This edition first published 2019
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Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data
Names: Graskemper, Joseph P., author.
Title: Leadership and communication in dentistry: a practical guide to your practice, your patients and your self / Joseph P. Graskemper.
Description: Hoboken, NJ: Wiley‐Blackwell, 2019. | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
Identifiers: LCCN 2018054061 (print) | LCCN 2018055297 (ebook) | ISBN 9781119557142 (AdobePDF) | ISBN 9781119557135 (ePub) | ISBN 9781119557210 (paperback)
Subjects: | MESH: Interpersonal Relations | Practice Management, Dental | Leadership | Communication | Insurance, Dental | Dentists–psychology
Classification: LCC RK58.5 (ebook) | LCC RK58.5 (print) | NLM WU 61 | DDC 617.60068–dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018054061
Cover Design: Wiley
Cover Images:© Beautiful landscape/Shutterstock, © Martin Barraud/Getty Images
This book is the result of many recent dental school graduates seeking advice regarding the direction their careers and their lives were heading. Some lost the balance required to maintain a healthy practice and a healthy home life. Some would mention after our sessions on leadership that they never heard of such material and wished they had more information. To maintain your life is not only to be living successfully but also to be successful at living. In dentistry, we need to take the lead in our involvement in dental insurance, or in our practices as it relates to our patients and our staffs, and the lead on how we manage ourselves to maintain that leadership and maintain our life. Communication goes hand in hand with leadership, and therefore this book gives great attention to how we communicate with those we lead. It is understandable that many dental schools do not have enough scheduled time in the education of future dentists to allot significant time to communication and leadership. This book presents the basic understanding of communication and leadership in the dental practice.
There are many instances when written communication is a must. A written communication is often a memorialization of what was said or to convey or make known one's thoughts, reasonings, and beliefs. All great leaders have based their leadership on great communication. There are basically four stakeholders in dentistry: insurance companies (payers), patients, staff, and dentists (providers). Dentists must constantly communicate with insurance companies, patients, and staff. Dentists must also lead the insurance discussion to maintain a successful practice, lead patients to become motivated, lead staff to perform properly, and lead the direction of their life to be self‐dedicated and keep focused on their self and their families. Each requires an individualized communication regarding a variety of issues. What must be said to a dental insurance company in advocacy for your patient is very different than what is communicated to your staff/employees and again different to one's self to maintain leadership. Being mindful of proper communication and leadership skills create a true balance for the successful dentist leader. Therefore, this book has been divided into three sections: Dental Insurance Companies, Your Practice, which includes patients and staff, and Your Self.
My first book, Professional Responsibility In Dentistry: A Practical Guide to Law and Ethics, had to deal with the legal, ethical, and practice management issues that dentists face in their professional careers. Like my first book there are True Case/Examples in this book to help illustrate a point or concept. It should be pointed out that many of the suggestions, concepts, and illustrations may need to be adapted to your jurisdiction's rules, regulations, and laws; and you should always retain proper legal, tax, and practice management advice when applicable.
I dedicate this book to my wife, Tara, who is always there and supportive of my pursuits. She is my confidant, my sounding board, and the only person who keeps me balanced in my life. She is my companion who is at my side whenever needed. My love is beyond that which can be said with words. And “Yes,” I will get all the “book stuff” off the kitchen table.
I also want to acknowledge my children and their spouses for their encouragement and support while they are all balancing their lives and following their roads to be successful at living. Thank you to Joey and his wife Allie, Gena and her husband Eric, and Paige. You are all special to me. I appreciate your patience and understanding while I took on this endeavor, often times caught up in thought.
And to my office staff, Michele Yalamas RDH, Erin Condit RDH, Cathy Perten, Susan Sawyer, and Sandra Richiusa for all your understanding and constantly hearing: “Just a minute, I need to finish this thought” or “I'll be right there,” only to be reminded 10 minutes later.
I would also like to acknowledge those whom I may not have identified sooner and from whom I have drawn my conclusions and opinions and apologize in advance of any inadvertent omission.
This work is sold with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering professional services such as, but not limited to, legal or tax advice. The advice or strategies contained herein may not be suitable to your situation and therefore you should always seek professional advice in your jurisdiction.
With the continuing intrusion into the practice of dentistry, dentists must have a full understanding of the insurance company’s provider agreements, dental care limitations, and policy manuals; thereby, allowing the dentist to become an advocate for the patient and be successful in his or her dental practice.