Has it really been a year?
This time last year, I was awake at 11PM reading a message from the CDA asking dental offices to close their doors. The next morning we woke up to calls from all our offices requesting to cancel their temps.
I cried the whole day.
Then I spent the new few weeks writing blog posts about how offices should close, how dental professionals should handle the uncertainty, and more.
A very long 2 months later, offices started to open back up. Dental professionals were covered head to two in PPE and we went back to work.
Being a dental professional is already stressful, but with everything that has gone on these last 12 months, our anxiety levels are probably at their max. But there are several things dental assistants, hygienist and front office staff worry about that they shouldn’t.
I am writing this post to give you permission to let go. And relax.
Here are the top 5 things dental professionals stress about that they shouldn’t.
#1 Using your PTO
Due to the pandemic, most essential workers have been working without a vacation for over 10 months.
Some of you have not used a single vacation day, because you feel bad asking for time off after your office was closed for 2 whole months. Plus there isn’t really anywhere to go.
Problem is, most dental office’s PTO policy doesn’t allow your hours to roll over to the following year. If you don’t use your vacation time, you lose your vacation time.
So, even if you are just going to use the time off to sit at home and relax. It’s your time that you worked for and earned. So use it!
#2 Asking for a raise
Many dental assistants have not returned to work. Most are dealing with home schooling and are unable to work the hours required to work in a dental office.
Meaning…
Many offices are trying to hire.
This has raised the hourly rates for Dental Assistants, Registered Dental Assistants, Hygienists and front office staff. Do you research. If you aren’t getting paid the average rate for your position, it might be time to ask for a raise.
If your doctor is smart, they will be open to negotiate.
#3 Calling in sick
I really really hate it when people call out sick.
With that being said, if you are someone who rarely does it, and you are feeling under the weather or just need a personal day for your sanity do it. Your team will find a way to survive and you will get a day to make yourself feel better.
Plus, if you are truly sick, with COVID around, you don’t want to be the reason your offices shuts down for 2 whole weeks (or more), so just stay home, please.
#4 Going to work
In my opinion, working in a dental office is one of the best places to go to work everyday.
The office is warm and welcoming, your team makes you laugh and your patients love and compliment you all day long.
What isn’t to love?
So if you are waking up with anxiety, you need to figure out what it is and address it? Mean boss? Toxic co-workers? Rude patients? Whatever the case maybe. Try to address it with your team, and if that doesn’t work, it might be time to start looking for another job.
#5 Looking for another job
The guilt of leaving your team can cause a lot of anxiety. But please remember, your boss and your team will always do what is best for them, so you need to do what is best for you. If you have been with your practice for several years and you feel it is no longer serving you, it might be time to look for another job.
You can get started at DirectDental. If you don’t want your current employer to know you are looking for work. Read how to apply to dental jobs on the down low.
I hope this post can give you a sigh of relief. You are one hardworking group of individuals and you don’t deserve to live an anxiety ridden life.
Smiles,
Holli Perez
DirectDental
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