DT News - Nordic - Eleven tips for success in your dental clinic Part II: CAPS & CLIMB

Eleven tips for success in your dental clinic Part II: CAPS & CLIMB

Dr Anna Maria Yiannikos

Tue. 14 February 2017

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Today, I will share with you the knowledge I have gained within the past 25 years of managing and evolving my clinic so you can always be one step ahead and avoid mistakes I have made in the past. The third very important tip that I am going to share with you today in order to be and remain successful at your clinics is how to regain your power.

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!

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HELSINKI, Finland: Planmeca has introduced two dental chair units designed to give clinics more choice in dental chair unit configuration, treatment room planning and digital workflow integration. The Planmeca Pro40 unit builds on the established side-lifting design by integrating digital intelligence and infection control features, and the Planmeca Pro50 S unit combines a compact, ambidextrous configuration with wide adjustability and advanced connectivity. Together, the units reflect the company’s continued development of ergonomic, digitally integrated solutions for contemporary dental practice.

Featuring a 7 in. user interface, intelligent workflow software, an over-the-patient instrument delivery arm, waterline cleaning and patient-first comfort, Planmeca Pro40 brings next-generation performance to Planmeca’s established line of side-lifting dental chair units. It does so by combining intelligent software and exceptional ergonomics with proven infection control and a refined, space-efficient design. Building on innovations first introduced with the Planmeca Pro50 unit, Planmeca Pro40 features an intuitive touch screen and on-screen guidance for critical routines, as well as continuous, automated waterline cleaning to help clinics standardise care without slowing down daily workflows.

Designed for both two- and four-handed dentistry, Planmeca Pro40 offers an extensive movement range and clear access for clinicians and assistants. The design provides ample working space and easy access to suction hoses and core instruments. Patients benefit from Ultra Relax upholstery, which is made with viscoelastic memory foam that adapts to weight and body heat, and clinics can choose from configurable leg rest options to support smooth entry and exit and optimal patient positioning.

Tuomas Jurvanen, vice president of dental units at Planmeca, said that Planmeca Pro40 was developed to make everyday dentistry easier and smarter without requiring clinics to make major changes to their existing unit configuration. He said: “Clinicians get a familiar side-lifting set-up paired with an intelligent interface, personal presets, live imaging access and a design that looks and feels light in the room.”

The unit’s interactive display provides seamless access to patient data and is easily operated by dental teams and patients. Through Planmeca PlanID sign-in, each clinician can load personal unit settings instantly, and network connectivity supports usage analytics and reporting. An optional 15.6 in. touch monitor enhances visualisation and patient communication, working as an additional user interface for the dental chair unit.

Because Planmeca Pro40 is designed to fit into the same installation set-up as the Planmeca Compact i5 and Planmeca Compact I Classic dental chair units, clinics can plan upgrades with confidence. Planmeca Pro40 supports six instruments and a maximum patient weight of 200 kg. Its covered instrument connectors and smooth surfaces make the unit easier to wipe down, complementing its automated waterline cleaning for strong infection control.

Planmeca Pro50 S offers ambidextrous flexibility

Planmeca Pro50 S is a compact, adjustable and ambidextrous dental chair unit designed to provide flexibility across different clinical environments. The unit’s side delivery, hanging instrument hoses and elegant Nordic design support ergonomics and efficient workflows. Its small pedestal, slim back-rest and extensive seat height range create optimal conditions for both two- and four-handed dentistry. Its modularity, minimal footprint and wide adjustment range for the instrument console and suction arm provide ample working space and full adjustability for dental professionals of varying heights and with different working styles.

Equipped with a large 12.3 in. user interface, Planmeca Pro50 S brings intelligence to daily operations. Its direct connectivity with the Planmeca Romexis software platform enables fast access to patient information, including 2D images, photographs and live intra-oral camera feed. Customisable controls and Planmeca PlanID readiness further enhance workflow efficiency and user personalisation.

Planmeca Pro50 S builds on the streamlined and aesthetically harmonious design heritage of the Planmeca Pro series. Built from recyclable aluminium and designed to be shipped in a compact format, the unit reflects the company’s strong commitment to sustainability in both manufacturing and everyday use.

For patients, the unit provides exceptional comfort. Upholstery options include the Ultra Relax upholstery from the Gem collection, which is made with viscoelastic memory foam that moulds gently to the body.

Jurvanen said: “Our goal with Pro50 S was to create a dental chair unit that fits naturally into different clinical environments while offering a high level of adjustability and digital integration. Its compact structure, ambidextrous use and modular design make it a practical choice for modern clinics without compromising core functionality.”

The new dental chair units are available through Planmeca’s authorised partners.