Introduction: It's a thrill to welcome back Shari Becker to KOMET Korner. Our good friend recently helped develop the Shari Becker Provisional Fabrication Kit for KOMET USA. She's back this month to share her knowledge and love of the profession -- making her a vital advocate for dental assistants. This month, Shari takes a few minutes to share advice on how you can make your job fun and exciting, especially if you're new to the profession. How can you suggest certain things? Most importantly, how can you be appreciated in your office? It's some of the best advice our team of assistants has given to date. We thank Shari and you for making KOMET Korner one of the most popular columns in Dental Assisting Digest.

Don't forget, we want to know what's on your mind. If you have something you want to ask KOMET USA's esteemed panel of assistants, please e-mail them to kevinh@pennwell.com. Keep your questions coming, and we promise to answer them in next month's issue.

DAD: What kind of advice do you have for assistants who are new to the industry?
Becker: Be honest. Be sincere. Be enthusiastic. Be valuable. Be contagious with your passion. Be hungry to learn and grow. Join local, state, and/or national educational or study groups. Stay abreast of the latest methods and materials by attending reputable conferences and conventions. Always continue to better yourself. Invest in yourself and your career. Join your professional association. Find the position that is the right fit for you. Respect your coworkers. Be a good communicator and try your best. Practice does not make perfect ... perfect practice makes perfect. Enjoy knowing that you have selected a great profession that allows you the opportunity to care for others while providing the best possible treatment, skills, and expertise. As I say, if you do what you love, you will love what you do!

DAD: Do you have any protocols at your office regarding when to suggest things to a patient or your dentist?
Becker: We have a number of protocols at our office for suggestions. The first is during the morning staff meeting. We start our day by reviewing our scheduled patients. As staff, we all have an opportunity to share with one another any insights, communication, or concerns regarding a specific patient. If the suggestion is procedure-related, our morning meeting allows for discussion to take place before the patient's appointment. That way we can be sure that we're setting up for the procedure with the appropriate materials and products. The second situation is if the suggestion involves direct patient input regarding treatment options or goals. That discussion takes place at the beginning of each patient's appointed time. This conversation starts between the patient and assistant or hygienist. After the assistant or hygienist reviews the treatment options, the dentist then comes into the operatory. The dentist is advised of the patients' goals, options presented, and treatment decision. Additional discussion may occur here, but this should be the time to confirm the patient's decision. If we're recommending products to a patient, this usually happens at the end of the appointment. Lastly, suggestions regarding new materials or technologies are most effective when brought to our dentists' attention at our weekly one-hour staff meetings. Should there be a need for additional discussion, we have a three-hour monthly staff meeting that allows for additional research or development.

DAD: Sometimes I don't feel appreciated in my office. How should I work on getting respect and positive motivation from my dentist?
Becker: Often if someone feels unappreciated or disrespected, especially in the workplace, they will lower their level of workmanship and become resentful. Communication is vital in any relationship. Many times this is a matter of more frequent and effective communication. It may be as simple as scheduling time to talk with your dentist. You should start with these basic communication tips:
Check the timing -- You want to be sure that there are no distractions during the conversation, so you may need to schedule a specific meeting time with your dentist. Try to schedule enough time to avoid being rushed, and eliminate the possibility you may leave out some of the important details.
State the facts -- Be sure to start with the facts. Be clear and concise about your facts. Write them down if necessary.
State your feelings -- This may include how you have interpreted comments, body language, or tone of voice.
State your needs -- Tell your dentist how you expect to know when you are appreciated and respected. This means you have thought through what your "appreciation" would look, sound, and feel like.

Continue with open, honest, and frequent communication to avoid future problems or concerns. Find the appropriate time to address concerns and follow the basic communication tips provided here. Try scheduling more frequent performance reviews by keeping the communication lines open. Also, remember that your dentist also needs to be shown respect and appreciation. By enhancing office communication, you will create a team full of respect, appreciation, and motivation.

About Shari Becker, CDA, RDA, FADAA
Shari Becker has been a full-time chairside assistant for Dr. Stephen R. Snow in Danville, Calif., for 14 years, and has been an RDA and CDA since 1985. Shari is on the faculty at the Mt. Diablo Adult Education Center in Concord, Calif., and has been teaching dental assisting for more than 12 years. She is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association, the California Dental Assistants Association, Diablo Dental Assistants Society, the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers, and the California Council on Adult Education. She is a Fellow of the American Dental Assistants Association, and is currently serving as the 12th District Trustee to the American Dental Assistants Association, representing California, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam. She has served in many capacities on the local, state, and national levels, including president of the California Dental Assistant Association, and president of the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers. Shari is currently working in conjunction with dental manufacturing companies to heighten the awareness and acknowledge the contribution of dental assistants to the profession of dentistry.