Dear friends and colleagues,
2020 has been a year filled with challenges and change, and the dental industry is no exception. I am writing to encourage you, and to share an opportunity for you to consider.
Clinical professionals (hygienists, assistants, and doctors alike) are facing two options right now, and neither one is ideal. Some are without work as their practices downsize or close in response to COVID-19. Others have returned to a work environment filled with difficult safety restrictions and fear of exposure to the virus.
I’d like to show you a better solution.
As soon as we received Michigan’s order to shut down in March, I began Zoom meetings with my team to imagine the best way to re-open safely and successfully. How would we make our practices safe, not only for patients, but for our own team members. The result was a re-imagining of dentistry—technology, operations, and talent. The response has been amazing. Here’s what we did:
- New Pathogen Control Technology
Smile became the first dental practice in the country to install UV-C pathogen control technology by UV Angel. The air filtration devices (installed in the ceiling above every single treatment chair) use UV light to kill all pathogens in the air, including COVID-19. They work 24/7 to kill 99.95% of viruses and bacteria for an unprecedented level rivaling any healthcare facility in the U.S. - New Safety Standards
From day one, no expense has been spared to keep our team members and patients safe. Thermal imaging temperature scanners and hands-free hand sanitizers were installed at every entrance. Our existing Green Seal Certified Cleaning Program was enhanced to include frequent, daily Touch Point cleaning. And PPE medical equipment was made available for our team with no additional surcharge to our patients. - Listening To Our Team
Unlike the traditional hierarchy found at most dental practices (where everyone reports to the dentist), the Smile model creates a collaborative experience where hygienists, dental assistants, and doctors are each respected for their expertise. So we talked with our team and listened to their concerns. Their insight and ideas lead to important improvements that have made us safer and operationally stronger. - Exceeding Our Patients’ Expectations
Finally, we took a look at our patients’ experience—from parking lot to check out—and made positive changes to keep them safe and comfortable. To prepare our patients for these changes, we created a simple video preview that can be texted to them before their appointment.
Three months later, and the results speak for themselves. Our team is confident, healthy, and thriving professionally. Our patients have returned and expressed their appreciation and level of comfort. And hundreds of new patients who have heard about the Smile experience are scheduling appointments.
If you are interested in being a part of a dental team like ours—or know someone in the dental industry who is looking for employment—I invite you to contact us. We are growing and in need of quality, experienced clinical professionals like you.
Good things are happening at Smile. Please spread the word. Better yet, come join us.
Darren Riopelle, DDS
Owner/CEO, Smile Dental Partners
To inquire about career opportunities at Smile, send your resume to: clinical@smileoneservices.com