How office managers can help their dental assistants feel more appreciated
Dental assistants are a central part of a dental practice’s success. Yet, their work can be overlooked in a busy office. As the team members who help coordinate the workflow of the entire practice, office managers can also help recognize the value of dental assistants and encourage a supportive environment. While this should be done year-round, it’s especially important to show appreciation during the holiday season for all the hard work dental assistants do throughout the year.
Showing appreciation doesn’t have to break the bank or take up a lot of time — even the smallest efforts can make a large impact among dental assistants and help them feel valued in their roles.
Here are some ways office managers can show appreciation for dental assistants.
Acknowledge a job well done
Dental assistants have many responsibilities beyond chairside assisting. Office managers have a clear view of everything dental assistants do in the practice and are in a position to share words of encouragement for all their hard work. While it may seem like a small gesture, praising staff members for a job well done shows appreciation and boosts morale, especially during busy days.
Office managers can also help promote a supportive environment throughout the rest of the office by encouraging other assistants, hygienists, and dentists to give encouragement to each other. By doing so, office managers can build a greater sense of comradery. Collaboration is a large aspect of this profession, and working alongside a supportive staff leads to a better work environment for everyone.
Celebrate your dental assistants
Dental assistants go the extra mile to help operations run smoothly, so it’s important to incorporate larger gestures of appreciation every now and then. This can be done by treating staff to an occasional lunch, celebrating career anniversaries, or even hosting an end-of-year dinner party! Sprinkling in these additional forms of gratitude throughout the year helps dental assistants feel consistently valued and reminds them that their work makes a difference.
Office managers should also be aware of Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), which falls during the first full week of March and is dedicated to celebrating everything that dental assistants do and the value they bring to dental offices. DARW is a great opportunity for office managers to recognize dental assistants and reward their commitment to the profession.
Help dental assistants avoid burnout
Every day, dental assistants do a lot to care for patients and help the office manage a full schedule of appointments. A heavy caseload can lead to burnout, especially if staff members feel their work is going unnoticed. To help prevent burnout, office managers should encourage everyone to take their allotted lunch breaks and time off. This promotes a healthy work-life balance, which is necessary for dental assistants to put their best foot forward.
Additionally, office managers can promote the physical and mental well-being of dental assistants. Providing support resources, such as stress management workshops or at-home wellness guides, can enable dental assistants to take care of themselves both in and out of the office. Dental assisting is a mentally and physically demanding job, and prioritizing employee health can lead to better job satisfaction and productivity.
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