Modern Hygienist - September 2008 - (Page 33)

TECHNOLOGY | career Technology is best implemented and learned when the whole dental team works and trains together. tor and hygienist have all the best tools available to care for them. Technology heightens patients’ opinions of the practice and makes them appreciative of the high-quality care they receive. members in the practice’s purchasing decisions because office managers, hygienists and assistants may see value in a certain feature that a doctor may not see. For example, our hygienists were the deciding factor in our conversion to Patterson EagleSoft software. We were using other clinical and practice management software at the time, but the hygienists saw added value in the specialized reports that Patterson EagleSoft offers. By making purchasing decisions together, our practice ultimately invested in the technology with the most complete set of features, meaning everyone benefits more. In addition to adding efficiency, technology gives staff members a deeper understanding of the business side of the practice —the issues of time, finance and revenue in relation to the practice’s overall success. With a clear understanding of the business side of the practice, they are more connected to the practice’s success and more supportive of it. They use technology efficiently, treat more patients and therefore produce more from a business standpoint. By increasing case acceptance, a practice collects more and makes a larger profit. A larger profit usually leads to more resources for hygienists and other staff members. In the end, technology helps produce more, sell more and collect more. TEAM SPIRIT Adequate training is vital to the dental team and the practice because it ensures technologies are used to their maximum ability. We have found technology is best implemented and learned when the whole dental team works and trains together. Training in groups offers countless advantages. Group dynamics come into play and give each staff member increased confidence. The group sessions allow brainstorming and free exchange of ideas and feedback. Teamwork and fun are added to the learning experience, while group training ensures all conceivable questions are answered. Each member of the team brings certain qualities and skills to offer the group. For instance, our daily team meetings give us an opportunity openly discuss technologies, formulate questions and pinpoint problems. One of the hygienists then works with customer support to get our questions answered and subsequently shares the information with the whole staff. In our practice, all staff members are encouraged to explore and learn about new modes of technology they encounter through research, attending trade shows or seminars, word of mouth from other hygienists or other means. If applicable, staff members are encouraged to bring a product or technology into the office for trial use. Recently, a topical anesthesia was brought into the office by the hygienists’ suggestion, and was quickly approved by the doctor and offered for patient use. Teamwork and collaboration are further facilitated when hygienists, and all staff members, take an active role in the practice’s purchasing decisions. When the entire dental team discusses questions, potential concerns, and likes and dislikes about existing and new technologies, teaching and learning occur simultaneously. From there decisions can be made with regard to budgeting, training and new purchases. It is best to include all team CAN’T PUT A PRICE ON LOYALTY Technological advancements not only help draw staff to a practice; training and involvement in the implementation of technologies motivate hygienists to stay with a practice long-term. As a result, a practice’s investments into technology can more than increase staff efficiency, performance and skill development. Using technology promotes teamwork and gives staff renewed interest in the practice’s success. Ultimately, empowering employees to assume an integral role in the success of the practice provides a mutually beneficial way to raise job satisfaction, ensuring employee retention and a stable future for a practice. mh Dr. Mark Peck and Peggy Shannon, RDH, work together at Dental Studio 101 in Scottsdale, Ariz. September 2008 | modern hygienist 33

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Modern Hygienist - September 2008

Modern Hygienist - September 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters Modern Solutions Access Denied Kids First: Creating Comfort Worn Out? Voice of a VIP Hands-on Hygiene: Magnification In Focus Digital Persuasion That "Other" Female Cancer Ad Index Classifieds Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - September 2008

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