What it Takes to Succeed at Remote Work

In recent years, the dental industry has witnessed a growing trend of professionals opting to work remotely and independently. As more dental practices embrace a hybrid team structure, it becomes crucial to identify and seek traits that improve a successful match between the office and remote dental professionals. In this blog post, we explore just a few key traits that dental professionals seeking remote work should possess when considering remote work.

1) Tech Savviness – Beyond Dental Experience:

While dental experience (or technical experience is that field) is undoubtedly helpful, it is no longer the sole prerequisite for dental professionals looking to work remotely. (Side note: There are some administrative roles where dental experience is not necessary but we have found training completely remotely for most small private practices proves to be extremely challenging given limited training resources.) The ability to be tech-savvy and adapt to various platforms is equally critical. Remote dental professionals must be proficient in utilizing different communication and collaboration tools to connect securely and efficiently with their office. It’s important to acknowledge that adjusting to a remote work environment may take time, and both the office and remote professionals should set realistic expectations about the learning curve. We have found that some experienced dental professionals often find themselves frustrated initially due to factors like internet speeds, server and workstation capacities, password issues and other IT hurdles that adversely impact their efficiency to get work done compared to in office.

2) Advocate for Success

Remote dental professionals often find themselves navigating challenges in accessing information from a busy front desk. To succeed, they must be proactive advocates for their needs. Clear communication with the office team becomes paramount. Dental professionals should identify their requirements for accomplishing tasks effectively and commit to obtaining the necessary information or training from the office. By being proactive and assertive, remote professionals can ensure they have the resources they need to excel in their roles.

3) The Value of Documenting Work:

In a remote work setup, it is natural for managers and employers to have questions about the work completed by their off-site team members. Therefore, the willingness to document work is a crucial trait for remote dental professionals. This documentation not only provides transparency to the office but also helps in assessing effectiveness, performance evaluation, and identifying training opportunities. Implementing a productivity and performance platform can streamline this process, making it easier for remote professionals to communicate their work and for managers to track and manage performance.

Supporting Success in a Hybrid Team Structure:

Creating a successful hybrid team structure requires commitment and collaboration from both the dental practice and the remote professionals. Here are some key steps to optimize confidence scores in this setup:

1) Training and Resources: Dental practices should invest in training programs and provide resources that equip remote professionals with the necessary technical skills and knowledge to thrive in a remote work environment.

2) Open Communication Channels: Establish clear and open communication channels between the office team and remote professionals. Regular check-ins, virtual meetings, and team collaboration platforms can foster a sense of unity and teamwork.

3) Setting Realistic Expectations: Both parties should understand and acknowledge the challenges and benefits of remote work. Setting realistic expectations from the outset can reduce frustration and increase overall satisfaction.

4) Continuous Improvement: Emphasize a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage feedback from both the office and remote professionals to identify areas for enhancement and implement necessary changes.

As the dental industry embraces the flexibility and advantages of a hybrid team structure, the importance of optimizing confidence scores between dental practices and remote professionals cannot be overstated. By nurturing traits such as tech-savviness, advocacy, and a willingness to document work, remote dental professionals can play a pivotal role in their own success. Simultaneously, dental practices must provide the necessary support and resources to foster a thriving hybrid team environment. By committing to the success of one another, both parties can ensure a prosperous future in the realm of remote dental work.

Have a few tips for remote professionals? We would love to hear from you! Comment and share below!