The second element of great managing is making sure your staff has the material and equipment that they need to do their jobs properly and safely. Remember, the operative word here is need, not want. There's a difference. A poster on Dentaltown was saying that he wanted his hygienist to talk to her patients about the needs of their entire mouth, not just their hygiene needs. Another hygienist suggested that he provide her with an intra-oral camera. Intra-oral cameras are great adjuncts, but they are not necessary elements in educating patients about their over-all oral health. That is a want.
Needs are things that you have to have to do the job properly. This includes instruments that are in good working order or that can be repaired to be in good working order. Some hygienists and assistants are a sales rep's delight. Everything looks so much better and more desirable when someone else is paying for it. My suggestion is to be discerning. List the reasons that a new item would increase productivity, outcome or income. Would it make the job safer or much easier for the operator or patient? Have more than one good reason for purchasing something. Is the old one out -dated or worn out?
Dentists and managers, listen to what your staff is interested in. They are the hands-on people. If something will save time or make them more efficient, it may be worth thinking about. If the item truly is a want, not a need, and something you're not interested in purchasing, tell them why and thank them for being interested. Don't make them feel like they're picking your pocket. Many times staff doesn't realize what the overhead in a practice is.
Sometimes you should give consideration to wants. We purchased an alginate mixer a few years ago. When I first suggested getting one my boss looked at me like I'd lost my mind. Now he sees how much faster taking impressions goes. Some things that just make life easier are worth it to make up for the times when there's just no easy way to do something.
All in all, if something makes work easier, faster, cheaper, more enjoyable or safer, it's probably a good buy. Shop around, find out how others like the item and provide your staff with the materials and equipment they need to do their job well. It will pay off in the end.
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