National Dental Hygienist Appreciation Week is the second week of April. This is a chance for dentists and office managers to show their appreciation for the dental hygienists who work hard to provide the best care for their patients.
When dental hygienists feel appreciated, they are more likely to have higher morale and job satisfaction. This can lead to a more positive work environment and better patient care. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to stay with a company and be loyal to the practice.
If you’re looking for a way that you can show you value your team during this time, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a list of gifts you can give to acknowledge the dental hygienists at your practice:
1. Highlighting each one on social media
You can make a spotlight post for each of your dental hygienists that includes some of the things they like to do or some of their favorite things (TV shows, podcasts, food). In this you can include how long they’ve been at your practice and how much you appreciate them.
This can also include bringing in a photographer to capture new headshots for your employees. That way it can be used on your social media page, as well as their personal pages.
2. Gift Cards
Don’t be generalized with this one, if your team is small, personalize the gift card for each dental hygienist! This shows that you know what they like. It also ensures that you’re getting them a gift they’ll likely use.
You can either purchase these gift cards online or go to any chain stores such as Walmart or Target to find the right ones. If you want to go the extra mile, pick up a gift card from your local coffee shop or small business.
3. Bonuses
This one may not be as easy to do as the others, but I don’t know anyone who would turn down a bonus. If you’re able to give a one time bonus to the dental hygienists at your practice, do it. That shows your team that you value them and the hard work they bring to the table.
Knowing that they have the opportunity to earn a bonus can encourage your employees to work harder and strive for excellence. Offering bonuses can also help to attract new talent to the practice. Potential hires may be more likely to choose a practice that offers bonuses as a way of showing that they value their employees.
4. Personalized Tumbler
A nice, personalized tumbler to keep a drink cold throughout the day could be a great gift for the dental hygienists in your office.
This is a practical gift that they can bring to work every day. It can keep their drinks both hot or cold and can be easily hidden away from the patients. You can personalize them by adding your staff member’s names, a favorite quote, or a special message.
Giving a personalized gift can help strengthen your professional relationship and build a sense of camaraderie in the workplace.
Tumblers can be purchased in bulk, making them more cost-effective.
5. New T-Shirts/Sweatshirts
Gifting your staff a well-made company t-shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket that they can wear to the office is a great idea to show your appreciation. This is a gift they can use all year long.
Getting them a piece of clothing with the company logo on it is a gesture that you care about their comfortability.
Make sure to ask around and get everyone their desired size though, don’t assume!
6. Lunch or Dinner
Treating your team to a free lunch or dinner helps get them out of the office and could help build a trusting relationship between you and them.
If you’re not already close as a team, gathering outside of the workplace could help bring everyone together. Also, who doesn’t love free food?
This doesn’t have to be a 5 star meal, but a casual dine-in restaurant would help your staff feel appreciated.
Keep Showing Your Appreciation
Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to show your appreciation for your team. We spend most of our time with our coworkers, so letting them know they’re valued can make a big difference.
You can find these gifts online at websites such as Etsy and Amazon, or you can support a local business by buying from them.
Showing appreciation for your staff can help retain talented employees. It can also motivate them to perform at their best. By recognizing your team members, you’re acknowledging their hard work and dedication to your practice.
Dental hygienists who feel appreciated are more likely to speak positively about the practice to others, which can help to improve the practice’s reputation and attract new patients.
