Why Is Communication in the Dental Office Important?
Successful communication is a key component for a thriving dental practice.
Communication allows for a sense of what’s happening in the dental practice throughout the day with the dental office organization, including:
- The doctor
- Hygienists
- Dental office managers
- Dental practice administrators
- Assistants
Most mishaps in the dental office stem from an error of communication.
Successful communication in the dental office ensures that the recipient has a clear idea and understanding of what you’re saying to them.
There are many ways to make sure that’s the case, such as being concise and specific with your words.
Keep reading to learn tips on making your dental practice stronger through communication.
Why it matters
As dental professionals, we’re so busy throughout the day. We tend to throw out one-worded answers which can be misconstrued.
The best way to correct this pattern is to take your time. Make sure whoever you’re explaining the directions to has a clear understanding of what you’re reciprocating to them.
Great communication consists of:
- Open-mindedness
- Respect
- Confidence
- Personability
Being open-minded
When sharing ideas and directions, it’s paramount to maintain an open mind.
Understandably, everyone has their views and values.
Still, it’s crucial that everyone be on the same page when it comes to the dental office.
This is important for your team and the patients who are receiving care.
Open-mindedness is a wonderful characteristic to have, especially for effective communication.
It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and look at things differently.
Change can be good; without it, we would not be able to implement the best care for patients.
Overall respect for others
Respect is important in any situation.
It’s especially valuable in effective communication with team members.
Having respect for your coworkers allows them to feel safe when expressing themselves.
If we as a team aren’t comfortable or have trust with each other, how can our patients?
You’ll often receive the same energy or “vibes” that you put out to your patients.
They’re the first to recognize if we don’t trust what we’re doing or even when we’re uncomfortable with the care we’re providing.
Overall demeanor
Having confidence and personability is vital in successful communication in the dental office.
Being personable is a matter of being pleasant and “warm” towards your patients.
This characteristic provides a certain comfort level to patients and helps earn their trust.
When you’re personable, it can also be seen as a “leadership strength.”
Having a benevolent personality will have people naturally gravitate towards you and listen, thus allowing for effective communication.
Successful communication has many aspects, but it can be quite simple when broken down.
As a reminder, it’s in us all to have these characteristics to convey respect to others:
- Open-mindedness
- Compassion
- Personability
- Confidence
These key components will allow for a healthy and productive office environment and care safely and effectively for our patients.
Meet the Author
Claudia Paye, DAADOM is a lifetime AADOM member.
In 2016, she was awarded the Henry Schein Green Leader Award, and in 2017, she was named one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry.
Claudia is also a recipient of the AADOM Office Manager of Distinction award. She is a former president of the New York, NY AADOM Chapter and is now a proud board member of the Northeast Florida AADOM Chapter… This text opens a new tab to the NE FL chapter’s website….
Claudia received her AADOM Fellowship, (FAADOM) in 2014 and in 2020 earned her AADOM Mastership (MAADOM).
Most recently, Claudia was inducted into AADOM’s first class of Diplomates, (DAADOM), in 2021.
For over twenty years, she has prided herself on amazing service to her patients and the surrounding communities.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, running Disney marathons, and listening to country music. She is also a proud mother to four and a new grandmother.
