By Cindy Ramirez, CDA, RDA
Editor's Note: Usually I am the one who writes about our the dental team that graces our cover. However, this issue's office was so unique that I asked Cindy Ramirez, one of the office's assistants, to explain why her office was so special. Read on to discover why this office in Fresno, Calif., is an amazing place to work.
This is how the legacy all started. Dr. Thomas L. Thompson came to Fresno in 1964 to set up his orthodontic practice. His first order of business was to hire Ruby. That was how this office family started. When you wonder how to retain employees, Dr. Thompson wrote the book. He was admired and respected by Ruby from the start. In return, Dr. Thompson respected and put his trust in Ruby. The duo developed the reputation of being one of the best teams in town. In 1976, Dr. George Clarke Jr. joined the practice. Dr. Clarke brought with him the perfect balance for the office. Just as the staff members complement each other, the doctors also do the same. Dr. Clarke is also an excellent orthodontist. He is a perfectionist and we all strive to meet his expectations.
Working in an office that always has the patient's best interest at heart is the key to a successful practice. As employees, we are proud of the work that we all do. The doctors are excellent orthodontists and care about the patients and about us. We all agree that fairness is an important attribute, along with recognition when the job is well done. We also appreciate that the doctors feel that we are valued employees and show this by contributing to our ADAA dues and our education. There is no doubt that our practice will always be on the cutting edge of all the changes in orthodontics.
When we are asked what keeps us together, we all have similar views. We respect and have total tolerance for one another. Even though we all have different personalities, we care for and watch out for each other. If you find a weakness in one, you will see strength in the other.
We have the ability to grow with each other. We have been through so much, including the untimely death of a former coworker. We have also shown support to each other through personal traumas. There has never been a time when we were not there for each other. It has also been a special joy to share the good times. We have shared in every wedding, birth, new dog or cat, vacation, and all of the normal life events. We genuinely love and care for one another, in good or bad times.
As an office, we have attended many American Association of Orthodontists annual sessions and Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists meetings. We have found that these organizations are very progressive in educational opportunities for dental assistants. We have been known to plan ahead as far as 10 years. Ten years ago, I remember saying to Jennifer, "Do you know how old we will be at the Hawaii meeting?" Hawaii did roll around, we did attend, we did age, and we still had just as much fun! In addition to our yearly meeting, the doctors have started an incentive fund for us. We have already taken a cruise. We are now in the process of planning our next trip. Imagine nine women trying to decide on what the best vacation would be! This is another test of our love and tolerance for each other.
Each year, we treat our doctors to something special on Bosses' Day. They in turn remember us during Dental Assistants Recognition Week.
Why does our staff stand out when it comes to retention and longevity? I think it's because we all found that we have a strong loyalty to each other and our employers. We expect and receive the respect and recognition that is due to us. We are proud of our career choice. We all agree that the patient is the main focus of the practice. I have yet to mention what is probably the most important thing — fun, fun, and more fun!
About the employees
Ruby Roach, CDA, RDA: Ruby was the very first dental assistant hired by Dr. Thompson when he opened his practice in 1964. She has been with the office for 40 continuous years. Ruby is our office manager and is the reason many of us have stayed over the years. Ruby has more integrity than anyone else we know. She is dedicated, honest, a leader, a mediator, a psychiatrist, and a true friend. On day one, Dr. Thompson encouraged Ruby to get involved with her professional organization. Ruby has served on the local, state, and national levels of the American Dental Assistants Association, including two terms as president of the California Dental Assistants Association!
Ann Ekberg, RDA: Ann first came to work in 1971. She is an excellent chairside assistant and does some lab work. She left her position in 1974 to follow her first husband to a new city. She returned to Fresno in 1977, remarried, and came back to work here. Ann went part-time after her two children were born, but is now once again full-time. Ann has invested a total of 29 years to this office.
Jacqueline Harmon, RDA: Jackie started with Dr. Thompson in 1967. Jackie and her husband moved to Georgia in 1971, then spent 17 years raising their three girls in South Carolina. The family decided to come back home and Jackie again joined the Thompson and Clarke family in 1988. Jackie is a true "Southern Belle" — she is the most gracious and polite woman you would ever meet. When you need sympathy, she will be there for you. If you need a laugh, she is the one who has more funny stories than anyone. Jackie has a total of 20 years with us.
Connie Wright, RDA: Connie started in 1975, then started her family a year or so later. Connie chose to be a stay-at-home-Mom for several years. Connie has come and gone several times over the years, but has roughly 20 years at the practice. Connie is our operatory manager. She is a true sister to us all. Connie, the impressionist of our office, can make everyone laugh so easily.
Linda Bryan, CDA, RDA: Linda is another one of those "comeback kids." She spent three years with our office and decided that she needed to "find herself." She returned to the fold in 1997. Linda is such a talented individual. She has worked in almost every position in the office, and currently serves as our treatment coordinator/insurance coordinator. We would be lost without her knowledge. Linda has been with us for a total of 10 years.
Jennifer Engel, RDA: Jennifer came to work at Thompson and Clarke's in 1977 after graduation from Reedley College. Jennifer works chairside and also does the typing for us. She has enormous talent in all areas. The patients love Jen as much as we do. She has the ability to make you feel special no matter what! Jennifer is one of those people with whom everyone wants to room when we go to meetings. Jennifer has dedicated 26 years to this office.
Cyndee Rodriguez, RDA: Cyndee has the honor of being the "young one," or should we say the only one still in her 30s. Cyndee is working on her seventh year with us. I guess you could say that Cyndee's mission in life is to remind us we are all still young at heart. Every office needs a person like her. She is a great chairside assistant and has a great ability to relate with the teens in the practice. If you ever mention the word "shopping," watch out! Shopping is her destiny in life. Cyndee is also the one that coordinates the "fun" agenda at meetings we attend.
Cynthia Alvarez, RDA: Cynthia is another one of those that had to follow her military husband after working here for three years. She was our receptionist the first time around. Cynthia and family returned to Fresno after a four-year stay at Travis AFB. Cynthia, who has been here six years, returned here to become our financial secretary. She has a great talent in organization. It takes a very special person to be in this position.
Cindy Ramirez, CDA, RDA: Did you notice how many of us share the same name? I came to work in 1976. I have not taken a break from work for 27 years. When I had my first baby, I worked all day and delivered that night. My co-workers were not too happy with me, saying I "set a precedence." My responsibilities include chairside duties and purchasing supplies. I also am the one that travels from school to school doing oral hygiene instruction. My partner for this is Hannah the Hippo, who loves to show off her brace-face to all the kids around. Along with most of the Thompson and Clarke employees, I have stayed active in our professional organization. I am currently president of the California Dental Assistants Association. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Ruby and I are sisters!
When you add together all of our years of experience, we have a combined 185 years in this office.
