Enhancing relationships among dental team members: the application of research on marital interaction.
BACKGROUND
Despite some important differences, relationships among dental team members bear striking similarities to marital relationships. Empirical research on marital interaction can be useful in enhancing relationships among dental team members.


CONCLUSIONS
As with marriage, it is unrealistic to expect that conflict and differences of opinion will never occur among dental team members. However, a set of principles derived from extensive, empirical, behavioral science research on marital interaction can provide dental teams with strategies for strengthening working relationships and managing conflict.


CONCLUSIONS
Benefits of using these principles may include a reduction in employee turnover, improvements in efficiency and productivity, and the creation of an environment that helps attract and retain patients.
Scarbecz
Mark
M
Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry, Memphis 38163, USA. mscarbecz@utmem.edu
D035841:Behavioral Research / Q000379:methods*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003797:Dental Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D011215:Practice Management, Dental