13
Volume2 Issue2
|
CDA
at
W
ork
WHATTHEYDIDN’TTEACH
ME
INDENTALSCHOOL
TrustandValue
WorkingGroup
isauniquecollaborationof
provincial andnationaldental
leaders that focusesondeveloping
communicationsstrategies to
promote thebenefitsofgoodoral
health forallCanadians.
Dental schools provide the education, trainingand skills development to
produce great dentists. Butmany of themost valuable lessons are learnedafter
dental school. Four veterandentists,Drs.MargotHiltz, LarryLevin,
MaureenLefebvre andPaulCameron (allmembers ofCDA’sTrust andValue
WorkingGroup) share some of the lessons they’ve learned throughout their
careers
3
Whilehoningyour
technique is vital,
runninga successful
dental practice
involves avariety
of other skills.
“Althoughyoudon’t
learnmuchabout the
business sideof dentistry
at dental school, it is a key
component to runninga successful
practice,” saysDr. LarryLevin. “You
need to learnandpractise some
aspectsofmarketing, purchasing, HR,
leasing, andaccounting—aswell as
understand the legal sideof business.”
Thepatient experiencebeginswith
thefirst phonecall to theofficeand
continues all theway tobooking
thenext appointment. “Whileyour
technical expertise is agiven ina
patient’smind, their satisfaction
withyour practice is alsobasedon
how theyare treatedby staff,” says
Dr. Levin.
From treatment tochairsidemanner, eachpatient
hasdifferent needs. Thinkabout howyouor
oneof your familymemberswouldprefer tobe
treated. “Compassionandcaringgoa longway,”
saysDr.MargotHiltz. “Whenmanypatientshave
anxietyandphobias, a fewcaringwords can
build trust and strengthenagoodworking
relationship.”
Successful dentists invest inboth technical
skills andpeople skills. “Difficult patients can
bemorechallenging thandifficult endos,”
saysDr. Paul Cameron. “Takeasmuchextra
trainingas youneed toprepare for both.”
Patientsof all ages and
backgroundswill come through
your office. Thevariety is
part of the funof being
adentist.Whileworking
with kids and seniorsmay
seem likeachallenge, “it’s
really fun,” saysDr. Cameron.
“These2groupsoftenhavemore timeavailableandwill
chat and share stories. Be sure to take theextra time to talk
with them. It’soften thebest andmost enjoyablepart of the
appointment!” headds.
2
1
Dentists
wearmanyhats
Softskills
matter
Patientsareunique
