Communication in the Dental Office

This has been a weird time. Anyone else feel this way? One minute I’ll be happy and loving being at home with my little one, with the next minute I’m missing patients and students and wish I could be at work. Then, the next is sadness for all the dentists and dental hygienists around me that are having similar thoughts and emotions as me.

If I’ve learned one thing during this time at home being away from people is the importance of communication. We are all fearful of what’s next for our careers and what’s next for our patients when it comes to our practices. But, with all the unknown comes fear. However, many times the unknowns can be answered with proper communication between the dental team.

Looking for a way to open the lines of communication between your office? Reach out to your dentist or office manager with kindness. They most likely are freaking out as well. Ask the question “What you can do to help?” It may be nothing, it may be just giving some supporting words, it may be talking to other offices to see where they are ordering supplies or PPE from.

 Another way to open communication is be the communicator you wished they be. Let them know you’re always open to talk about things and what form of commination is the best for everyone (texting, calling, email, etc). Ask if it’s ok to start up an office group text to keep everyone on the team on the same page of what’s next. If everyone is getting the same information at the same time, this will prevent confusion in the future.

Also, as an office, share all the news. The good, the bad, the ugly. When we’re all on the same page of what’s working and what isn’t, it can make communication so much smoother. Let’s not only talk about the negatives right now (we have enough of that on social media or the news). Let’s talk about what’s also working and what’s a positive plan to move forward. Instead of sending a generic email of “closed until further notice” and end the conversation at that, keep the conversation open. Ask questions, get feedback, treat everyone in your office like a human.

Now- I’m the first to admit that communication is not my strongest skill (just ask my husband). However, now more than ever, communicating thoughts, feelings and plans will help prevent future fears and heartaches. Let’s work together as a team to be on the same page, do what’s best for our teams and our patients, and stick together for what’s right for our communities. We’re scared. Let’s be scared and help each other together.

One other thing to think about. A way to increase communication through your team is working on a project together. One great project to take on right now is thinking and focusing and creating content for your office’s social media. We all need some positive content right now. Why not have your office be the one making it? We have lots of ideas on social media for your office and will be sharing some of them soon on a new video. Stay tuned for that! 

How has your office and team been communicating over the last few weeks? How are you feeling with everything? We’d love to chat.