Unflappable

    Now there's a good word for you.  There are a lot of spontaneous things that happen in a dental office every day.  My boss often remarks that it's rare to work the exact schedule that we started the day with.  Something always changes, a patient cancels or an emergency patient is worked in.  An assistant that can take changes in stride is a treasure.
    There are a lot of different personality types that make their way through our offices every day, too.  Some are fun, some are quiet and some are grouchy.  The staff member has to gauge the patients mood and respond in a way that will fit that mood.  When patients do something unusual an unflappable staff member can keep her cool.
    There have been times when we are trying to place a composite and the patient is bleeding or just a major manufacturer of saliva and we may decide to switch to amalgam.  An assistant that can do that efficiently, without anguish is a bonus.  A hygienist that can just accept that the dentist is running late and figure out a way to deal with getting behind with her patients because of it, is appreciated.  A front desk who sees the schedule fall apart in front of her eyes, yet figures out a way to fill it back up without freaking out is worth her weight in gold. 
    An unflappable dentist will benefit in the response from his patients and staff.  Everyone wants to work for a nice, stable dentist.  If someone makes a mistake he may correct them, but he won't humiliate them.  He is able to step away and react rationally.  So remember, when things get crazy, be unflappable.