Modern Hygienist - October 2008 - (Page 37)

ESTHETIC EXPERTISE | career much of my hygiene career success: Vickie Broderson. Ms. Broderson, with Patterson Dental, is an exemplary colleague and friend who looks beyond what she can financially gain from our practice, and instead focuses on how she can help support what we do on a daily basis. I have changed offices over the years, but our relationship has been a constant. I have worked with her in different office settings for about 14 years. In the office I currently work in, she has helped take our practice to the next level by continually bringing in new products and introducing us to products that received great feedback from other practices. When we opened our new office 4½ years ago, she took personal time to come into the office three days straight and opened each and every box herself. She labeled our shelves, organized everything and made sure every new product was put away in the right place. It was a very overwhelming time for our staff—with the packing and moving from one location to another—but at her as a trusted friend. When I need information on a piece of equipment or new product I know that I can ask her—if she doesn’t know about it, she will find out about it. She’s also great about getting me samples so I can make a decision for myself as to whether we should bring it into the practice. I have even had an occasion where she called companies she doesn’t even work with, all on my behalf. She is an amazing example of how a great rep can enhance your practice and your career. TEAM EFFORT I do have several other reps who I work with consistently, and all of them bring me samples and supplies on a regular basis. I make sure that all our reps have an opportunity to talk with us every time they come into the practice, and I make it my responsibility to always ask them what’s new. I love when they show me what they have and educate me on the new research on each esthetic expertise This column brings home the clinical and economic considerations dental hygienists should be aware of in this segment of specialized care. I encourage everyone to break down the ‘Great Wall of China’ at the front desk and spend a few minutes with your reps. —Ms. Pietrantonio, pictured with her rep, Vickie Broderson (center) and dental assistant, Jennifer with her help, everything found a place, and we could focus on the training needed for our new software and equipment. EXTRA CREDIT Because of our relationship with Ms. Broderson, we’ve taken steps that cement her status as part of our team as opposed to a rep from the outside. She’s flown with us to an annual meeting of the ADA, and even went with us to Oregon when we visited A-dec to choose new equipment. When we have an office outing or party, she is always invited. We appreciate our mutual commitment to one another and the practice, and really look product or supply. I have tremendous respect for all of my reps and enjoy the interaction with each of them. I encourage everyone to break down the “Great Wall of China” at the front desk and spend a few minutes with your reps. Lunch-and-learns, for example, can be very beneficial for the entire staff and can help get all team members on board with what your reps can offer. If you don’t have exceptional reps, get new ones. And if you do have good reps, reward them with your time! mh Stephanie Pietrantonio, RDH, is a contributing editor for Modern Hygienist. October 2008 | modern hygienist 37

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

Modern Hygienist - October 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters News Modern Solutions Trends: Homecare Trends: Perio Trends: Ergo Trends: Mid Care After Chemo Professional Rewind Esthetic Expertise: Make or Break Relationship Hands-on Hygiene: Have You Seen the Light? Going the Distance Training for Life Presi-dental Politics Ad Index Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - October 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.