Author: Sherri Merritt

In today’s dental practices, it’s common to find team members spanning multiple generations—each bringing unique perspectives, communication styles, and expectations. For practices that are predominantly female, understanding and bridging these generational differences is crucial for fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. Understanding Generational Differences To effectively communicate across generations, it’s essential to recognize the distinct characteristics and preferences of each group: Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964): Value face-to-face communication, formal

Working as a dental assistant can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the more difficult aspects of the job is working with a dentist who has a dominant personality. While a strong-willed dentist may have a clear vision for their practice and high expectations for their team, it can sometimes lead to tension, misunderstandings, or feelings of being undervalued. However, with the right

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring the function and appearance of teeth affected by decay, damage, or other oral health concerns. While the dentist performs the procedure, the dental assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring all necessary materials are present for efficiency, patient comfort, and procedural success. From preparation to aftercare, dental assistants provide essential support that enhances both the patient’s experience and the dentist’s workflow. Preparation Before

In a busy dental practice, ensuring that all equipment functions properly is essential for patient safety, efficient workflow, and high-quality care. Regular maintenance of dental equipment prevents costly breakdowns, extends the lifespan of instruments, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. A structured maintenance schedule that includes daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly tasks is crucial to keeping the practice running smoothly. Daily Maintenance: Keeping the Practice Running Smoothly

In a busy dental practice, efficiency and organization are key to ensuring high-quality patient care. One crucial and often overlooked aspect of dental office management is the handling of lab cases. A well-designed lab case check-in protocol ensures seamless workflows, minimizes errors, and enhances patient satisfaction. Without a proper system in place, miscommunication, misplaced cases, and scheduling delays can create frustration for both staff and patients. Here are some key

In recent years, economic uncertainty has played a significant role in shaping people’s ability to afford dental care. Inflation, stagnant wages, job losses, and rising costs of living have forced many individuals and families to make tough financial choices. Unfortunately, oral health often takes a backseat when money is tight. The link between the economy and access to dental care is undeniable, and the consequences of delaying or avoiding necessary