April 7, 2017
We had very good attendance and lots of participation in our OPEN FORUM.
Our new sponsor, HR attorney Helene Figman, offered advice and answered general HR questions including some about sick time, associate dentists, and having an “inclement weather” policy (rather than a “Snow Day” policy since we could have as many days off for hurricanes).
There was a lot of discussion about safety in the office. Several members spoke of how uncomfortable many of them were when certain patients were in the schedule; the patient that used a lot of sexual innuendo and another that was unhappy with his treatment. Helene offered that every office should have a specific protocol about how to handle dangerous patients and situations that arise. One of our members talked about the “lockdown” device that they have on their doors and sent me the information:
Taylor Brothers Door Lock, LLC
855-644-4856
www.classroomlockdown.com
A new member mentioned that they had a presentation on what to do in an office emergency and that many of the things that they would normally do would be wrong. She gave me their information and I have reached out to them about doing a presentation for our group. I’ll let you know.
Another topic that came up was office hours on holidays and Helene mentioned that Veteran’s Day is an odd holiday that has different towns mandating opening time as later in the day. She is going to do some research and let us know. As you can see, Helene is a wonderful resource and will be very valuable!
Many attendees thought that this was one of the best meetings we have ever had!
Lastly, because many comments that are made at these Open Forum meetings are personal, it was suggested that only Office Mangers attend these meetings and other office personnel be allowed to attend any meeting that is appropriate to their jobs (assistants and hygienists attend OSHA/HIPAA/BORID presentations, everyone attend Cyber Security, etc…) We are discussing that more and will let you know what the members decide.
March 3rd, 2017
Nancy Kagan of Summit Dental Partners presented: Patient Retention – Last Minute Cancellations And Broken Appointments Are Only The “Tip Of The Iceberg”
We welcomed new sponsor Noble Vincent of Revenue Well
December 2, 2016
Open Forum – Topics of discussion included office staff salaries, benefits and incentives. Other topics included where to get additional dental practice information from online sources. Our January newsletter will have a list of links to explore. it was also decided that every other meeting would be an Open Forum and a survey will be sent ahead of time to make the most of time and topics.
November 2, 2016
Lan Pratt from Natick Dental Partners shared her research about Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act which requires healthcare providers to provide translation services. She is writing an article of her findings for our December newsletter.
Pam Whynot from UltimateBizResults.com gave us loads of “thinking outside of the box” ideas to attract new patients. One of Pam’s ideas was for the doctor or practice to write a book! Pam is putting all her sources into an article in our December newsletter.
October 21, 2106
Steve Hickey from Hickey & Associates talked about the need for Cyber Security Insurance.
Pam & David Snell from ACTSmart Dental IT presented ACTSmart / ACTSecure – Cyber Security Awareness Training. At the conclusion, they passed out their Infographics “6 Cyber Security Threats” for everyone to post on their break room walls. If you would like a free copy mailed to your office as well as a link to a downloadable Acceptable Use Policy that you can adapt for your office, click HERE.
Friday, September 27th
The South Shore Chapter welcomed back Laurie LaBrie of Integrated Human Resources. Her presentation of “How to Deal With Difficult Employees was so constructive! We all have people in our lives with whom we need help to communicate – Laurie ALWAYS knows just what to say and do!
June 10, 2016 from 9:00am to 11:00am – Office Administrator’s Brunch – This was an informal event that had a surprise. Angela Donovan announced that she will be stepping down as NEDOM President of the South Shore and Rhode Island Chapters. “My practice has grown substantially over the last year and it has become impossible for me to juggle everything.” Angela told the South Shore meeting. “I am turning NEDOM over to Pam Snell of ACTSmart IT and Nancy Kagan of Summit Dental Partners.“
The members understood her reluctant departure and participated in a planning session, offered their advice and filled out a survey to help us move Dental Managers Society into a new direction. Although we will miss Angela, she will still be a friend to the Dental Managers Society and we look forward to her attending a meeting when she is available. She gave these groups a wonderful foundation and we thank her!!
