I was in a medical provider’s office last week for a routine visit.  While I was there, I used the restroom and was reminded of something too often forgotten in our harried life; it’s the little things that count, so we should be sweating the small stuff.  Let me explain.

I happen to know that this particular provider’s office has a cleaning service that comes in twice a week to help keep the office as spotless as possible.  But when I walked into the restroom, my eyes fell immediately on the tissue box.  Small offices in our area, including ours, buy a lot of their supplies from Sam’s club, so this is one of those mega-size tissue boxes.  I am allergic to dust and dust mites, so I am especially sensitive to dust anywhere I see it.  That tissue box was covered with dust and I thought to myself, I know the cleaning service probably overlooks it because their concern is with the commode, washbasin, mirror and floor.  I know the staff are busy and have bigger concerns on their minds as well.  But honestly, can you tell me that no one had noticed that tissue box before me?  And here’s the thing, many patients will notice it and not say a word.  But they will assume certain things about you, your staff, and your dentistry.

I didn’t say anything to the staff either.  I just cleaned the thing – it took me about 10 seconds to wipe it off - twice.  Having worked in a busy dental office I know that things often get overlooked, but once they are brought to light, any cleanliness issue needs to be dealt with immediately.  Here’s why.

Let’s say a person comes in who hasn’t been to a dental office in a long time.  They know nothing about what to expect from the dentist or the team.  What they do know, is that they want to be treated in a safe, clean environment.  That’s about all the public really knows about OSHA is that things are supposed to be safe and clean.

So this person walks into the restroom and sees the dust-covered tissue box.  What does he think?  Does he cut you some slack?  Not ultimately.  If that’s the only thing he sees, he will forget about it.  But what if he walks into the treatment room and sees mud on the floor?  Okay, that was left there by the last person and the staff hasn’t had time to clean it up yet, we’ll let that one go too.  But then, when you lean him back in the dental chair, he again sees dust on the plant hanging from the ceiling and under the shelves to his right.  What is he supposed to think now?  At this point, I would be thinking that the doctor and team obviously have no regard for cleanliness.  I would be questioning not only their knowledge of OSHA, but also their knowledge of dentistry.  I mean, if they can’t get the small stuff . . .

I’ve never had the desire to read any of Richard Carlson’s  Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff series because, frankly, I don’t know what I’d do without my details.   I find “sweating the small stuff” quite rewarding.  There’s nothing like a dust-free home, or the pursuit of it.  Keeping a clean, neat, orderly, well-organized home is very rewarding and more healthful.  What’s not to love about rewards and health?  Most people, women especially, will agree that they, too, love a clean house or office environment.  But then they argue over who should do what and complain about having to do the work required to get and keep a home or office in a pleasingly livable, orderly style.  These people would do well to remember that those who love the end must also love the means.

To that end, I have finally found a book that I can sink my teeth into:  Home Comforts:  The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson.  I’ve only started reading it but I am impressed with her intellect and desire to raise the bar for today’s housekeepers.  Everyone should own this book, but especially those charged with the responsibility of keeping a home or office clean.  It is very informative, giving the very basics for beginners and plenty of detail for the well-seasoned veteran. The book has 884 pages and is well indexed.  The best part is, you can take the principles Cheryl discusses in the first couple of chapters and apply them to your situation – like, if you work in a medical provider’s office!Š

Posted under Uncategorized