With more than 20 years in the dental publishing industry, Kevin Henry has guided the leading publications in the industry, including serving as the former group editorial director for 

. He now works as the co-founder for IgniteDA, a community designed to empower, enlighten, and educate dental assistants, and as director of marketing for Fortune Management, a coaching community dedicated to help dentists and teams have extraordinary practices and lives. He can be reached at kevinhenry@fortunemgmt.com.

Kevin Henry

	Let's face it and be honest here. We've all had that one job where that one person worked with us-and we wondered what was wrong with that person. I mean, he or she might have been perfectly nice and treated us perfectly fine-but there was just something different about him or her. Some people called it quirky. Some people called it odd. Some people called it just plain creepy.

	Those same quirky, odd, and creepy folks work in dental practices around the country as well, it seems. We recently asked you to tell us what was the weirdest thing you ever saw a coworker do in the dental practice. We had lots of submissions, and we went through and picked out the 12 best (or creepiest, depending on how you look at it) that you submitted to us.

	These submissions made us laugh and shake our heads. We think you'll have the same reaction. You might even appreciate your "normal"Â coworkers a little more after reading some of these tales.

	Read on to see the 12 weirdest things that people ever saw one of their coworkers do inside the dental practice.

	We had a coworker quit by Post-it Note. It simply said "I Quit" and she signed her name, then she slipped out the back door. And it was one of those tiny Post-it Notes. She stuck it to the bottom edge of her computer monitor like it was a reminder note.

	Years ago, a coworker had hair extensions done and the next day she freaked out during patient care. She decided they were "possessed" and tried to pull them out. That was a strange situation!

	A coworker dumped the treasure box toys out on the floor of the sterilization area, got down on her hands and knees, and went through them all, gathering all the bracelets. She wore them all on one arm and took them home. Needless to say, she was on drugs and did not last very much longer as an employee.

	Well, I walked into the X-ray room and all I saw was her bare butt! I just couldn't believe I was being mooned at work!

	A co-worker retrieved a patient's crown after it accidentally fell into a sink and went down the drain.

	I work for a temp agency. In one office they sent me to, the dentist tried justifying if they turned their gloves inside out while reaching in the drawer, going to use his cell phone in his office, etc., and then turned them back inside out and work on the patient! I was shocked! I told him that was not OK and certainly not OSHA approved! Sadly, this was just a couple of weeks ago! I can see maybe they would think that way in the 1980s, but not this day and age! Needless to say, I asked not to go back there!

	I worked with an animal-loving hygienist a few years ago. She was always rescuing cats, dogs, birds, squirrels, you name it. Well, one day as she was working away, she suddenly had to leave her patient for a minute. She had to go in the restroom and adjust her bra-that had a little tiny bunny in it! OMG! A live bunny!

	Our receptionist asked a patient to trade his car to the doctor for payment of a procedure. When the patient declined, she then asked for his bank account number to just withdraw the amount directly.

	I saw an assistant reach in the ultrasonic for an instrument with gloves, dry off the gloves and go straight to a patient, using the same gloves. That's the worst thing I've seen by far.

	While putting away supplies in an operatory where a doctor and his assistant were working on a restorative patient, I noticed a spider (a rather large spider at that) crawling up the belly of the patient. Wide-eyed and open-mouthed, I pointed the spider out to the assistant. Without a moment's hesitation, the assistant seamlessly removed the high-speed evacuator from the patient's mouth, suctioned up the spider, and proceeded back to her assisting duties with the high-speed suction! She did not skip a beat. It was as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened! I just stood there in disbelief.

	I saw a coworker squeeze the other coworker's blackhead in the sterilization area.

	I once saw an office-trained assistant pick up a set of used amalgam instruments in her bare hand, spray each end of the bundle with disinfectant, scrub them with a brush, rinse them under a faucet, and put them back on the disinfected tray to use with the next patient.

Articles

Let's face it and be honest here. We've all had that one job where that one person worked with us-and we wondered what was wrong with that person. I mean, he or she might have been perfectly nice and treated us perfectly fine-but there was just something different about him or her.

The 12 weirdest things a coworker has ever done inside a dental practice

Editor's Note: The following "Sticky Situation" was submitted by Dr. Wayne Pernell of the Pride Institute. It is the latest in a string of 

The doctor has a great rapport with his team. They feel like they’re a part of his family. As a team, they laugh together and he really helps them feel excited about the dentistry they do and why they do it. They come together around a vision that says they are there to serve their patients, create an environment of serenity, and provide the best dentistry possible.

And then â¦ Mrs. Doctor shows up. She looks over the financials, mutters under her breath that production is down and collections are worse. She begins to move patient blocks on the schedule. She orders the staff about and suggests that certain supply orders could be sent back because the office can’t afford them right now.

Another Sticky Situation: What to do when the dental assistant feels like "she's the maid"

Team members who joke or laugh with each other are scowled at and judged as being unprofessional. The whole office walks on eggshells waiting for “the Mrs.” to leave. They watch as the doctor who is usually jovial and focused becomes tense and distracted. The team members wonder what happened to the guy who was in charge of the office. It seems he’s not even “allowed” to engage in a friendly manner with his team members. 

Roles shift so rapidly when the doctor’s wife comes on the scene. Her appearance is neither scheduled nor welcome. It’s disruptive to the point that team members want to quit.

The team members need to let the doctor know how they feel. The doctor needs to gain clear role definition with his wife (who is, in fact, a part business owner and can have access to the information she’s seeking).

They might express to the doctor, “When Mrs. Doctor comes in unexpectedly, our flow is disrupted and our practice’s vision is violated. 

so that she can get the information she’s asking for and we can continue serving patients.”

Another Sticky Situation: How to handle team members who have a verbal confrontation

The doctor will have to engage in a difficult conversation at home because issues of roles, personal value, and control are all at stake. By not making it personal, a deep conversation can happen. Assume positive intentions (however disruptive the behavior) and discuss the vision of the practice.

A courageous conversation between the doctor and wife might begin with, “It seems like you’re eager to help. Thank you, because the vision of the practice is to provide the best care for every patient. When the flow is disrupted in the middle of the morning, the result is that the rest of the day gets thrown off. I’m wondering if we could set a time for you to come in and give your input that would work better for everyone? We have admin time at the end of the day or perhaps we can get together on Friday to focus on the practice?”

Ultimately, coaching, consulting, or even counseling might be in order so that an outside agent may help in defining roles. Saving the marriage and saving the practice would be the happy outcome in this instance. It takes work (and courage), but there’s a lot at stake. Clarity and courage are worth it.

Another Sticky Situation: How to handle a negative online review of your practice

Have a Sticky Situation you need help with? Contact us at info@prideinstitute.com. Pride Institute offers an array of consulting services, products, and seminars to enhance the lives of dentists, their teams and ultimately their patients. For more information about our services, speak with one of our client services specialists at (800) 925-2600 or visit 

Sticky situations: What to do about the dentist's meddling wife?

 describes himself as “an early adopter who does a little bit of everything” at his general practice in St. Louis, Mo. He’s also someone who believes strongly in the power of technology to help his practice and improve the lives of his patients.

“Technology, if it makes good sense, helps you grow your practice, and helps you do better dentistry, it’s the only way to practice,” Dr. Dalin said.

This philosophy is one of the reasons why Dr. Dalin believes so strongly in the 

CariVu, a compact, portable caries detection device

 that uses unique, patented transillumination technology.

CariVu provides the ability to easily detect a range of carious lesions (occlusal, interproximal, secondary/recurrent,) and cracks, and yields an easily-interpreted image that is stored with the patient’s other images. Incorporating easily into current workflow, CariVu serves as a valuable adjunct tool for the identification of tooth decay when used with clinical and radiographic examinations.

“It’s plug and play. It’s very simple to use,” Dr. Dalin said. “It shows you a lot of information you wouldn’t see otherwise. Patients love seeing the information we see, right there in front of them.”

Dr. Dalin said the CariVu has also provided his practice with a weapon in the fight against those patients who avoid X-rays because they are afraid of getting too much radiation.

“We show these patients that it’s an infrared light with no radiation,” Dr. Dalin said. “We show them exactly how it works and they will accept an exam using the CariVu.”

Click on the video below to learn more about Dr. Dalin and his appreciation of what the CariVu can do for him and his practice.

Dr. Jeff Dalin describes himself as “an early adopter who does a little bit of everything” at his general practice in St. Louis, Mo. He’s also someone who believes strongly in the power of technology to help his practice and improve the lives of his patients.

Why Dr. Jeff Dalin calls CariVu from DEXIS a 'godsend' for his dental practice [VIDEO]

Editor's Note: The following "Sticky Situation" was submitted by Dr. Wayne Pernell of the Pride Institute. It is the latest in a string of "Sticky Situations" submitted by the experts at Pride Institute.

Kathy at the front desk has been with the doctor since the practice opened more than 20 years ago. Judy, the hygienist, feels like Kathy isn’t keeping her schedule full. 

Judy has become resentful and agitated with Kathy. It’s to the point that Judy snubs Kathy openly when there are holes in her schedule. Other team members have noticed it and are becoming afraid of how she’ll react. They don’t want to get Judy mad at them.

Kathy feels like she’s being helpful when she does schedule for Judy but she’s getting a little fed up with Judy’s entitlement. It now looks like the team is splitting apart and that Judy might even be “poisoning” the thinking of other team members. Kathy has been a little snippy in return. She sharply retorts,“It’s not my job” or “Fill your own schedule if you don’t like it.” While she feels justified, she’s not winning any friends.

The doctor hears of this when a shouting match breaks out at a team meeting.

“Just do your job and shut up” turns back with “You just shut up!” 

“I don’t have to shut up, my therapist says I can say what I want so you just shutttt uuuuupppppp!!!”

The doctor’s eyes go as wide as saucers and he sits there stunned.

Resolution (that didn’t happen, but could have)

The doctor stands and takes back the room. He breathes and asks each of the two to gather their belongings and clock out for the day. He explains that this behavior violates the vision of the practice and that they will be called back in the next couple of days to re-interview for their positions. Until then, they are suspended without pay. 

This sends a message to ALL team members that the doctor is unkillable in terms of the vision. While the team members might have some issues to work out, certain behavior will never be allowed on the floor.

Should the doctor choose, he can call them in to discuss behavior and the vision. He can also choose to terminate them for creating a hostile work environment, disrupting business, and, as a base, violating the vision.

Guidelines will be set for all team members to use the “I” Statement Formula:

Â· When (neutral description of behavior) happens

Â· What I’d like in the future is if ________________________

When my schedule isn’t full, I feel like you don’t care about me. What I’d like is if you could work on filling my schedule.”

 ”When I see you on your cell phone when you have holes in your schedule, I feel somewhat resentful. What I’d like is for you to make some calls to patients to fill your schedule so I know you’re as invested in your work as I am.”

Sometimes people need to be given the script in order to know that a different way of communicating is possible.

Sticky situations: How to handle team members who have a verbal confrontation

	It's time to recognize some amazing women in the dental industry!

 is honored to name the Top 25 Women in Dentistry. We will be profiling these awesome women in our October issue ... 

but we need your help to know who the top 25 women are.

Be prepared to write 3 to 5 sentences (minimum) on why this fantastic female deserves to be recognized.

As in years past, we are looking for nominees in five categories:

· Clinical or administrative dental team members (hygienists, assistants, office managers)

· Researchers and educators (including KOLs, speakers, lecturers, trainers, etc.)

· Industry (CEOs, marketing executives, sales reps, etc.)

* To check out last year's edition of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry, 

** Entries will be accepted until midnight ET on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

HOT READ: How to handle team members who have a verbal confrontation

HOT READ: How to grow your dental practice in the changing landscape

 It's time to recognize some amazing women in the dental industry!  For the sixth consecutive year, Dental Products Report is honored to name the Top 25 Women in Dentistry. We will be profiling these awesome women in our October issue ... but we need your help to know who the top 25 women are.

Nominations now being accepted for the 2015 Top 25 Women in Dentistry

	When asked about the biggest mistakes that dentists make when planning an office redesign or new office build, Dr. Mark Tholen is quick to answer.

“One of the biggest mistakes is not building an office that meets the dentist’s functional needs,” Dr. Tholen said. “Doctors have a tough time looking into the future. The average dental office is going to be operational for 20 years before the doctor moves or retires. You have to think about what you’re going to need in a decade or two. It’s a challenge, but it’s important. You have to err on the side of more operatories than not enough.”

Watch Dr. Tholen give his insights on “Modern Dental Office Design … 6 Questions to Lead You to the Practice of Your Dreams.” You can register for the free Webinar, sponsored by Pelton & Crane, by clicking here.

During the Webinar, Dr. Tholen will be talking about everything from the proper way to establish goals for your redesign to estimating costs to knowing what’s the next step that you need to take.

“Dentistry is a difficult topic to convey to our patients. It’s hard for them to understand the quality and great care you provide,” Dr. Tholen said. “The best way to do that is to convey that through your office. When your office is organized, neat, modern, and up-to-date, it says something about the doctor and team. If they care about the office, they’re going to care about the patient. That’s a message that is transmitted to the patient and it builds trust.

“As leaders of the practice, dentists have to point a direction for the staff and they have to be consistent with that vision and elegance. It’s a very specific appearance that communicates excellence to our patients. It’s a subliminal way to let them know how much you care about them. The patient thinks, ‘If you don’t look like you care about yourself and the practice, how could you possibly care about me?’”

To register for Dr. Tholen’s free Webinar, sponsored by Pelton & Crane, please click here. To hear more thoughts from Dr. Tholen on dental office design, watch the video below.

 When asked about the biggest mistakes that dentists make when planning an office redesign or new office build, Dr. Mark Tholen is quick to answer.

What is one of the biggest dental practice design mistakes made by dentists?

We asked a simple question on the Modern Hygienist Facebook page: “What is one thing that makes your day as a hygienist better?” We got plenty of answers. It’s typical of the great conversations we often have on our MH Facebook page. If you haven’t “liked us” yet, be sure you do 

Below are what some of your colleagues told us were the things that made their day better.

When the last patient of the day cancels 

When the dentist is doing dentistry and not micro-managing!

When a patient comes back and they have been flossing!

When a patient appreciates everything you do for them and you get a hug. Those are the best.

HOT READ: Breaking the law ... dental hygiene style

Grateful, rather than complaining, patients.

A patient that says "Thank you. That feels soooo much better!"

Patients who are as invested in their oral health as I am!

HOT READ: Revisiting our most controversial article of the year

Working with awesome assistants and being a team player.

Making a new nervous, anxious patient feel at ease and comfortable

Getting all exams early and never waiting...so I'm on time for everyone. Woooo hooo!

Patients who know they are partners with you for their overall health!

Building long-lasting relationships with my patients.

Patients accept treatment. Makes me feel that they're listening and are invested in their oral health.

Just a "thank you", "you're great," or a hug goes such a long way. (Words of Affirmation & Physical Touch are my love languages. They make me feel like I've connected with my patient and what I'm doing is worthwhile).

Not flooded RDH job market would be nice.

Talking dental hygiene salaries:	Are you willing to grow yourself to grow your paycheck?

Check out more of your comments on page 2...

When difficult patients admit that they are difficult. I hate being blamed when it's not my fault.

Making a patient feel confident about their smile! 

Patients that come in, equipment that works, sharp instruments, teamwork in the office! Yeah I know, more than one thing, but...

When a patient that hasn't had dental care ever and are truly amazed how nice their teeth look and feel and they return for their follow up recall!

HOT READ: 3 things that have made me a better hygienist

My connections with my patients. Having their trust and helping them.

When patients tell me I am like one of their family (32 years).

Patients that are living in the "safety zone" which means they return to see while they are still healthy!

Seeing amazing results because the patient actually listened and followed thru with recommendations! 

When a patient says, "I've been flossing every day since our last visit. You were right. It doesn't make me bleed."

Calming a nervous patient's anxiety and accomplishing a precise and thorough new patient comprehensive exam. I love when a new patient says, “Wow I've never had such a thorough exam!”

When you can see improvement in a patient’s oral health and they are excited to have made a difference.

When one if my patients who always has poor oral health, bleeding, and inflammation comes in and has marked improvement and are healthier because they listened to me! Makes my day.

Is there anything you'd like to add? Feel free to leave a comment in the section below.

We asked a simple question on the Modern Hygienist Facebook page: “What is one thing that makes your day as a hygienist better?” We got plenty of answers. It’s typical of the great conversations we often have on our MH Facebook page. If you haven’t “liked us” yet, be sure you do by clicking here. Below are what some of your colleagues told us were the things that made their day better.

What you told us: What's the one thing that makes your day as a dental hygienist better?

I’ve just finished my first day of speaking to an amazing group of dental assistants at the 

 in Phoenix. One of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things I do as the group editorial director for UBM Advanstar’s dental division (which includes 

) is interact with dental assistants around the country during my presentation on “Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting.” It’s three hours of interaction and learning … both for the audience and for me.

After talking to some of the dental assistants after my presentation, I walked away from today’s session reminded once again of the power of the assistant. You, my friends, have power. You have the power to help a nervous patient make it through that dental procedure. You have the power to make your dental practice a better business and better place to work through your ideas, suggestions, and actions. You have the power to influence which products are used in the practice and the impact they have on patients and the practice’s bottom line.

RELATED ARTICLE:	From a dental assistant's perspective: Things I would tell my 19-year-old self

But my question to you is, “Are you using your power?” Are you making a difference for your patients and the practice every day or are you just getting through the day … and the week … and the month … and the year? Are you viewing your position as a career or just a paycheck? I’ve met many of you who would fall on both sides of that question.

 is when Jim Carrey realizes he actually has the power to change things. Of course (spoiler alert!), he doesn’t exactly change them for the better at first, but the look in his eyes when he realizes he has the power and can use it is something that always strikes me every time I watch the movie.

RELATED ARTICLE:	From a dental assistant: 6 tips to dramatically cut your dental supplies overhead

Today, I hope you get that same look in your eyes when you realize you have a lot of power in your position. If you don’t feel like you have power, talk to your dentist or office manager about what you believe is holding you back. If you want to supercharge your power, take every opportunity to learn and expand your horizons. Also, take advantage of time with your fellow superheroes out there and get involved in a local, state, and/or national dental assisting group.

Yes, you have the power. You just have to use it.

RELATED ARTICLE:	4 ways dental assistants can increase their value in the dental practice

I’ve just finished my first day of speaking to an amazing group of dental assistants at the Western Regional Dental Convention in Phoenix.

Dental assistants, you have the power!

, Modern Dental Assistant took a few moments to sit down with Angela (Guanzini) Severance, RDA, CDD, the founder of 

Modern Dental Assistant Editorial Advisory Board

Severance was attending the massive trade show to explain how dental assistants can use 

Planmeca’s PlanScan CAD/CAM Restoration System

 and the importance of dental assistants learning technology to increase their skills and value in the dental practice.

“It was amazing to talk to dentists from all around the world during IDS,” Severance said. “It was also amazing to talk to them and their assistants about the role that the assistant can play in the practice. At NinjaDentistry, we believe so strongly in the power of 

 and in the power of the dental assistant. I was really glad to be at IDS and learn more about dental practices and how they operate around the world.”

During a break in her schedule, Severance sat down with us to talk more about what she had learned during her time in Cologne, Germany. Click below to watch our exclusive interview with her…

 During the recent IDS meeting in Cologne, Germany, Modern Dental Assistant took a few moments to sit down with Angela (Guanzini) Severance, RDA, CDD, the founder of NinjaDentistry.com and member of the Modern Dental Assistant Editorial Advisory Board.

From IDS 2015: One dental assistant's perspective on the show and dental assisting around the world

, the Dental Products Report crew stopped by the 

 booth to learn more about their tech-savvy system that teaches good brushing habits to dental patients of all ages.

The technology allows the patient to hook up any toothbrush to a sensor and pair that sensor with his or her smartphone. Once that occurs, the patient can get feedback on how he or she is brushing his or her teeth, with positive and negative feedback being easy to understand and learn from.

More from IDS: Philips unveils new toothbrushing technology tool, more innovations

While this technology is not available in the United States at this time, the company is hoping to be in the country in the near future.

More from IDS: New oral cancer risk assessment system debuts

To learn more about the product, watch the exclusive demo video below that we shot during our time at IDS...

 During the recent IDS meeting in Cologne, Germany, the Dental Products Report crew stopped by the MOMBrush booth to learn more about their tech-savvy system that teaches good brushing habits to dental patients of all ages.