While constant and instant communication can be important, it’s okay to ask patients to turn off or silence their cell phones and mobile devices during treatment. It’s rude and distracting.
If your practice has determined that cell phones and other mobile recording or photographic devices pose a risk to patient privacy, explain any restrictions to the patient.
General office policies about staff expectations and behaviors can play an important role in managing patients. While specific information was developed in the guidelines relating to managing the dental team, it’s important to keep the following points in mind.- Delegate select policy-related duties to certain staff members based on what is allowed under your state’s dental practice act. Team members should review the policy and sign and date a statement confirming that they’ve read it.
- Dental office policies for staff frequently discuss the practice’s:
- mission statement, e.g., “this dental practice exists to provide quality dental care to its patients and a timely and efficient basis.”
- contact with patients and the public, e.g. “this office expects every employee to display good judgment, diplomacy, and courtesy when dealing with patients and the public, and to adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional ethics.”
- policies on access to confidential information, telephone usage, appearance, receiving guests and visitors and performance of work.