Do's and don'ts for projecting professionalism

Whatever your role in the practice, your manner will affect the mood for everyone there, including patients. A dental practice is a relatively small space, so it's important to set aside personal issues and focus on cooperation and patient care. Always be professional.

Maintain a lively practice atmosphere. Professionalism and attentive care don't preclude pleasant human interaction around and with patients. As long as it doesn't interfere with the quality of service or project a frivolous manner, lively conversation helps make patients feel more confident and relaxed in the practice. It creates a comfort level that contributes a great deal to patient satisfaction.

Don't bring personal problems to the office. Patients should never be able to tell that your day didn't start off so well because you got caught in traffic. Nothing in your behavior should suggest that you are anxiously awaiting a phone call or email. Patients should only see caring, upbeat professionalism from you. Deal with personal issues outside of the office.

Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the CEO of Levin Group, a leading dental management consulting firm, and one of the most sought-after speakers in dentistry. Dr. Levin has authored 65 books and more than 4,000 articles on dental practice management and marketing. You can sign up for the Levin Group Tip of the Day.

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