Anna Middleton offers insight into how to perfect a better work/life balance and build a more successful practice as she prepares to host her second THRIVE seminar
Dental Hygienist and Therapist Anna Middleton says the secret to success is understanding the importance of building and maintaining a healthy work/life balance alongside a positive approach to patients.
This is the message Anna underlined during her first THRIVE course, launched last year to help fellow Hygienists and Therapists thrive in their roles. The one-day course saw Anna share her own experiences, including her successes and mistakes, plus key insights into professional business and marketing. The second THRIVE course is set for February 4th, when Anna will share more insider tips about how to find genuine motivation and benefit from ‘killer’ branding tactics.
She says: “A strong work/life balance is so important in our profession because there are times when we are put under a lot of stress and pressure. Patients can be demanding and our clinical day very busy. Having the ability to have a good work/life flow means when we meet with these challenges we’re able to approach them systematically and proactively – not just find ourselves stressed and burned out.”
Anna has a strict approach to building and maintaining a healthy life approach, one which she says others could replicate. Her top tips include:
- Incorporating physical activity into the working day; walking to work, going to the gym or yoga
- Planning the week ahead, not only in terms of meetings but also making time for a social life
- Adopting a strict ‘no technology after 10pm’ rule and taking sleep hygiene seriously
- Turning off all smart phone notifications so it doesn’t continuously beep in the background
- Respond to emails, messages and social media in a specific time slot set aside during the day
- Preparing lunch so that even if you have a busy day, you still have something nutritious to eat
Anna extends her measured approach to how she runs her clinical day. “I always do the same things in the same order, so I don’t miss anything out. I have a set of note templates that I adapt for each patient and consent forms are always ready, along with anything I might need – such as patient prescriptions from the dentist. This ensures every patient journey is the same from start to finish.”
She is also a strong believer in ensuring her patients have a positive experience, which in turns helps to drive positive social media and ‘patient traction’. “I believe the power of the before and after is very powerful. A picture does speak a thousand words,” she stresses.
Anna says her approach also helps to put patients at ease, giving even the most nervous a better treatment journey. “The most important thing I’ve found is giving them time. Booking longer appointments, particularly if they’re a new patient, for instance.”
“Beyond the clinic, it’s also important to ensure patients have the right oral hygiene products and that you’ve given them a tailored approach to their specific needs. This might be ensuring they are using a Sonicare powered toothbrush or the new Power Flosser – and whitening is one of the most asked-for treatments. I like the fact that Philips offers an array of either day or night whitening gels with a unique desensitising agent, which patients can use at home. To ensure we maintain a correct workflow throughout the whole team, all patients are fully assessed and given any treatment they might need before they progress to whitening,” Anna adds.
Bookings are now open for Anna’s second THRIVE course, which she says will talk delegates through how to excel both personally and professionally, while maintaining that all-important work/life balance. It will also explore how to apply branding and marketing techniques to attract new patients, plus how to confidently grow social media.
THRIVE will take place on 4th February 2023 at The Marylebone Hotel – 47 Welbeck St, London W1G 8DN – An early-bird price of £450 is available, with places limited to 20 delegates.
The course package includes the one-day training event, plus two 15-minute calls with Anna; one prior to course day and a follow-up, support consultation call after the course. All delegates also receive a goodie bag.
Emilee Walby, Professional Marketing Manager for Philips, who qualified in both dental hygiene and therapy in New Zealand, and who is now registered as a dental hygienist in the UK, commented: “Dental hygiene and therapy is a fast-paced environment, which also often involves nervous patients. Anna is a shining example of how hygienists and therapists can manage their time both in and outside of practice hours to the benefit of themselves and their patients. She also offers sound business-building advice that any practice could benefit from.”
Book Anna Middleton’s new Thrive course online at www.londonhygienist.com/thrive
