Being professional in a dental office?!


Question: Being professional in a dental office.?
i'm in a dental assisting program i have a little more than 2 months left. on tuesdays and thursdays we are in a dental office doing clinicals. i had one more week left at my first office and they called and told my teacher they didnt want me back the last week because i dont sound professional and happy around patients. i try to always be professional and i know sometimes people think i'm upset when i'm not. it really hurt my feelings that they didnt try to help my in the office before kicking me out. has anyone else had this problem.? and what are some tips to make me talk and sound more professional and friendly.?Health Question & Answer


Answers:
Just me offered a good suggestion about continuing a conversation instead of just answering a question. That's usually a good way to prevent from sounding curt.

I'm a third year dental student, and I do have a specific idea of the "atmosphere" I'd like to create with my staff when I open an office. I also grew up in a dental office and I'm realizing more every day that your attitude and patient communication is absolutely crucial in making patients happy. It's amazing; you can do a gorgeous filling, but if they weren't welcome or anyone was cold, the whole thing was a disaster. also, it helps patience comply with instructions and even helps them pay bills on time. So I think that's why they're telling you how important it is.

Anyway, more suggestions:

~If you find yourself with a relaxed or thoughtful face, try to make it seem more alert (raise your eyebrows, look around, try to smile a bit.) Sometimes when people are thinking they can look dour without even realizing it.

~Practice chatting with patients: you WILL get better. If the dentist gets up to get something or you find yourself with a patient, just ask them about their lives. They love talking about kids, sports, hobbies, their jobs, whatever!

~Think of 10 questions you can ask a person (neutral things, like "So, do you have any grandchildren.?" or "What sorts of things do you like to do.?") You'll find each patient brings a fascinating background of different experiences, and you might have some things in common! And don't just ask patients; ask the office staff as a way to get to know them better.

~Remember greetings and good-byes. Those will up your friendliness appearance by like 50% :) Anything from "Have a great afternoon, Mr. Smith!" or "I'm glad you're here!"

~Just the fact that you want to know areas to improve shows that you really want to be friendly. Maybe it's just that you're a bit quiet and the more you smile and try to chat, the better you'll get with patients!

Best of luck! :)Health Question & Answer

Well..I started my first job this summer..and I was never a really friendly person..I smile a lot..but I never liked talking to strangers or making small talk...I still have a problem with it sometimes..just because its not natural to me. I just smile and say hello to everyone who makes contact with me. I let them start to conversation, like if they say "its a nice day isn't it.?" I take that as an invite that they want to talk and won't just say "yeah" but I try to elaborate more so they won't take it as "oh she doesn't want to talk to me and must not like people". also...if people see you smiling and laughing a little around co-workers or other customers they might see you as being happy and helpful. Do that and other dental things that you are suppose to do and you should be ok.

I plan to go to school to be a dental Hygienist by the way =]Health Question & Answer

Sounds more like a personaility issue. Some offices have really perky, friendly staff. Nobody can tell you how to sound more happy or excited. I'm currently in clinicals as well, as long as you have a smile on your face and treat people with respect I would say you SHOULD be fine. Maybe it wasn't your attitude and something else.?Health Question & Answer

You have to be you....but you have to have people skills, and a genuine interest in them.....chit, chat, making them comfortable....you need to listen to what the current assistants do while seating and working with the Dr. and patient, and pick up lines that they use....
It will come over time...there is a lot to learn, and life experiences all help to make you a better person....
Don't get down...get better, and you will be fine....

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