Terms

If you are undertaking work and doing so on a self employed basis, not having terms can create undue problems and hassles.

Terms do not have to be complicated or shrouded in legal jargon. They simply need to document the work you are undertaking and how you expect to be paid.

Payment terms, can be as simple as detailing when you want paying and how? Cash, cheque or if Bank transfer, sort code and account numbers should be added.

Terms can be expanded to include cancellation charges. Be reasonable but be clear.

Minimum requirement to do the work can be included. If you need materials or supporting staff, you need to make it clear what you will expect as a minimum for you to be able to deliver your work, and the outcomes if these are not met.

Terms can be developed and added to, they are flexible and being your document, you can amend to suit different jobs and clients.  

Terms should be signed and dated by the client before the work is done. This way there can be little disagreement as to their acceptance. This isn’t always possible, so in certain circumstance it can be suitable, simply adding them to the invoice. This means that the client knows your expectations and if there are any problems or issues, these can be sorted sooner rather later, with amendments made for future work or even both parties choosing to part ways with only one invoice be contentious and not several.

From Dental Nurse to Practice Manager

It all starts with a pair of scrubs and a keen interest in health care! As you progress, you become some-what of a mind reader- knowing what your dentist needs without having to ask. Expertly turning around your surgery while mentally listing the stock you’ll collect on your next trip to the Decon. However, after some time you begin to want more. More than an assistant, more than a nurse in the background, more responsibility and ultimately better pay. So, what do you do?

Making the transition from nurse to manager has it difficulties. Do you have the skill? Can you handle the pressure? Do you have the knowledge? Will you be supported? Is there opportunity for growth in your practice?

When making the transition I started by knowing the whys of my job role, not just the how and when. The policies and procedures surrounding my day to day duties and the regulation which dictates these. At times it felt I was drowning in jargon and long winded technical documents, but with each new problem came a new solution and a new found feeling of success. I used online courses and free CPD to help navigate the world of compliance. If my practice used a company offering business resource- I called them- I found as much information to help me get ahead.

The skills are gained along the way by learning from mistakes and taking advantage of the plethora of information out there! I gained a support network from friends, colleagues and dental professional-helping me to deal with the daily pressures of management. My knowledge came from CPD, dental magazines, blogs and social media and finally a certified management course. Support came mainly from colleagues, and I quickly learnt my team where just as willing to support me as I was them- I just had to be honest and clear about my intentions. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity at my practice- I just had to prove I was the right person and once my Principal realised my drive and passion for gaining knowledge- I was on my way!

Not all nurses have the opportunity within practice but every nurse can start the journey- expand their knowledge and make positive changes within their own job role. Short term courses can help open doors, however it’s the drive and ambition of you, the dental nurse that leads to a new way of thinking, thinking like a manager. With hard work and determination you can make your career dreams a reality.