ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL TEAMWORK

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the opinion of dentists and dental assistants about the advantagesf teamwork. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey of 110 dental practitioners and 108 dental assistants in four cities in Bulgaria. The questionnaires for the two groups include several identical questions that allow the respondents' opinions to be compared. The methods used are sociological (poll) and statistical (alternative analysis). RESULTS: The majority of dental assistants - 75% are convinced that every dentist should work with an assistant, while 58.6% of the doctors are of the same opinion. Almost the same number of surveyed doctors and dental assistants - mentioned as a strength of the teamwork a relief of the doctor's work (80.90 and 79.63%), an increase in the volume (68.18 and 57.40%) and quality (53.63 and 54.62%) of the medical activity and a reduction in working time (54.54 and 55.62 %). For dentists, the most important factors for creating a goodeam are observing rights and obligations (68.5%), mutual respect (67.6 %) and a relaxedork atmosphere (56.8%). For dental assistants, the most important factors for effective teamwork are mutual respect (74.1%) and the professionalualities of the dentist (72.2%). CONCLUSION: The results show a positive attitude of dental doctors and assistants to teamwork, albeit with varying degrees of conviction.