The Practice Perspective column is an effort lead by David Thein, DDS, MSD, MBA, MDA member, periodontist and associate clinical professor at UMKC School of Dentistry. He is the course director for the practice management curriculum and advises students/residents and recent grads in professional career development. The column provides a Q&A-style interview with industry experts on a variety of topics of interest/pertinent to the dentist and dental team.
2020 Why the Time is Right for Dental Membership Plans The COVID Pandemic: Best Practices for Recovery Dental CE: Making It a Wise Investment Consider Brand Building to Improve Your Bottom Line Making Dental Technology Work For You Employee vs Independent Contractor
2019 Time to Consider a New Business Structure Minimizing the Risk of Being Sued The Ideal Dental Team: Assembling, Compensating, Motivating and Evaluating Dental Service Organizations: What You Might Not Know Participation In Managed Care Dental Insurance Plans Renewing Your Lease: 5 Important Things to Know
Understanding the Independent Contractor Relationship: Who Qualifies? One Snarky Comment Too Many Dealing with a PTO Spender (Abuser) Navigating COVID-19 With Your Humanity, Sanity, Team Still Intact Accounting for Travel Time: To Pay or Not? Preparing for Maternity Leave: Drafting a Sound Policy
2019 Walking the Line: Employee Manager and Health Care Provider Letters of Recommendation for Departing Staff: Worthwhile Pursuits or Invitation for a Lawsuit Confrontation Is Hard: But Saying Hard Things Doesn't Have to Be Paralyzing Life of the Party (Dealing With Team Alcohol Overconsumption Outside the Office) When the Walls Have Ears: Addressing Derogatory Comments Overheard Among Staff To Google or Not to Google—That is the Question
2018 Preventing Harassment In the Workplace Successful Hiring: Part 1 Successful Hiring: Part 2 Good Leadership Can’t Be Outsourced Personal Cell Phones in the Office: Sign of the Times or Unwanted Distractions? Onboarding vs. Orientation: How to Make the Most of Your New Hire’s Experience
2017 It’s Not You, It’s Me: The Power of Exit Interviews Coaching vs. Managing: What’s the Difference? Do I Really Need a Handbook? Keys to Successful Incentive Plans Does Success Have an Age Limit? (firing an aging office manager) It’s All About the Benjamins (employee compensation plan)
2016 Ready For Changing Overtime Rules A Culture of Respect (avoiding burnout due to increase in office busyness) This Will Only Hurt for a Minute (requiring employees get a flu shot) Revised Overtime Provisions Vaping in the Workplace (e-cigarettes and your smoking/tobacco policy) Religious Accommodation Requests to Dress Code Policies
2015 Harassment liability for behavior occurring outside the workplace The Risks of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in the Workplace But I Was Here First! (navigating vacation requests based on seniority) Accommodating a Maternity Leave Request Setting the Stage for a Successful Employment Relationship Reference Checks: What to say when you have nothing nice to say
2014 Exposure to nitrous oxide during pregnancy is no laughing matter Taking the sting out of performance appraisals Survey says (survey of staff's work habits) Tips for handling a reduction in pay due to a change in job duties The ABCs of PTO Addressing behavior problems: Early involvement is key!
Jodi Schafer has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resource management. She is a regular contributor to various industry publications and began contributing to the Focus in 2014. She also is the author of a ready-to-use HR system for small employers. Jodi conducts speaking engagements and training seminars on all HR aspects including employee relations, leadership skills, performance development, on-boarding, recruitment and retention. Read more HR articles on the HRM Blog.
The following articles also are related to the Dental Team but are not provided by Jodi Schafer.
Who's Answering the Phone (why telephone policies are important) Staff Education A Wise Investment: Success Requires a Team Effort