North Texas Dentistry Volume 6 Issue 6 North Texas Dentistry Volume 6 Issue 6 | Page 29

Level Two : The Adolescence Stage
As many parents and former teenagers know , the adolescent years can be quite the ride . For hygienists , it ’ s a professional coming of age that leads to a shift in awareness and performance .
Day-to-day tasks are now second nature . “ We ” is gradually replacing “ I .” The curiosity of a rookie has evolved into a developing philosophy based on actual experience . There are more team conversations and a stronger sense of raising the standards of care because , now , it ’ s more about what “ we ” can do for our patients ; it ’ s no longer just a job . In addition , others in the office are seeking the hygienist ’ s support and advice . It feels good to be recognized and valued .
But it ’ s also a delicate time . Hygienists may find themselves leading whether they want to or not . That , in turn , will produce a band of followers . Are they handling those situations in a way that perpetuates the vision of your practice ? Are they bringing complaints , gossip , and office issues to your attention and offering solutions — or are they stirring the pot ?
Actions must emanate from the guiding vision for the practice and its patient care , not from a subset group that has accepted you . Level Two gives the hygiene department an opportunity to drive the practice forward . It also can be the stage that sends your business careening in reverse if attitudes and actions become destructive to the practice ’ s core values — and , in turn , can be damaging to patient care .
What will it take for your department to push the pedal to the metal — and speed toward the final level ?
Jennifer Surette
Fortune Management Executive Coach
As a leader in the dental field , Jennifer has been instrumental in increasing production and profits for both underdeveloped and stagnant practices , as well as million-dollar superstar teams . Jennifer is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the “ WOW ” patient experience , diagnosing hidden barriers that are preventing overall practice growth and how to lead the practice to exponential growth . For a complimentary in-office practice analysis , contact Jennifer at ( 469 ) 616-7040 . Send email to : jennifersurette @ fortunemgmt . com or visit www . FortuneMgmt . com for more information .
Level Three : Wisdom and Maturity
Now we ’ re cooking . Here , in the world of wisdom and maturity , your department is functioning at peak performance . Reaching this version of nirvana requires deliberate commitment and focus . Hygienists no longer live with a mindset that says , “ I will do this for you , but only if you give that to me .” A much grander vision is driving the team .
Actions are meant to fulfill the guiding philosophy of the business . At this level , it ’ s all about serving the needs of the patients and the practice . It ’ s no longer about one individual ; it ’ s about the greater whole and a future that ensures greater success . This is where leadership shows up , and teamwork becomes a way of life . When hygienists advance to this level , the department operates at its maximum potential , creating massive results and a positive impact on the growth of the practice by providing relentless patient care . This is where the magic shows up .
There always seems to be a gap between where your practice is and where you want it to be . But it takes an act of honesty to close the gap . At which level is each hygienist ? Where is your team at as a group ? And how can you guide them to peak performance ?
Inspiring others to reach a level of wisdom speaks volumes for who you are in the dental industry . You are a valuable pillar in the dental office ; you ’ re seen as a business partner , focusing on taking the very best care of patients , the hygiene department , the team , and the practice .
This transformation creates a legacy – one for which you will never be forgotten .
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