Hygiene Mentor: How to carefully approach dental assistants about ultrasonic problem

Question: I’ve been working in an office for less than a year and love the hygiene team and doctor; however, I’m struggling with the dental assistants. They tend to put instruments in the ultrasonic without a bundle holder. This leaves instruments tangled at the bottom of the ultrasonic and prevents everyone else from being able to bag them correctly. How do you suggest I handle this issue? I find it extremely disrespectful, and I find myself growing resentful.  

Answer: First of all, I can sense your frustration with this situation, and I want you to recognize it as a growth opportunity for you. You are the only person who can allow others’ actions to impact you negatively. I often find it’s the story around others’ actions that truly create the resentment in our minds that leads to hostility in an environment.

Instead, we have to focus on how we can express ourselves in the most respectful way to create long lasting change. I love to lead by example. In this case, if the team is not using cassettes, I’d make sure the pro-ties are available to secure the instruments in their designated bundle. I would use the pro-ties to wrap them myself before putting them in the ultrasonic.

I would also approach this situation from a team perspective. State the problem and offer a solution. Connect with the leadership team and ask to book a quick alignment meeting during the next lunch break or morning huddle. Focus on how you’re concerned that when instruments are not properly contained in the ultrasonic, this increases the risk of injury to the person who empties the device. Additionally, if the instruments are not properly staying in their bundle, they can become misplaced or wrapped incorrectly, which leads to a decrease in productivity.  

I believe peer-to-peer accountability is important, but it falls on leadership to fully set the practice culture and uphold the practice standards. Expressing your concerns in a calm way with a solutions-oriented approach to leadership and peers is vital to achieve the result you’re looking for. When we approach difficult situations like this with respect and without making it personal, we create a better result for everyone.

Most dental teams are looking to hire for at least one clinical position, and this tends to put additional stress on the team. Now more than ever, we must focus on a solutions-oriented approach to uphold our universal precautions.

I’m excited for you to experience this growth opportunity and communicate in a way that creates more accountability on your team.

Editor's note: This article appeared in the April/May 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.