While it is important to understand what is unacceptable conduct for your dental staff, it is equally important to understand what is “acceptable conduct” in a dental practice so you can concentrate on the positive not the negative. 

In order to create a positive working environment I encourage you and your staff to practice the following code as much as possible:

1. Ensure patients have your full interest, receive top quality care, and feel valued.

2. Exceed patients’ expectations for treatment, communications and office experience.

3. Be courteous and considerate toward patients and fellow staff.

4. Conduct yourself in an honest, reliable and trustworthy manner.

5. Be punctual.

6. Take initiative.

7. Work hard and get the job done.

8. Set and achieve production goals.

9. Fulfill job duties completely, professionally and willingly.

10. Explore new approaches, technology and practice management ideas.

11. Follow dental office policies and understand the purpose for policy.

12. Take responsibility for the whole practice by taking action regarding non-optimum situations.

13. Focus on business while enjoying the job and working with your fellow staff and patients.

14. Maintain a clean, professional appearance and communicate in a positive, cordial manner.

15. Set a good example for other staff.

16. Seek help in the form of a policy review as needed. 

17. Display a positive attitude and exemplify the true meaning of a “team member.” 

Kevin Tighe, Cambridge Dental Consultants, Senior Consultant, got bitten hard by the business and marketing bug during long summer days working at his dad's Madison Avenue ad agency. After joining Cambridge as a speaker in the mid-1990s, Kevin went on to become Cambridge’s senior consultant and eventually CEO. Cambridge Dental Consultants is a full-service dental practice management company offering customized dental office manuals. Frustrated? High overhead? Schedule a chat with Kevin at