Teamwork in the Dental Office
We always hear about teamwork and how important it is. Like the quote, “There is no “I” in team.” It really is true. If you want to be successful in your career as a dental assistant, teamwork is where it starts and ends. There is nothing more that will make a dentist happier than to see their employees working together as a team. Have you heard the acronym Together Everyone Achieves More? Our Columbus Academy of Dental Assisting are here to deliver some tips on how to be a great team member and put in your fair share of teamwork for job security and growth in the dental field.
Scenario 1:
It’s 9:55 a.m., you started work at 7 a.m. today and have been rushing around all morning seeing patients back to back. It feels like lunch is nowhere in sight. You are behind for your 10 am patient, and you are hoping for a miracle. It’s 10:05, and you are still finishing up your patient, but no sign of that 10 am patient yet. Your dreams come true; they don’t show for their appointment. You finish up your current patient, dismiss them, and need a snack, some water, and a bathroom break. You take your instruments to sterilization and notice it’s super backed up too. You know you need this mini-break to reset physically and mentally so you can give it your all. This is when you make sure you don’t waste any time. Grab your snack, chug some water, and go to the bathroom quick. Now is your turn to be the hero and see if anyone else needs help.
Scenario 2:
Think if the above scenario is the hygienist next to you. They are behind all morning, hoping for that cancellation or moment to breathe, and they aren’t getting it. You have an opening but don’t know what you could do to help. ASK! Help them turn their room over when they dismiss a patient or seat their next patient and update medical history and take x-rays. “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” comes into play here. If you are free, take advantage by helping others. This way, everyone is happy and stays sane throughout the day. We all have off days, and our goal is to please not only our patients but for each other as well. This is going to allow the office to flow much more smoothly on a day to day basis.
We could go on and on about different scenarios and how teamwork is the best way to contribute to an office. Your dentist will recognize your hard work and energy and reward you for it. So, if you want to stand out and get that recognition you deserve, go that extra mile to help a coworker and be sure to thank them when they return the favor.
