider your tone, inflection, and body language. Be clear and concise about how you are feeling by communicating effectively and appropriately. Schedule daily or weekly meetings. Communication fuels innovation and can create a stronger dentist-manager relationship. By delivering messages clearly to one another, there is no room for misunderstanding or alteration of messages which decreases the potential for conflict.
These are just a few ways to help enhance and improve the dentist-manager relationship. However, there will always be room for improvement. When something is said or done to question the relationship, always step back and remember there is mutual care and commitment for the entire team and the practice. Communication is the key to keeping the team strong. Always remember the big picture and continue to stay honest with each other. The possibilities are endless for your practice when you have healthy, supportive relationships.
About the Author
Danielle Dailey is the Office Manager for South River Dental Care in Edgewater, Maryland, and has been a lifetime member of AADOM since 2008. She received her FAADOM with the inaugural class of 2010. She serves as the President of the Dental Education Leadership League of Baltimore/Annapolis, Maryland, also known as the BAM Leadership League.
