Every dental office experiences certain problems that can cause drama within the practice. Whether the disturbances come from employees or patients, they can create a ripple effect that can destroy employee morale and make some staff members uncomfortable. Our dental practice consultants at Bryant Consultants have addressed hundreds of issues over the years regarding life at the dental office, ranging from problems that cause minor irritations to those that genuinely make it more difficult to go to work. So, today on the blog, we are sharing how to put an end to the drama and make your practice fun again so you can return to focusing on your patients and create a positive workplace.
Unruly Staff
It can be difficult to manage a dental office with unruly staff members. Whether they fail to arrive at work on time, don’t complete a requested task, or complain about appointment scheduling, it can create a rift in an otherwise peaceful workplace. In some cases, the situation is not easy to fix, and it may take time to regain control. Our dental office coaches explain that one person who fails to do their part influences the entire practice dynamic, making it more difficult to focus on patient care. So, be a confident leader who stands up for themselves, explains policies and procedures respectfully, and makes the best choices for your dental team.
Toxic Coworkers
Toxic coworkers can make any pleasant workplace environment a nightmare. Whether they demean the housekeeping staff or go off on a ridiculous rant, their toxicity is infectious and can ruin the day. So, our dental office consultants recommend addressing the individual directly and in a private setting. Avoid giving in to their negative behavior because toxic individuals thrive on attention and drama. Then, have a conversation with the employee and be professional, respectful, and prepared with positive solutions to improve the situation. Above all else, maintain professional integrity while holding the coworker to the same standards as the rest of the team. In some cases, you may uncover some problems the employee faces daily that should require your attention. On the other hand, the toxic employee may decide that your dental practice is not the best one for them.
The Favorite
There are many dental offices where an individual takes advantage of their long or close relationship with the dentist and uses it for favorable circumstances. Unfortunately, the appearance of favoritism can create animosity between team members and disrupt the working environment. Therefore, our dental practice coaches recommend communicating effectively with all staff members and being willing to listen when someone approaches you about the possibility of favoritism. So, encourage your staff to write down their grievances and worries on a list. Request that they avoid making accusations against the person and present the facts. Then, openly and respectfully discuss the situation with the employee.
Dental Practice Consultants
Moving your dental practice forward can be incredibly challenging when you consistently have drama popping up that disrupts focus and workflow. By taking the necessary steps to control the situation before it becomes a problem, you can drastically reduce dramatic situations and restructure your dental team’s focus on patient care. Creating a fun workplace environment shouldn’t require outside assistance, but in some cases, it’s necessary. If you struggle with dental office drama and aren’t sure where to start to correct things, feel free to contact our dental office consultants at Bryant Consultants for assistance. Please call our office at (877) 768-4799 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
