The majority of dentists are introverts, which means they are often judgers and thinkers. Introverts get energy from solitude. Judgers like things settled and decided. Thinkers like facts and remain objective and calculating instead of relying on emotions and instincts. A LOT of people in the medical field are introverts. For dentists, nearly 60% are introverts, 65.9% are thinkers, and 75% are judgers.
It can be a struggle for introverts to be cheerful and outgoing all day. But you don’t have to be exhausted. Embrace the benefits of introversion. You’re a keen observer and listener. Use these traits. Don’t force yourself into actions that aren’t natural for you.
For instance, introverts don't like small talk, which some people may equate to snobbishness or a negative personality. In the dentist's office, this stiffness can increase patient anxiety.
Instead, try these techniques.
Friendly Techniques for Introverted Dentists
1. Don’t imitate the extroverts in their small talk. You'll only look awkward.
2. Get comfortable. You don't have to make small talk or force yourself to interact, but you can train yourself to get comfortable. It’s your office. See it as a place you belong in, and you will.
3. Accept and acknowledge the social need. Instead of dreading interactions or particular types of conversations, accept them as necessary parts of being a dentist.
For example:
Goal: A friendly office culture.
Steps to achieve that: Give positive feedback to your staff, and voice concerns immediately. Introverts tend to internalize issues to avoid conflict, but that can build into needless stress.
Action: Share a short anecdote about your weekend. And then listen to their own stories. When managing your staff, don’t be a perfectionist. Humans make mistakes. The key is to learn from them.
Goal: A friendly interaction with a patient.
Steps to achieve that: A simple, "How are you today?" Ask them if they have any questions you can answer. Be the first to speak, so you can proceed to listen. Use your keen observation to comment on a new haircut, a nice pair of boots, a child’s rosy cheeks.
By removing the pressure to like social interaction, you can relax and become an amiable participant.
4. Instead of making small talk, listen big. Ask a question, let them talk. You WOULD ask questions to your patients anyway, medical or not. Be pleasantly curious-- which people love.
Be helpful. Ask if you can get them anything, or if you can make them more comfortable somehow.
5. Use your observation skills to create a friendly bond with your patients. You probably noticed their scarf, purse organizer, or haircut-- ask them about it.
6. Recharge. Retreat into your office for alone time, even if it's as little as five minutes between appointments. And designate time every week just for yourself or with someone you love, where you don't have to please anyone.
Being an Introverted Dentist Isn’t Bad
Your success depends on the quality of your work as a dentist, so you don't have to pressure yourself with social skills.
People like you. Patients love that you listen instead of talk over them. They love that you respect the need for space and thinking time. You don't rush patients. You don't chatter. You listen and you answer questions.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
As long as you make your patients feel welcome and listened to, they’ll like you. Long chats don’t have to be included.
