Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 3

Why Healthy Workplaces Matter to Working Group Members “A healthy workplace is important to me personally because it makes me feel happy and secure going to work each day,” says Heather Brownlee, a registered dental assistant, a representative from CDAA and member of the working group. “I need to feel that my work and opinions are valued.” Brownlee says that during her 40-year career as a registered dental assistant in Manitoba she has witnessed conflict between dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists. She says that a working group that includes three oral health professional associations is an important first step in encouraging more respect and understanding in oral health workplaces. “Dental hygienists, dental assistants and front desk staff are equally important in the success of a dental practice. Dental hygienists contribute both in terms of revenue and building long-lasting relationships with their clients,” says Donna Wells, a dental hygienist, a representative of CDHA and member of the working group. She says being a dental hygienist can be very rewarding, but dental hygiene can leave professionals feeling physically and emotionally drained. “Although there are many fantastic practice owners,” Wells says, “there are those who have shown they don’t value the dental hygienists’ role in the success of their practice.” “Our ability to do good work is dependent on a structured, respectful environment because it enables us to concentrate on the work at hand and give all of our attention to patient care,” says Dr. Louise Hill, a dentist, a representative of CDA and member of the working group. She says the stress of performing oral health care is amplified by workplace dysfunction or disharmony. Patients are finely attuned to the environment and can easily tell if the dental team is a healthy team or not. “And this, in turn, affects their trust and comfort levels,” notes Dr. Hill. She believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the stress levels of both patients and oral health care professionals, which reinforces the need for healthy, supportive work relationships. The Characteristics of a Healthy Workplace “A healthy workplace is one where every team member feels respected and appreciated, where there is a strong sense of collaboration, where each member feels like their well-being matters. Where, although productivity is high, team members all work together towards positive client outcomes,” says Wells. Wells has experienced dental practices with healthy workplaces where the same team has worked together for years. “Because not only do they enjoy working together, but they feel valued by their employer,” Wells says. She adds that when she is giving advice to dental hygienists who are interviewing for a position, she recommends that they ask how long other staff members have been at the office. “Not just dental hygienists, but the dental assistants and the front desk,” Wells says. “If it hasn’t been long or if there is a lot of turnover, that’s a sign of a workplace that may not value its team.” “Every member of the team needs routines, clear and thorough protocols, the ability to access good, well- researched information, continued education and support, and acknowledgement of good teamwork,” says Dr. Hill. Brownlee says that a healthy workplace has open lines of communication among staff. “As well, it should have clear definitions of the duties of each team member that are respected and followed,” she adds. “A healthy workplace is one that is respectful and enjoyable, with proper equipment and protection to complete your assigned duties.” A healthy workplace is one where every team member feels respected and appreciated, where there is a strong sense of collaboration, where each member feels like their well-being matters.