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I was enjoying dinner the other night with friends, and we talked about our experiences during the pandemic. I told a story about how crazy it was to be in the medical profession at that time and about my commitment to my employees when the pandemic began. And I thought I’d share this story with you, so you can understand what else I will bring to the table: teamwork.

When Covid cases started to spread, even before the state ordered dental practices to shut down, I felt the need to protect my staff from this unknown illness. We immediately closed at the state’s mandate. Of course, my employees were concerned about how they would pay their bills, and I completely understood my staff’s concern. Many of my staff were younger, just buying their first homes; some were single moms, and some had kids in college. There was so much uncertainty, but I knew we would get through it together, and we did. After two months, we were permitted to reopen with minimal guidance from the state. We knew we would be seeing fewer patients, and that would require less staff. My staff pulled together, compromised and brought ideas to how we could provide the safest, most efficient environment to provide the care our patients needed. We went above and beyond in safety protocol to protect both the staff and our patients.

I was so proud of my staff, and I was proud of the management style that I was able to cultivate over the years to help guide us through this challenging time.

I often had patients tell me how our office was so different from other dental offices they had visited. Our office was full of laughter, my staff worked independently, and we had fun while providing state-of-the-art dentistry.

Patients noticed the number of procedures my staff was allowed to perform. I have always believed that people should be given the opportunity to grow in their job. Performing the same procedure, or micromanaging a person, stifles their creativity and ability to grow. My staff picked the continuing education classes they wanted to attend. It was my job to make the opportunity available. We had staff meetings after educational events so they could share what they had learned with the rest of the group. I encouraged my staff to perform all the work within their comfort level that the state allowed. Quite frankly, they were better at many of the procedures than I was. My assistant made the best temporary restorations you have ever seen. No patient left our office embarrassed to smile while waiting for their permanent restorations. My hygiene department recommended the schedules for recall, they knew the patients’ hygiene needs, and I trusted them.

Over the course of building my practice, it grew from one employee to 14. I assembled this staff by looking at skill sets and how they would fit into our office environment. Some of my staff didn’t just come from the dental world. I hired the front desk person at the hotel where we’d stay when I was commuting from Manzanita to Lake Oswego. The front desk manager always made us feel so welcome, asked us about our family, and provided such excellent customer service that I asked him if he wanted to work for me. He did, and it worked out great. People loved him—employees and patients alike.

Like any family, we had our problems. Sometimes staff members felt someone wasn’t doing the work or holding up their end of the bargain. We would talk and find a resolution. Sometimes it was easy, someone was having a family issue or a rough patch, and sometimes it was a deeper problem like substance abuse. We had regular staff meetings: short ones weekly over lunch, and longer ones monthly, where we would close the office for the afternoon. By providing a safe place to talk and listen, we respected each other, and meetings always ended on an optimistic note. This atmosphere kept our team together for years; we celebrated our successes often with outings, happy hours, and gatherings.

In previous posts, I have outlined my skill sets, such as how I use the medical model for decision-making and my business experience in fiscal responsibility and following regulations. I thought you might enjoy understanding my experience working in a team and how I believe it differentiates me from the other candidates.

Here’s what some of my staff members have to say:

Dr. Brad definitely has a soft spot for the “underdog” or those who feel different or out of place. He had a special ability to talk with everyone and anyone and make them feel at home and comfortable in his dental chair. In the 13 years I assisted Brad, he showed me great compassion and generosity several times. I was diagnosed with breast cancer about one year into my employment, and Brad and the entire team supported me and carried me when I needed it. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss and friend through that dark time of my life and throughout my 13 years with Mayerle & Tydeman Dental. –Nicole

Brad, working for a boss like you really helped me to elevate my work experience. You were kind, motivating and a wonderful leader. I appreciate all of your support over the years as your patient, your colleague, your employee and, lastly, your friend. I will never forget your loyalty and support over the years. –Jenny

Brad always treated me fair, was respectful and always loyal and honest. I love his great sense of humor! Always a joy to work with!! –Jams

Working with Brad was extremely enjoyable. He was always respectful and kind. One of the things I really liked was he would listen when people spoke, whether it was staff or a patient. He really listened and made people feel heard. I always enjoyed the days I got to work with Brad. They were really fun. –Gwen