Dentaltown October 2021 - 61

Burnout: Acknowledge the threat
Employment company Indeed conducted a recent
study of 1,500 U.S. workers and discovered an alarming
statistic: 52% are experiencing burnout. To reverse the
trend of hygienists leaving en masse, the first thing
to do is recognize shifts that are negatively affecting
professional satisfaction:
* Changes in personal protective equipment (PPE)
protocols are causing hygienist fatigue.
* Hygienists are feeling overwhelmed by
so much to do in one appointment
because of increased protocols.
* Patient anxiety and negativity are on the rise.
* Fewer team members are often on hand
to serve patients.
* Team members are being asked to do more
with little recognition.
Keeping the lines of communication open is a great
start. If you haven't already, acknowledge the impact of
what's changed with your team, and let them know you
are here to partner with them for solutions. Empower
your hygienists to learn new techniques and education
that will benefit your patients, practice and team.
Really listen to their concerns
As patient advocates, your hygienists are one of the best ways
to establish trust and build great relationships with patients. " I love
my patient relationships, " explains Kathryn Gilliam, a registered
dental hygienist in Houston. " I love that I know all about them
and their families, and that we spend focused time talking about
their oral and overall health connections and partnering to achieve
their optimal health goals. "
Be a proactive leader by creating an open-door, safe environment
for your hygienists to express what they're experiencing. Schedule
one-on-one time and actively listen to what they have to say, rather
than mentally preparing what you want to say next.
For example, if a hygienist tells you she can't work in an office
that's too hot because of the additional PPE equipment, consider
her perspective: 76 degrees Fahrenheit may seem acceptable, but
your hygienist may be sweating buckets under her gloves. If a few
degrees is all it takes to retain a happy and productive hygienist,
the cost difference to adjust the temperature in-office pales in
comparison to hiring and training a new hygienist.
Investing one-on-one time with your hygienists may reveal
easy improvements that are well within your control-and budget.
Rather than assuming your hygienist wants a raise to stay, consider
asking some exploratory questions that can reveal your hygienists'
inner motivation:
Ask what that they need to provide the best service to their
patients:
* " Do you have enough instrument setups? "
* " Do you need to replace or add instruments? "
* " What home-care aids would help you educate patients
better to bring them to health? "
It's in your control to help them be the best they can be:
* " How can I help support you better in co-diagnosis? "
* " What could make your day run smoother? "
* Schedule monthly or biweekly meetings to review cases,
discuss feedback and provide space to air any other concerns.
" My doctor respects my knowledge and supports my recommendations, "
explains Gilliam. " She asks my opinion and listens
to my ideas. And I love that we have access to advanced technology
to best treat our patients. "
Dentaltown October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown October 2021
