10 second brushers

I have a problem with 10 second brushers thinking that they are doing a good job of taking care of their teeth because they brush for 10 seconds three times a day. I understand that old habits are hard to break, but some of my patients won't even try to change. They get upset with my telling them that they are really not taking proper care of their teeth. It seems like a loosing battle. I am almost tempted to tell them that if they won't change their brushing regime, they should at least brush with a power toothbrush for the 10 second brushings. I have no idea if this will help them. I would like to do a study and see. I just feel I have to try something.

What do you think?

Watches

I went to Burger King for lunch sometime ago and they were offering a novelty watch for $1.00. I bought one and decided to wear it for the afternoon. That day I had a full book of children. I couldn't believe that every child recognized the action figure on the watch. Some even had the same watch I did. From that point on we were buds. We bonded. They couldn't believe that an adult in a dental office was wearing the same watch they had. Since then I have accumulated over 50 watches. I have sent in box tops, I have bought cat food ( I don't have a cat). I hit all the promotions I could find. I had fun doing it. I have some nice watches as gifts from family, but none of them get noticed as often as my novelty watches. Who knew?


What do you think?

Family

Is it just my family or yours too. They just don't listen to me when I tell them about either prevention or their perio condition or even restorative work that they sould have. The only area in which I am getting any of them to listen to me is in the area of whitening. This is so frustrating. I love them all, but you think they would give me a little respect.


What do you think?

Toys

This surprises me every time it happens. Our office has a play area for children. Every couple of months we go through the toys and throw away the ones that are broken or torn. We replenish the toy area with donations from patients and some very good garage sales. We see children on the average of every six months. Some children walk in the door immediately know we have new toys. Some will even ask for the toys we used to have. I can't even remember the color of the walls or carpet of an office I visited six months ago. These five year olds must have something I don't.

What do you think?

Bonus Program

Today we initiated a bonus program for our office. We all liked the idea of a bonus program but really didn't know if it would be doable with the economy being so slow. I have heard of bonus programs from other offices that were useless because they were so unobtainable. I for one certainly don't mind working a little harder if there is a little bit of a reward for my efforts. This is a total office bonus plan. I think this is good because if we all work a little more we all should reap the benefits. I really am happy that the doctor realizes that without a good hard working staff his gross probably won't go up.


What do you think?

Fearful patients

I don't know about you but working on fearful patients take it's toll on me. I understand that some of them have been through a lot of dentistry due to previous neglect. I also understand that may carry the scars of previous unpleasant dental experiences. Understanding all of this should make it easier for me to treat these patients, but it doesn't. When a patient sits in my chair and grabs the side arms like they are getting ready for their next unpleasant experience, that raises my blood pressure. I find that the only thing that works for me is to talk them through it, and make sure to compliment them for something, even if it is just keeping the appointment. This seems to work for me.


What do you think?

Space Cadet Patient

This is weird and thankfully it is a rarity. This patient called to say that I didn't clean ALL of her teeth. She said I missed a few and she wanted her money back. I was surprised and so was the office. I immediately asked them to call her back and tell her I will complete the prophy and clean the teeth she said I missed. She said no she will not return and she wanted her money back. We asked her to come in and at least let us look at the teeth in question. She said no. Some days you can't win for loosing.


What do you think?