Still asking for everything?
Every practice has systems that they operate by. The systems can be smooth as silk or chaotic or anything in between.
Here’s a way to see how good your systems are. It will let you know whether you’re at the smooth as silk end of the spectrum or the chaotic end of the spectrum.
How often does the dentist need to tell the staff what to do?
If your practice systems are solid and well thought out then the staff should know what to do without the dentist needing to say anything. The dentist should only tell the staff what to do very seldom and only when an unusual situation has occurred. For the remainder of the working day the practice should just flow.
For example, if your systems aren’t solid then the dentist will be forced to ask for things constantly:
“Where’s the lab work for Mrs Jones?”
“Please get me some reamers.”
“Why have we run out of ... ?”
“Have you called the patient to see why they aren’t here yet?”
Etc., etc., etc. Working like this is tiring and stressful for everyone. It’s also unnecessary because if your practice systems are solid:
Lab work is checked the day before and followed up if it hasn’t arrived.
When the dentist is starting a root filling the reamers are put out automatically.
When someone takes the second last of something it is re-ordered.
If a patient is 5 minutes late they’re called to see where they are and the dentist is informed.
Systems take work to set up but once they’re in place they make everyone’s day (the dentist’s and the staff’s) easier and quieter.
In your office, how often does the dentist need to tell the staff what to do?
