“People hear what they want to hear.” Have you said it? I know I have. Typically, I’ve said it in frustration because a patient seemed surprised to hear something which was clearly noted as having been discussed before. Often, I said it rolling my eyes when one of my children shared a fascinating revelation they … Read More »
Are You the Change Enforcer?
The question I most often hear when groups are inspired by the ideas generated in a workshop is, “How do we get people to implement the changes we agreed to?” It’s one thing for a group to be inspired by new learning, and another thing to integrate that learning into the day to day operations … Read More »
Do You Want Fries With That?
Ever find yourself feeling a little like a McDonald’s employee repeating the same things over, and over again to your patients? Any changes in your medical history? Any problems or concerns today? Are you ready to go forward with the next crown on your treatment plan? Same old questions, descriptions and explanations. It’s easy to … Read More »
What Do You DO?
When someone asks you what your job is in the practice, how do you respond? My experience is that most people respond with either a job title or a job description, a list of tasks: I clean teeth I restore teeth I answer phones I pour models I take x-rays I collect payments I schedule … Read More »
Key Questions to Change Hygiene
Don’t you cringe when you hear patients say, “It’s just a cleaning”? Patients just don’t seem to value their hygiene visits as much as we would like them to. Fees for hygiene services are often questioned, particularly if they do not fit the insurance model. Appointments are cancelled. How can we change the way people … Read More »
Can You Listen Generously?
When was the last time you listened deeply, without distraction? When was the last time you felt heard and understood without any need to answer questions or fill in details? I recently attended a workshop with Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen whose books such as, “Kitchen Table Wisdom” have informed my work for over twenty years. … Read More »
No More OHI
What could be worse than “Oral Hygiene Instruction?” It conjures up images of giant toothbrushes and humongous fake teeth. It carries with it an accusation of being not too bright, or worse “unhygienic.” There is a social stigma to not having a clean mouth and “fresh breath.” Even though we are trying to be helpful … Read More »
Do You Need a Parachute?
A dentist I used to work with once remarked that when he came into my hygiene room to check a patient he felt like he had been dropped out of an airplane without a parachute. He described what it was like to work with his restorative patient, loops on, narrowly focused on precise preps. He … Read More »
Family Doctor or Fixer of Teeth?
How do your patients see you? How do you want to be seen? Family doctors of the past knew their patients well. They were in relationship over time, sometimes for generations. They cared for the whole family and understood their patients in that context: their family health history, financial considerations, challenges and aspirations. Family doctors … Read More »
Are Your Patients Disappointed?
Everyone hopes they are doing enough to stay healthy. No one sets out to be unhealthy or to ruin their smile. We all hold onto the hope that, while not perfect, our efforts will be enough. Whether or not our hopes and expectations are realistic, we can feel disappointment when they fall short. The experts recommend … Read More »
