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It's Not Just About the Teeth

Many years ago, just after I had built a new dental office, I hired a man and his wife to clean the office each night. While the man was nice, his wife was almost openly hostile towards me. You can imagine my “delight” some time later when I saw her name on the schedule. She seemed to be somewhat relaxed around the staff but the second I walked in to the room she bristled. She was adamant that I remove my mask and walk around in front of her each and every time I entered the room. She did not want to be reclined completely and every time I had to touch her, she would wince. Additionally she had an auto immune disease and TMJ syndrome. At the end of every appointment I would feel like pulling my hair out.

Over the next couple years, I replaced several teeth with a bridge, altered her vertical dimension, made a lower partial and replace all of the composites in her anterior teeth. I was shocked about three years later when she wanted to get anterior veneers. I always wondered why if she was so afraid of me, why she continued with treatment with me. Years into the relationship the mystery was revealed. As a child she was abused and I reminded her of her abuser. Learning to deal with me, was her way of resolving these painful issues. “WHY ME?!?!?!?!?!?!”

But I am happy to report that eventually, I got it too. Knowing what the patient was dealing with, helped me treat her with more compassion. As we completed the veneers, I was pretty gratified to receive a big hug and “Thank You.” Several months later I was surprised to see my work on the front page of the local newspaper. My patient had gone to the paper to express her appreciation a public way for the treatment that she had received from me. I lost track of my patient for several years but recently I saw her in our local court house where she serves as an advocate for abused women. Now when I get frustrated with my patients, I try to remember, “It’s not just about the teeth.”

For more information on how DentistCEO provides expert dental consulting in Vancouver, WA to help you create your dream team, contact Dr. Brad Larsen of DentistCEO today!

Recognize Your Power

Within each of us lies a boundless power, one that we can choose to ignore, abuse, or harness to positively affect those around us: The power of our words.

It is likely that some of your most meaningful memories involve words that had great impact. In some cases, a few spoken words can change your life’s course. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words are to this day studied, examined, and explored because of their ability to motivate and induce passion. Centuries old proverbs and Bible verses caution that our words can “cut deeper than the sword.” In addition, an unbreakable promise is often referred to as “giving your word.”

In the dental office, and any work environment really, the words we choose on a daily basis can determine whether we find success a team. Positive reinforcement from the dentist or team leader can become the backbone of a highly motivated team of super producers. Conversely, thoughtless remarks that cut down can lead to discouragement, apathy, lack of motivation, and the dental practice as a whole suffers. Making a concerted effort to choose positive, upbuilding words can breathe life into a dental team that is choking on low morale. As a dentist and dental consultant for Portland, I’ve seen the power of words in the dental office!

Dental consulting for Portland and Vancouver: Contact Dr. Brad Larsen of Dentist CEO.

Feels Like Home

A couple of years ago my family happened to visit a small neighborhood Italian restaurant, “New York, New York” in Portland, OR. The owner and his daughter are always there and treat the customers like old friends. One of the menu items is Cesar Salad which the own makes at the table. He has an East Coast accent and makes you feel like you are in his restaurant in Brooklyn. We ordered a large pizza which took up the entire table top. By time we left we felt like we were family. We have returned several times and each time we feel like we are visiting friends. Last Friday as we left, I thought to myself, "Wow that feels like home."

One of the things I miss most about private practice is the ongoing relationships that I had with my patients. I miss the catching up at each recall, watching the kids grow up, move away, come back and have kids of their own. As dentists, we have the unique opportunity to build relationships with our patients. I have always contended that the term, “dental home” is more than just a term but it is a feeling. These feelings of "home" help patients feel confidence in our abilities and treatment recommendations. If your patients are hesitant to accept your treatment recommendations on the first "go around", be patient, build the relationship and you will be surprised at their reaction to your recommendations when your office "feels like home."

If you want your office to "feel more like home", contact DentistCEO, dental practice management for Portland and the surrounding area.

And find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

Are We Having Fun Yet?

Some of my fondest memories in private practice we the moments of uncontrolled laughter that I shared with my patients and assistants in the operatory. As doctors sometime we fail to allow our patients to see us as "just plain folks." While creating beautiful smiles may be our primary goal, there is nothing like a good laugh to show them off. It is amazing how a "laugh break" relieve the stress of a busy schedule.

Dentistry is a great profession with the potential for lot's of good times. Contact Dr. Brad Larsen at DentistCEO and let the good times roll.

Find DentistCEO on Facebook here.

"The Buck Stops Here"

As I reviewed the reports of the recent events surrounding the killing of Osama Bin Laden by the US Special Forces, I was struck by this picture of the White House staff in the situation room as they watch the events unfold. The intensity of those present is obvious. Even though President Obama is not sitting at a computer or personally directing the operation, his concern is evident as it should be because in the words of Harry Truman, “the buck stops here.”

Often when I work with doctors I find that there is a lack of progress in tackling the challenges in their practices because the owner/doctor feels that because he has delegated a task and his/her responsibility for the successful completion of the task has ended. An effective leader understands that the success of a project is more a matter of “assign and report” rather than “assign and forget.” During my years of private practice, I found that once I had adequately trained my staff, they could work well independently and I was confident in their ability to successfully complete projects. My confidence in my staff was reinforced not only by their successfully reinforcing their project but by frequent reports. I am a fierce advocate of delegation but I always bear in mind that “the buck stops here.”

Thoughts of Home

As the earth awakens from its winter's sleep and families unite to celebrate Easter, I can't help but think of the countless men and women who have sacrificed and sacrifice so that we can live in this country of freedom and liberty. Thank you for your sacrifice.