Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

Nena Puga Tel.: +1 310 696 9025 E-mail: nena@gidedental.com website: www.gidedental.com Contact in Athens: Τel: +30 210 213 2084, +30 210 222 2637 E-mail: info@omnicongresses.gr Web: www.omnicongresses.gr Register & More Information at: Contact in the US: SPONSORS: Media Partner: Program Fee: 11.900€ Initial deposit payable upon registration EUR 1.000€ 1st payment EUR 4.900€, before 5th Jan ‘12 2nd payment EUR 3.000€, before 5th May ‘12 3rd payment EUR 3.000€, before 25th Αug ‘12 You can start from the 2nd session & make up the 1st session next Year in Geneva A pplying the qualities and attributes of profession- alism are an essential requirement for all healthcare professionals. In the dental pro- fession standards of profession- alism stem from regulations set out in the Dentist Act and Health and Social Care Act. I often meet dental professionals who are aware that they do not wholly meet some aspects of these re- quirements. Such shortfalls can stem from the practical pres- sures encountered in day-to-day workplace situations, or from a lack of knowledge and under- standing, or from unassertive, unproductive behaviour which fails to focus on goals. This ar- ticle provides a guide for DCPs who want to become more as- sertive at work. Most people are aware that assertiveness is an attribute which enables those who are shy or lack confidence to become more involved. Assertiveness also helps the more extrovert or volatile people to fine tune their interactions with patients, suppliers and colleagues. An assertive person is a positive, resourceful presence in dental team. Therefore an important aspect of professional and per- sonal development should be to avoid unproductive behaviour patterns, in favour of focusing on goals, solving problems and feeling at ease at work. So how can you start to de- velop more assertive behaviour patterns? From the outset it is essential to recognise that as- sertiveness is not about getting your way at the expense of oth- ers. Professional assertiveness is about feeling at ease when set- ting your standards and main- taining them, without violating the rights of others. Here are three basic and essential steps to help you to achieve this. Listen and show under- standing - productive assertive- ness is based on good communi- cation skills. This means taking enough time to understand all points of view and vested in- terests. You may not agree with other people’s views, but goals are most easily met when in- formation gathering clarifies matters and leads to consensus. Say what you mean, how you feel or what you think - this can be more difficult. Man- age your state of mind so that it supports you in being assertive. When communicating state the facts, rather than relying on per- sonal opinions alone. Describe your thoughts and feelings about the situation (for example, de- termined, confident), then go on to clarify your needs (say what you want the other person to do). Always close the conversa- tion by summarising your main points. Finally ensure your make sure you maintain assertive non- verbally communications with steady eye contact, a serious ex- pression and a firm voice with a moderate rate of speech. Say what you want or what action you want taken - having set the scene you are now at the point where you need to make a clear request. This should be based on the facts, regulations or requirements of the situation. Being assertive is no guarantee that you will achieve the desired outcome, but it dramatically in- creases the chances. Recognising the need to de- velop assertiveness skills is just the beginning. If assertiveness is not naturally part of your char- acter a first step is to model on someone whose assertiveness you admire. To do this think of someone whose assertiveness underpins high professional standards, without unduly an- tagonising others. This person would make an ideal coach or mentor able to direct and sup- port you by sharing their philos- ophy, strategies, techniques and thinking patterns. DT Professional standards Glenys Bridges provides a guide to work About the author Glenys Bridges is an independent dental team trainer. She can be con- tacted at glenys.bridges@gmail.com 27April 9-15, 2012United Kingdom Edition DCPs