I started writing a series for the Oral Hygiene Journal (Oral Health Group) on The 8 Simple Secrets to Being Indispensable in the Dental Practice.
Secret #1 and #2 are in the past issues. Secret #3 has just been published!
If you missed the first 2 Secrets, I have added them to this blog below as a download. I have also included Secret #3!
Article/Secret #3:
In the last two issues of Oral Hygiene, we revealed the introduction to this topic, Secret #1 and #2. If you missed them, be sure to look back at these articles!
SECRET #3: SPECIALIZE.
By specializing, you are setting yourself up to be 'Indispensable in the Dental Practice!' You are setting yourself up to be the expert in a particular field, or to be known as 'that' dental hygienist everyone looks up to, making you stand out from many.
You will be amazed at the opportunities that can come from specializing!
THE ONE WHO MAKES EVERYONE SMILE!
In one of the practices where I worked, I was referred to as the ‘Happy Hygienist’ as I was always happy. I smiled a lot and was super friendly.
I stood out in that practice! When people referred to me, they would say, “Oh, the Happy Hygienist.”
Sounds silly, but when you think about it, people want to be around happy, positive people. So when someone was feeling down, they would spend time with me. Patients liked to see me because I made them feel good and delivered a positive experience. If you are known as the ‘Happy Dental Hygienist,’ people will want to be around you. They will seek you out because you make them feel good.
Also, by being a happy, positive person, people tend to want to do what you do. Happy people profoundly impact those around them and can also be excellent influencers. So, when it came to contributing ideas to make change happen in the practice, it often went in my favour because people respected my view and input.
Happiness is contagious, and when people see others around them happy, they are more likely to adopt positive behaviours and attitudes. I also love being super lovely to grumpy or mean people to see what happens!
Happy people are generally more optimistic, kind, and empathetic and more likely to have healthy relationships, be more productive, and have a more positive outlook on life. Being happy and a positive influence will contribute to your overall success of being ‘Indispensable in the Dental Practice!’
To continue reading this article, please find Secret #3 as a download below or click here to access the Oral Health Group website.
I hope you enjoy! I would love to hear your thoughts on what you think makes someone indispensable in the dental or dental hygiene practice!
Click here to access the Oral Health Group website to find the article online and subscribe to their journals!
Thank you for reading! Please see below for what is coming up and have a great week ahead!
Kindest regards,
Kathleen
