RM Matters
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The Employee Manual: An Important Tool for Communicating Employment Conditions and Expectations TDIC Risk Management Staff
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recent viral video parodies the plight of hiring managers. After admiring a hand-drawn “resume’” and checking the job candidate’s pulse, the manager asks, “When can you start?” While the fictitious interview was meant to be comedy, the struggle to find candidates to fill open positions is a reality for most employers in today’s market. The results of a November 2021 poll from the ADA Health Policy Institute found that 9 out of 10 hiring dentists indicate that it has been “extremely” or “very” challenging to recruit dental hygienists and dental assistants in the past year. In a climate of such need, it is understandable that dentists who find qualified and available new employees are eager to have them begin working as quickly as possible. However, prioritizing job duty training over educating new employees about crucial office policies can lead to miscommunication and increased risk of misconduct. The Dentists Insurance Company’s dedicated Risk Management analysts advise you to minimize risk by documenting your practice’s employment policies and making sure all employees — both seasoned and new — are offered training on the practical implementation of and adherence to those policies.
A case study in employment practices A phone call received by TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line came from a practice owner who needed guidance on handling the aftermath of an employee’s termination. The
employee in question was a dental assistant who displayed stellar work habits during the first 90 days of employment. Unfortunately, in the days that followed, the dental assistant developed an attitude that was out of sync with the culture of teamwork the practice owner felt was established within the office. For example, the
practice owner noticed the assistant rolled her eyes when asked to do things. Problems with the employee escalated from that point. In another instance, after being asked to clean the last operatory of the day, the employee responded by throwing her sterilization gloves down on the counter, then further demonstrated
answers
From one-on-one risk management advice by phone to informed consent forms to expert-led seminars, we’re here to help you practice with confidence. We are The Dentists Insurance Company. Learn more at tdicinsurance.com/rm
Protecting dentists. It’s all we do.
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800.733.0633 | tdicinsurance.com | Insurance Lic. #0652783
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