As a Dental Practice Management Consultant I don't like the idea of "warnings" or "disciplinary actions".

When you have non compliance with office policy most Dental Consultants will agree you need a good Dental Office Manual. Here is very workable procedure that is better that "disciplining""

1. Have a Dental Office Manual. All office policy must be in writing.
2. Staff must have read the Dental Office Manual and attested in writing they agree, understand and will follow the policy.
3. When a policy is violated you or your Office Manager will conduct a policy review with the employee in private, off production time. They key to an effective policy review is to not assume the employee is bad or malicious. You must assume there is something in the policy they do not understand. Find out what they don't understand or what they disagree with. Handle it. Once they understand and agree with the policy the review is complete. Have them sign a written attest they understand and will follow the policy.
4. If the policy from the Dental Office Manual is again violated repeat step 3.
5. If the policy from the Dental Office Manual is again violated repeat step 3.
6. If the policy is again violated from the Dental Office Manual dismiss the employee as he or she is unable or unwilling to follow policy.

The above procedure will make your professional life far more sane. As a Dental Practice Management Consultant I highly recommend our manuals for getting in step one as do many other Dental Consultants.

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