The Dental Office Manager Digest column “Dear Boss” is designed for office managers to be able to speak their minds by anonymously writing a “letter” to their boss. Send your letters to [email protected]. Depending on how many are received, your letter may take a while to appear in DOMD.
I feel so burned out from training staff over and over again. I have been with your practice for over 10 years as your full-time hygienist, assistant, and now also front desk. I am the only staff member who takes care of your front desk. Over time, I have trained 18 different staff members within 10 years.
Our recent hygienist hire just put in her notice to quit after only six months, and you're again telling me that I have to train a new staff member once hired. A lot of this come-and-go stems from your attitude with new staff. You don’t trust anyone, and it shows. People aren't as dumb as you think. They have feelings, and you shunning them usually makes them uncomfortable and upset. The staff always express their sadness to me.
You came up with the idea that we should give out hiring bonuses. I disagreed, but you went with it and now you blame me for your silly idea. You paid someone $10,000, and now we’re out a hygienist and the money. Of course you fall back on me to wear all three hats in the office. Maybe it's my fault for not speaking up, so here I go. Now comes my other dilemma: you haven't given me a raise in the last five years, and I think my time has come. I have been loyal and put up with your nonsense for 10 years, and know I deserve better.
Sincerely,
The hygienist/dental assistant/office manager/person who is there when everything falls apart
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