HCD Headlines
- Rachael
- Nov 10, 2020
- 4 min read
I greatly appreciate this article from "Dental Economics" titled "What to do when your give a damn is busted." Lol. No, I'm not being passive aggressive in sending this along to you. What I love about this article is the advice of boundaries and using this time of change to make a change for yourself. Whether that's a change of pace in private or work life, whether that's a change in your inner self-talk, whether it's a healthy habit you want to start... You can do it now because you CAN do it. The only restrictions we have on achieving what we truly desire are the ones we place on ourselves. (And if you desire illegal things, then you and I need to talk.) Let me know what you think about her insights.
~Rachael
NOVEMBER SCHEDULE
Thank you for your patience as you anxiously awaited the November schedule. The office will be closed 11/25-11/27 for family time. Only one of those days is considered holiday pay. You will also notice that Mikhayla will be with us for a majority of the month of November. She will begin learning the wonderful world of dental assisting with Dr. Marchant's team on Mondays and Fridays. I SO, SO, SOOOOO appreciate everyone's help in training Mikhayla to be the best she can be! Please let me know if you have any questions.
HCD CHRISTMAS PARTY
Thank you to Bianka for coordinating our Christmas party this year! As she said this morning, it will look different from previous years, but we will still have the chance to play games and enjoy one another's company. Save the date for December 17th from 3PM to 6PM! We will meet in the HCD Conference Room for a catered meal and fun times. Please keep an eye out for more information to be posted in the breakroom and discussed during our next Dates to Remember.
HOLES IN THE SCHEDULE
November is turning into a challenge to keep our hygiene schedule full. We know we have patients ready to come in but many are hesitant because of the rise in COVID numbers. We have made calls, sent letters, and continue to reach out to them in any way we can. With that said, having a HOLE in your schedule should be viewed as an opportunity to do more. What more you ask? Well, let me tell you...
H is for HELPING OTHERS. If your schedule falls apart, it's a great time to look at the other providers' schedules and see how you can help. Turn over a room, help with x-rays, work in sterilization, or deep cleaning. We are well aware of the laundry list that exists in every clinic and we should take these golden moments to help others.
O is for OUTREACH. Yes, your front team has made many calls to your patients. However, there is ALWAYS a list for you to call from, too. Patients find comfort in hearing from their provider. It's personal and shows their favorite provider is taking time to make a special call to them. This goes for assistants, too. The clinical team has a powerful connection to their patients that goes beyond the friendly connection they typically have with the front. Go through your patients and see who has a recent broken appointment, who hasn't come in forever, and take the available time to reach out to them.
L is for LEARNING. Technology, dentistry, and everything else in this world is continually evolving. This means we are always one step behind the latest update in our role in the dental clinic. Use the time to seek out answers to questions we discuss in the team meeting. Research ways to increase case acceptance and share them with your team members. Do not give into the black hole that is social media or other idle wanderings on the internet.
E is for EXPECTATIONS. As a leader in your position - which all of you hold that title as a team member at HCD, you are expected to review your schedule ahead of time. Look for opportunities to fill your schedule. You are expected to work with your team as equal partners. Let them know what you need in order to succeed. Having a perfect schedule in your mind that is never shared with your team will never be achieved. If errors exist in the schedule, work with others in kindness to make corrections and prevent future issues.
COVID RELATIONS
We recently sent an email to all of our patients regarding COVID protocols for the patients and what to do when you've come in contact - or been the person - with +COVID person. Please take the time to read these posts as they will help you answer your patients' questions regarding our expectations and regulations for COVID.
One of the important points we made was regarding food. Food is not allowed in the clinic regardless. You may have a closed container for water/coffee but it must be kept in a closed cupboard or cabinet. This will prevent aerosols from resting on your closed container.
At the front desk, your food should also be covered. No large plates of food should be at the front desk to ensure cleanliness and prevent potential contamination from patients. You are always welcome to keep/eat your food in my office as I know it can sometimes be hard to breakaway for lunch. I promise to be better at eating food at my desk, too. I don't want to as it creates more stress when we stay at our desk and not take breaks. Even though it's rare for patients to be in my office, it's better to keep it clean, too.
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