TOP 10 WAYS TO RESPOND TO CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

You’re bound to make a mistake sooner or later. Your response to constructive feedback will have a huge impact on your doctor’s opinion of you and your professional career.

      Follow these ten tips and you’ll be able to transform your missteps into growth opportunities.

1 Don’t take it personally.

      Accept your mistake, avoid making it again, and continue to focus on what’s great about you and your job.

2 Tell your side of the story … carefully.

      Simply state the facts. Demonstrate that you know what you did wrong and why it was wrong.

3 Paraphrase the doctor’s assessment and suggestions.

      Repeat your doctor’s feedback to avoid any misinterpretation. If your interpretation is correct, then you can both move on to finding solutions; if not, you’ll be able to clarify the misunderstanding.

4 Take responsibility for your actions.

      Acknowledge that you did something inappropriate. This demonstrates your desire to improve, and your ability to work as a team player.

5 Offer ideas for improvement.

      Come up with an action plan of your own. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

6 Establish concrete goals and deadlines.

      Set goals and document your progress. Schedule regular meetings with your doctor to review/revise those goals.

7 Make sure each conversation is documented.

      Be sure to review/sign/date the documents your doctor prepares, and request a copy for your files. If this is not an option, make sure that you type up and file your own notes (specific and objective).

8 Thank your doctor for making you aware of the problem and giving you the chance to correct it.

     Thank your doctor for sharing his assessment with you and giving you the chance to correct what he sees as a problem.

9 Ask for help.

      Ask your doctor/co-workers/family/friends for continued support/assessment as you change a habit/ attitude.

10 Stay positive; don’t get discouraged.

      Remind yourself of the reasons you want to shift your behavior and avoid rehashing your faults and mistakes.

Nurturing the Relationships in Your Life

You are not alone in this world. You interact with several different people on a daily basis. It could be family, friends or coworkers but each person offers a unique relationship that can add to your life if you let it.

It is not easy cultivating relationships. Think of a garden. In order for the plants and flowers to grow well they need love and attention. Turning over the soil, adding mineral nutrients and watering are all a part of the relationship that you want to nurture.

There are several ways to keep the relationships in your life well tended. When they are, you’ll find a wealth of support and knowledge to help you achieve your personal goals.

1.   Show empathy. Empathy is being able to understand where a person is coming from. You can see the person behind the emotions. Ask them about their day or how things are going with their families. Empathy doesn’t judge another person but accepts them for who they are.

2.   Communicate often. It is easier these days to lose touch. But, there is also a variety of ways to let someone know they are special in your life: cell phone, telephone, letter, texting and email besides face-to-face meetings. Let the special people in your life know you haven’t forgotten about them even though the years and miles keep you apart.

3.   Invest in someone’s future. It could be as simple as teaching them to paint or plant flowers. When you share your knowledge with friends and family, you are equipping them with a new skill that they can use in their life.

4.   Spend time with others. We all need human contact. Going out with friends or inviting people over to your home can lead to outbursts of laughter, reminiscing about old memories and new memories created. Don’t neglect people for things. Relationships are always going to be the more valuable of the two.

5.   Know yourself. It is hard to be a part of a group if you don’t know what you bring to it. Each of us has unique talents and skills. Sharing these traits in common with another begins a relationship. When you are secure in who you are and how you feel it is easier to share a part of yourself with others.

6.   Define your commitment. Relationships take time and commitment. Are you willing to invest that time? When you put in the time, you notice things about others such as when they are not well or need your help. These non-verbal cues develop over time. If you want friends you have to learn to be one first.

Relationships will wither away without proper care. It doesn’t take much to start a relationship but keeping it going requires commitment to share yourself with others to the benefit of both of you.

Congratulatons WVDAS Graduates, July 16, 2010!

Willamette Valley Dental Assisting School is proud to announce the graduation of (pictured left to right): Natalie Eichler, DA, with instructor Darla Schiopen, CDA, EFDA, BS, FADAA, and fellow graduate, Rachel Julum, DA, both of Salem.

Natalie and Rachel completed the intense 14-week curriculum at the area’s only private dental assisting school, while also initiating and completing practicums in several different offices around the Salem area.

The instructors and the administrative staff celebrated in a luncheon ceremony along with both Rachel’s and Natalie’s family members. We wish you both continued success in your endeavors both inside and outside the dental field.

WVDAS is fortunate to have such accomplished and motivated students.

We would also like to recognize the instructor, Darla Schiopen. Darla was responsible for imparting her wide range of experience, enthusiasm and knowledge with the fine students of this graduating class.

Again, congratulations to both Natalie and Rachel!

How to Find a Job in a Tough Economy!

So, how DO you find a job in a tough economy? The answer is simple, but, the tough part is, it’s complex to do. But, know in advance, those determined will succeed.

From interviews with highly educated dentists to brand-new entry-level sterilization technicians, I can tell you that the good ones always stand out.

Here are the big factors, in no particular order:

1) Motivation. Do I have to motivate them or are they already self-motivated?

2) Appearance. Sad, but true. We live in a visual society. I don’t want to hire slobs. I want to hire neat, tidy and clean people, proud of their appearance.

3) Knowledge. Does the person have a basic grasp of the job they are applying for? If they don’t and I like their #4, do they have the cognitive ability to learn it quickly, and with minimal direction and hand-holding. I like fast learners willing to be “thrown into the fire.”

4) Personality. This is the BIG one. If not the #1 factor, it’s right up there. I like outgoing, strong-willed people. I have never had much luck at hiring introverts, worried about having to talk to someone. If someone approaches me with an out-stretched hand and are eager to meet me, the feeling’s mutual.

5) What have they done to separate themselves from the other 20 or 50 applicants I’ve reviewed? Anything unique?

6) What PROMISE do they show as a future employee? Are they upfront about their intentions on growth and some day, leaving the “nest?”

What does it all boil down to? Certainly NOT where or how long you went to school. It’s not how much you paid for your education. It’s not even how hard your education was.

In looking at the dozens and dozens of successful team members I’ve hired over the years, it comes down to the few key factors I mention above.

It’s up to you to package up these “traits” most employers are looking for and do so in a way that you can communicate it effectively during an interview.

And, the successful, long-term team members I have hired all have one thing in common: they are HONEST. That’s something you cannot first know in an interview. It takes time to discern it and let people prove it to you. And, as a team member, by making the honest decision every time, you’ll sleep at night and be invaluable to those around you.

Essentially, you have to stand out, add tremendous value to the organization you are trying to join and you have to be willing to do what others will not. What does all this mean and how can you package it up to equal success?

Congratulations! WVDAS Graduates, May 15, 2010!

WVDAS Graduates, May 15, 2010

 

Willamette Valley Dental Assisting School is proud to announce the graduation of Dana Jordon, Monique deJong, Kylee Stimson, Chelsea Hayes, and Cassandra Haydon-Duran! These students have worked extremely hard to complete the 14-week intensive curriculum at Salem’s only Private Dental Assisting School. We wish each of you continued success on your career journey in the amazing world of dentistry! WVDAS would like to also recognize our primary instructor for this graduating class, Angie Axmaker, EFODA, EFDA, and the assistant to the instructor, Amy Shelton, EFDA.

Dana Jordan, Keizer

 

The best part of being a dental assistant is “interacting with all differnt kinds of people, and helping them perfect their smile. Also , not being on a routine – you do all different kinds of jobs on all different days.”

 

Monique de Jong, Sweet Home

 

“I want to go to other countries and help underpriveliged people. Fixing their cleft palates and so on. Until then , I would like to find something in Oral Surgery.” 

 

Kylee Stimson, Salem

 

“I have always wanted to have a job where I can help people. I love making people feel better and want to be the person who can bring a sense of relief to a person.”

  

Chelsea Hayes, Aumsville

“I have a burning desire to help people, and through many job shadows I discovered the dental field was for me. I think the best part of being a dental assistant will be the sense of awe from relieving a patient from pain immediately.”

Cassandra Haydon-Duran, Salem

 

“I have always been interested in the dental field. So I wanted to become a dental assistant to work my way up to a dental hygenist. The best part about being a dental assistant is helping out others, and making them feel comfortable while they are at the dentist.”

SPOTLIGHT ON: Melinda Schmidt, WVDAS Graduate

Why Dental Assisting? I love teeth. The first thing I look at when talking with a person is their teeth. It’s important to me to help people achieve the best smile they can have. 

  

What was your former career/job? I was an office manager at a furniture store. 

  

What is the best part of being a dental assistant? Is working with patients and seeing the end results that give patients the smile that they have always wanted, to make them happy and to feel better about themselves. 

  

What are your plans for the future? I want to be the best dental assistant I can. I’m fortunate to already be working in a dental office, so I plan to stay ther and work hard to be the best I can be. 

  

Why WVDAS? I needed to get through a good, fast program to get into my career right away. And after all my research WVDAS was the right one for me. 

A Day In A Dental Assistant’s Life

On a typical day a dental assistant who delivers patient care will:

•make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records;

•hand instruments and materials to dentists, and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices;

•sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care;

•sometimes prepare materials for making impressions and restorations, expose radiographs, and process dental x-ray film as directed by a dentist;

•sometimes remove sutures, apply anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment;

On a typical day a dental assistant who performs laboratory duties will:

•make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions;

•clean and polish removable appliances;

•make temporary crowns;

On a typical day a dental assistant who performs office duties will:

•schedule and confirm appointments;

•receive patients;

•keep treatment records;

•send bills and receive payments;

•order supplies and materials.

Dealing With Stress!

Energy Leaks

            The problem isn’t just our business or lifestyle; it’s also how we use our existing life energy. I call these problems: energy leaks.  Those self-defeating behaviors that drain our energy by creating anxiety and stress are energy leaks because they drain us of our vitality for life.  Energy leaks occur when we use our mental or emotional energy on our thoughts, worries, doubts, fears, and grudges. For those who have a sense of humor, I want you to take the attitude that you are to lazy to hold a grudge.  You must see the humor of this attitude.  Since the only person you really hurt when you hold a grudge is yourself.

            When you find yourself worrying about a problem, remind yourself that worry is like a rocking chair, gives you something to do but gets you no where.  Worries, doubts, fears, and grudges are simply bad habits that keep you from enjoying life, making profitable decisions and choices. When we cannot maintain our high energy level, we cannot learn new skills, adapt to new procedures and assimilate changing directions.  As a professional we must become aware of the unconscious energy leaks that can influence the overall quality of your life as well as strategies to use your life energy more effectively.

 Wasting Energy on the Past

            A very unresourceful habit that many people have is wasting your life by trying to live in the past or the future.  When we daydream of the past or spend a lot of time comparing how the past was better, we are actually stealing from our current life energy to  be in the present. Have you ever caught yourself thinking: Things used to be so much better when–? The problem in doing this is that you’re stealing from the one true resource that can’t be replaced — NOW.  All you have is this moment in time.  Our present time is so precious, yet we act as if it were okay to waste the only thing you really own in life: the present.

 Energy Leak Prevention

            You can prevent this energy leak by taking a different perspective at looking at time.  Our past is the present memories of activities, events, people, places, and things.  It is also our perceptions and interpretations, combined with our physical and emotional reactions to these things.  All of our memories occur in the present time — all you have in life is the present.  The past is a locked door; we cannot go back and change anything.  We can not undo what has been done.  What we can do is learn from the past and make sure that knowledge assists us in all our future decisions and choices.

            When you describe the future, you will most likely talk about events that may happen.  What we like to call the future is really the use of our imagination.  We base our future on the memories of the past, just rearranged to meet our expectations of what we think the future will be like. When we spend our time regretting or longing for the past, or worrying about or long for something in the future, we find we have created problems that have no solutions.  Because they are based on remembered or imagined situations, we have no way of doing anything about them. This behavior causes great frustration within you.

 What About The Future

            In regard to future concerns, if I realize that the process of worrying about not being able to pay my bills next month or losing my relationship or not getting something I regard as important (those things haven’t happened yet) is basically a waste of energy, then I am freed up to enjoy and do and be whatever is here and necessary right now.  I find I can actually live my life rather than just thinking or worrying about it. You only have 1440  minutes daily.  We have to use that time being as effective as possible with our talents and skills to become wealthy.

 Deal With Reality

            Your time and energy should be at the top of your list of most precious resources.  It’s the steps you take in the present which will allow you to manifest whatever it is that you want in your future. The bottom line is your point of power is always in the present.  Train yourself to stay in the present as much as possible.  Don’t try to figure out the solutions to everything.  Have some faith in yourself and your abilities to deal with whatever cards you are dealt!  The truth is you have always landed on your feet and you always will.  Stop allowing stressful self induced thoughts to zap your creativity and energy. For the next 21 days be present, stop wishing away time, or wishing for things to be different.  Do you really want to waste your life wishing?  You must realize that your time is one of your most important resources.  Don’t waste it feeling sorry for yourself or wishing things were different.  Deal with reality.

            Every day we are in situations that are stressful and out of our control. Don’t let your creativity, positive attitude, and good common sense slip away during stressful times. The only thing you have true power over is your response to all situations. Be an actor to life instead of a reactor. Try this for a short time and see how your life becomes more fun, productive, profitable and less stressful. You will also find that the people around you will appreciate your new attitude!  Life is short—ENJOY IT.

Lee Milteer, Professional Speaker, Executive Coach & Author, http://www.milteer.com, Copyright © 2009 Lee Milteer, Inc.

Locally-Owned Career School Sponsors National Speakers and Trainers at Continuing Education Event in Salem

(Salem, OR) – Willamette Valley Dental Assisting School (WVDAS), a leader in private career school education for Dental Assistants in the mid-Willamette Valley, is sponsoring a Dental continuing education event in Salem on December 3rd and 4th.

Dentists and their employees and team members from around Oregon, dental industry experts and continuing education providers are gathering at Salem’s Red Lion Inn next week for the first-ever Mid-Valley Dental Meeting.

Oregon’s own Dr. Mark Montgomery, Dr. Howard Farran, (Phoenix, AZ), Dr. Lloyd Tilt, (Ogden, UT) and Cindy McKane-Wagester, RDH, MBA (Maryland) are all scheduled to present information and education to dentists from all over Oregon.

WVDAS is organzing the event with the help of several sponsors, many locally-owned businesses and employers, including Umpqua Bank, CareCredit, Salem’s First Pacific Corporation, Albany’s CariFree (OralBioTech), Henry Schein Dental, Millenium Dental Technologies, Salem’s EMC Dental Marketing and others.

Jerry A. Jones, the founder of WVDAS, said, “Willamette Valley Dental Assisting School is proud to be able to bring high-quality dental educators and trainers to Salem. It’s really great to have speakers travel here to our capitol city so area Dentists and their employees can take advantage of opportunities normally associated with larger seminars offered in areas like New York City, Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles.

“We’re excited to be part of it and we’re also excited we’ve had such great support from local businesses associated with the dental industry. Plus, our Dental Assisting students and graduates are getting first-rate continuing education opportunities they might not otherwise be exposed to, really giving them a unique advantage in finding and keeping positions in dental assisting they’ve trained so hard for.”

WVDAS operates a hands-on, accelerated 14-week training program certifying graduates in Dental Assisting. WVDAS has graduated over 70 students so far in its over 2 years of operation; many of whom are now working in dental offices around the state and in Washington. Students are encouraged to begin internships immediately following enrollment and admission, which many times, lead to employment upon conclusion of WVDAS’ intense 14-week course.

To learn more about the first-ever Mid-Valley Dental Meeting on December 3rd and 4th, contact Jerry Jones or Melody Pilan at 503-339-6000.

Focusing and Acting On Your Dreams

Whatever dream you decide to go after, whether it is a family, or a career goal, you must consciously decide that it is your life’s mission. Benjamin Disraeli said, “The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” You must go at it obsessively and set high standards for yourself along the way. There is no room for compromise when you are charting a course for your life or your career.

I spoke to a group of sharp young people not long ago, and when I finished, some of the fellows came up and said they were interested in becoming professional speakers. They invited me to go out with them that evening to have a good time. These fellows looked as though they knew how to have a serious good time.

I had planned to work on my delivery that night by listening to my tape of my speech. I tape my speeches and listen to them later so I can study what works and what does not work with a particular audience. In effect, I listen to the audience listening to me.

I was tempted to go with these fellows, and back when I was their age I probably would have given in to that temptation and gone. But I have become more disciplined and more committed to my craft. A friend of mine, Wes Smith, wrote a humor book called Welcome to the Real World, and in it he offered advice to fresh high-school and college graduates. He had a line in the book that pertains to the situation I faced that night. It said, “Having a drink with the boys after work every night is a bad idea. Notice that the boss doesn’t do it. That is why he is the boss and they are still the boys.”

Wes told me that he wrote that line with one particular group of hard-partying young businessmen in mind, and five years after the book came out, he ran into one of them. The guy volunteered that he’d read that line in Wes’s book and decided never to go drinking after work again. It paid off, he said. He had risen to a vice-presidency at a savings and loan.

In my drive to become a public speaker, I developed that kind of focus, too. There is not a lot of time for hard partying if you are pursuing greatness. It was not that these young fellows were not serious about their interest in professional speaking, but they were just as serious about having a good time. I don’t believe they were focused on their goals. They were seeking a profession but they were not on a mission to make a dramatic difference in the world. I am. You should be too.

Rather than the party crowd, I prefer to seek out people with knowledge that might be useful. I like to find out what books successful and intelligent people are reading. I want access to the information that contributes to their success and intelligence.

©2009 by Les Brown, “Focusing and Acting on Your Dreams” Visit website for additional information: www.lesbrown.com