April 3, 2007
One Bad Employee Spoils the Whole Practice: Customer Service Must be #1
You know the old saying, the customer is always right! This applies to all businesses, including your dental practice. Of course, the truth of the matter is that the customer is not always right, but your staff needs to treat them as if they are right. Many times a patient just wants to be heard by someone in your office who truly seems to care. A well-trained staff member who projects a helpful, caring, and understanding demeanor will always benefit your practice by promoting a positive, caring, and healthy image.
Unfortunately, one bad apple can easily spoil the bunch. If you have an employee who is impatient, unfriendly, or even rude to your patients, it can make your entire practice look bad. For any business to succeed, customer service must be your number one priority. This starts with highly trained, friendly, and patient staff members. This is particularly important when it comes to those employees who regularly answer the phones or work the reception desk.
Remember to teach your employees the golden rule of customer service: treat your patients the way you would want to be treated yourself and they will become loyal customers for life.

