Lisa Newburger, LISW-S

Columnist Lisa Newburger talks about the fear some team members have about a dental practice possibly closing.

You're with your "work family" more than your "real family" during the week. When that happens, there are some habits that get under your skin. You told us exactly what those were in this article.

Politically, it isn’t smart to “bash” the person in the dental practice who writes your paycheck but, let’s face it, we all know he or she exists … and can cause your day to be horrid.

What is your patient thinking when he or she first meets you? I hate to say it, but you need to think about this. What do you see when you look in that proverbial mirror? Here are three categories to keep in mind when making a first impression.

You all think it, but it is taboo to say out loud … so I will do the talking for you.

“Your job is being eliminated!” Those are words you never dream you’ll hear … but this is reality and you are really hearing, “You’re fired.” Your first thoughts are of shock. Why are they eliminating my job? I don’t get it.

Busted! It just isn’t fair! What is the problem with me being on my phone at work? I like to get paid to be on my phone, handling my affairs. It isn’t like I am the only person on the planet who does this

Retirement. How is your spouse/partner going to put up with you when “that” time comes? Here’s a more important question: What will you do with your time without patients, an overflowing

Have you ever been sexually harassed? I am not talking about the workmen down the street who whistle at you when you walk by (but, that is harassment as well). What I am talking about is whether you have ever been uncomfortable with something your boss said or did to you in the dental practice.

Readers, I need your help (I am not bluffing). I have a friend who is a hygienist who shared this with me. What would you say?