If you have run a dental office, then you know the value of a skilled front office person. A lot of skill translates to a lot of value.
During last month’s American Association of Dental Office Manager (AADOM) conference I was exposed to a group that knows better, and is doing something about it. According to GlassDoor’s 2019 survey, 58% of employees say culture and values are more important for job satisfaction than compensation. And what I saw at AADOM was a positive, upbeat, culture building machine.
The people who work as office managers need a support system of people who face similar problems. “So many times the people in these positions…they feel totally alone. Once they join the association and attend a conference, they don’t feel that way anymore”, says AADOM Executive Director Kim McQueen. AADOM addresses that in a big way. The warm environment is so welcoming that first timers feel like part of the ‘tribe’ (an AADOM term), right away. And almost immediately there is a connection with like-minded people who will provide support in person at first, then through very active online tools where the topics range from real everyday issues like coding, vendor choice and experiences to more personal and supportive topics. Your front office professionals will feel connected, and that value was evident to me both at the conference, and in post conference conversations.
The 2019 AADOM Conference provided a useful opportunity for immediate improvement through the learning sessions – delivered by some of the leading speakers in the industry. I sat through classes that focused on a simplified presentation of a more visual treatment plan and a class on how to spot embezzlement, among others. AADOM also offers a useful turnkey training system through the AADOM fellowship. Their training system covers dental-related topics but also management components such as accounts receivable, human resources, financial reporting, marketing, etc.
Finally, AADOM provides a support system for your front office. The investment you make in your front office will pay loyalty dividends. And your team will make friends and establish connections with others with whom they can share ideas. It is a very real network exchanging very real experiences and opinions.
