AREA MEETINGS---DYNAMIC TOOLS FOR PRACTICE IMPROVEMENT

Two areas of responsibility operate within a dental practice:  the Business Area and the Clinical Area.  Typically, team members participate in one monthly General Staff Meeting per month in which, theoretically,  the activities of each area are discussed and worked---or maybe not!

While a Monthly General Staff Meeting is necessary for overall communications among the team, regular Area Meetings are equally important.  Business Area staff members should meet together while Clinical Area staff members meet together, thereby providing time for each group to focus on details of systems in their area.  The concentration on details of operation in each area is invaluable in improving efficiency and effectiveness.  Area Meetings may be scheduled monthly, quarterly, or on an as-needed basis.

Analyses, decisions, actions, and results from Area Meetings should be reported to the entire group during the next monthly General Staff Meeting so that team members in each work area are aware of activities and/or changes affecting the practice.  The “Front” and the “Back” are, after all, one cohesive team that must work well together to best serve patients.