We learn a lot of things during our studies in the dental schools. We learn how to make the best fillings with great contours and biocompatible materials; how to treat a tooth that needs a root canal therapy, but do we really learn anything on how to find the best employee that will make our life and daily routine easier?

Firstly we should make a job analysis by listing the CAPS of the candidate. If we do not take the time to complete this process, we will not know from the beginning exactly what we are looking at and by this we will increase the risk of making the wrong choice.
If, for example, we go to the supermarket without our shopping list, what will we end up doing? We will most probably buy unnecessary things or even forget the things that we went in the beginning there for. My point here is that when we decide that we need to hire an employee we should know upfront what we are looking for, otherwise we might make mistakes that will cost us money and time!

Let’s have a look now what does CAPS stand for:
– Capacities: The mental and physical abilities required to do the job. How smart and how strong (physically capable) must the successful applicant be?
– Attitudes: such as customer service, orientation, team player, reliability, honesty, willingness to follow rules, problem-solving, loyalty, safety-consciousness, ability to follow through—Imagine having a receptionist who, although she is doing the job without a mistake, complains about everything all the time. Is that a person that you would love to have as part of your team?
– Personality: traits such as competitiveness, assertiveness, attention to detail and sociability—Also search whether the person will manage his or her personality to get the job done, since as social scientists declare about 60 per cent of our personality traits are inherited and most of them are set by age nine. In other words: personality can’t be taught and it doesn’t change much over time.
– Skills: Expertise required to do the job—Skills are the easiest job requirements to identify. We could do that by asking the candidate to perform certain tests. For example, if we are trying to find a receptionist we could ask her to translate an article, or through role playing to check how she responds in certain scenarios.

Have always in mind the quote ‘we hire them for the skills but we fire them for their attitudes’!

So finally we found our A-star employees and now what do we have to do in order to keep them?
The fourth very essential tip of today’s article that I would love to share with you is the different ways that we can use to retain our A-star employees.

Apply CLIMB to retain your team!

Now let’s explain a little what does exactly the acronym CLIMB stands for:
– Challenge: Studies have shown that the main reason that our employees resign is that they are dissatisfied with their tasks. That’s why we should give them challenging duties to accomplish. And what will the result be? They will feel useful and they will find it difficult to leave from a job that offers them different and unique experiences.
– Loyalty: Be human with your employees and do not be afraid that you will lose your power. Show interest in their problems and lay back in times that they cannot handle any more pressure.
– Investment: Invest time and money to them so they will feel appreciated. During my lectures I get regularly the question that we reward them by giving them bonus and still they are not motivated enough, what shall we do? My answer here is that you must renew your reward system regularly.

Sometimes you can give them cash (as bonuses) or maybe you can offer them other kind of incentives, like buying them a free trip for vacation on Christmas, for example. Research has proven that the more powerful and effective incentives are the ones that are specific, tangible and non-cash.

Also please remember to ‘Reward not the best in sales but the best’ A major mistake that we usually do is to only reward the ones that bring money to our clinics. Instead we should reward the best in our practices, the ones that are completing their tasks in excellence unconditionally to what this task is.
– Measurement: Conduct a fair performance appraisal every six months.
– Building: Demonstrate your commitment to them by showing them opportunities of career development.

During the next issue we will analyse two new tips that will reveal new opportunities and potential of our dental clinics. Till then, remember that not only are you the dentist in your clinic, but you are also the manager and the leader.

You can always send me your questions and request for more information and guidance at:
dba@yiannikosdental.com or via our Facebook account.

Looking forward to our next trip of business growth and educational development!

Since its founding in Tokyo in 1921, GC has grown into one of the world’s largest and most successful dental materials manufacturers, owing to its broad range of high-performance products and long-standing commitment to advancing oral health globally. The sixth iteration of the International Dental Symposium invites dental professionals to delve into the very latest workflows, technological advancements and research, and to share in the accumulated wisdom of the global dental community.

The two-day programme will feature dedicated and cross-disciplinary sessions for clinicians, specialists, dental hygienists and dental technicians. These will expound on a broad range of critical topics, such as team-based periodontal care, aesthetic prosthodontics, research and application of dental materials and collaboration between medical doctors and dentists. The programme is set to feature the latest advancements in the fields of aligner therapy, dental implantology, endodontics and periodontology, and GC’s deep expertise in dental materials will bring an accent on prosthodontics and restorative and aesthetic dentistry to the symposium.

Among many others, the confirmed speakers and moderators include Dr Michelle Lee, a specialist in comprehensive and preventative care and restorative dentistry from Buffalo in the US; Prof. Roland Frankenberger, an expert in adhesive and restorative dentistry from the University of Marburg in Germany; Prof. Yasunori Ayukawa, an implant and rehabilitative dentistry expert from Kyushu University in Japan; and Dr Anthony Mak, a reconstructive, implant and aesthetic dentistry expert and owner of Woollahra Dental in Sydney in Australia. Leading clinicians, dental hygienists and dental technicians from Japan and abroad will bring their expertise to the event, presenting the latest workflows and advancements in their fields and activating discussions centred around the provision of holistic and collaborative oral care by dental teams.

The event will be held in the modern Tokyo International Forum. Participants will be able to earn ADA/CERP CE credits and simultaneous interpretation in Japanese and English will support international collaboration and exchange.

One Week of Excellence

Dental professionals are invited to embark on One Week of Excellence, featuring hands-on sessions on trending topics held two days before and two days after the event.

Additionally, as well as practical, straightforward solutions for dental professionals, GC is well known for delivering world-class networking opportunities and community-building events. October is one of the best times of year to visit Japan, and GC is inviting global dental professionals to discover the rich culture and history behind its products. Attendees will be invited to join organised tours of vibrant Tokyo and the historic mountain town of Nikkō, replete with UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, waterfalls and scenic national parks. Furthermore, a variety of tours related to GC and Japanese culture will provide attendees with key insights into the company’s precision manufacturing and research facilities as well as Japanese traditions.

Further details about the event will be revealed in the coming weeks and dental professionals are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on the event website.

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