(770) 823-3534
pdtadirector@gmail.com
Last Friday in Philadelphia, I had the privilege of speaking on communication in the pediatric dental office. Not clinical technique.Not materials. Communication. After decades in practice, I have learned that communication skills in pediatric dentistry are often the difference between calm resolution and unnecessary conflict. Most conflicts in a pediatric dental office are preventable. They […]
Effective Communication in a Pediatric Dental Practice: Why It Matters Remember the childhood game “telephone”? One simple sentence turns into something completely unrecognizable by the time it reaches the last person. It’s funny in elementary school. It’s far less amusing in a pediatric dental practice. Miscommunication in a dental office can lead to confused parents, […]
We all get angry. But when stress runs high—like during the busy summer months in a pediatric dental office—those emotions can bubble over more quickly than we’d like. This quick quiz isn’t about judgment; it’s a tool to help you check in with yourself, recognize signs of rising frustration, and take small steps toward healthier […]
Have you ever noticed how GOOD it feels to be really listened to? It’s impactful, particularly when the listening goes beyond just the words you’re speaking. That kind of artful listening conveys respect and value to the speaker, and promotes positive relationships of all kinds. And, like any art, it takes practice. According to widely […]
Joanna and Cyndi are sitting at a coffee shop. Joanna has just gone through a divorce and is telling her friend all about it. To a casual observer, it looks as if Cyndi is listening. But take a look at the thoughts running through Cyndi’s head: Really, people get divorced all the time; it’s time […]
In a world filled with constant conversation, embracing the idea of waiting before we speak can be a game-changer. I recently read a piece on the importance of “waiting to speak”,and as the holidays approach with gatherings of family, friends, and colleagues, I thought this concept was worth sharing. This approach is especially valuable not […]
The fallout from conversations gone wrong is not pretty: trust and intimacy suffer, while resentment and misunderstanding build. But it is possible to improve the way we handle our most difficult personal conversations. Our relationships need to nourish us, not deplete us. Consider the following: 1. Set […]
Left unchecked, anger can damage relationships, careers, even lives. Here are 10 simple ways to cool your anger before it gets out of control: Take several deep breaths. Breathe in calmness and then release anger as you breathe out. Do something physical. Take a walk, go to the gym or walk some stairs. […]
Pushy vs. Assertive. How Do You Tell the Difference? When you think of “pushy,” two unfortunate stereotypes likely come to mind: the salesman who obnoxiously pressures you to buy, and the aggressive woman who elbows out all other concerns until she gets what she wants. Although those are stereotypes, “pushy” does exist. We […]