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Volume 2 Issue 2
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CDA
at
W
ork
WHAT THEYDIDN’T TEACH
ME
INDENTAL SCHOOL
Trust andValue
Working Group
is a unique collaboration of
provincial and national dental
leaders that focuses on developing
communications strategies to
promote the benefits of good oral
health for all Canadians.
Dental schools provide the education, training and skills development to
produce great dentists. But many of the most valuable lessons are learned after
dental school. Four veteran dentists, Drs. Margot Hiltz, Larry Levin,
Maureen Lefebvre and Paul Cameron (all members of CDA’s Trust and Value
Working Group) share some of the lessons they’ve learned throughout their
careers
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While honing your
technique is vital,
running a successful
dental practice
involves a variety
of other skills.
“Although you don’t
learn much about the
business side of dentistry
at dental school, it is a key
component to running a successful
practice,” says Dr. Larry Levin. “You
need to learn and practise some
aspects of marketing, purchasing, HR,
leasing, and accounting—as well as
understand the legal side of business.”
The patient experience begins with
the first phone call to the office and
continues all the way to booking
the next appointment. “While your
technical expertise is a given in a
patient’s mind, their satisfaction
with your practice is also based on
how they are treated by staff,” says
Dr. Levin.
From treatment to chairside manner, each patient
has different needs. Think about how you or
one of your family members would prefer to be
treated. “Compassion and caring go a long way,”
says Dr. Margot Hiltz. “When many patients have
anxiety and phobias, a few caring words can
build trust and strengthen a good working
relationship.”
Successful dentists invest in both technical
skills and people skills. “Difficult patients can
be more challenging than difficult endos,”
says Dr. Paul Cameron. “Take as much extra
training as you need to prepare for both.”
Patients of all ages and
backgrounds will come through
your office. The variety is
part of the fun of being
a dentist. While working
with kids and seniors may
seem like a challenge, “it’s
really fun,” says Dr. Cameron.
“These 2 groups often have more time available and will
chat and share stories. Be sure to take the extra time to talk
with them. It’s often the best and most enjoyable part of the
appointment!” he adds.
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Dentists
wear many hats
Soft skills
matter
Patients are unique