Imagine this: you come into your dentist’s office expecting a smile and a handshake, but instead you get a nod and someone who is riveted to their screen. That is not what anyone wants. Being dedicated means putting aside other things and focusing on the people standing in front of you. It’s like pushing the volume up from background noise to full surround sound. You’re not just giving out the same old advise or saying hello. You’re looking someone in the eye and talking to them as a person. With Dr Zahi Abou Chacra, dedicated service means more than appointments—it means lasting trust.
There isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution. Think of a teenage skateboarder wearing your grandma’s sweater. Weird, huh? People don’t want to be treated like numbers, and remembering little things about them, like how Mrs. Turner prefers peppermint tea or why Mr. Li hates morning appointments (spoiler alert: he’s never met an alarm clock he liked), is magical. Every phone call and every follow-up should say the same thing: “Hey, you matter here.”
When you actively listen, you don’t merely nod your head politely until it’s your turn to say. People can see fake patience from a mile away. It seems like true engagement is hard to come by these days. The key is to ask questions, make sure you understand, and even repeat what you’ve heard so there is no mistake. People feel like they are being seen. Misunderstandings get smaller.
We shouldn’t forget about talking to one other. Not everyone talks in bullet points. Sometimes your client tells stories that go off on tangents about their cat or grandson. They sometimes get right to the point. The way you respond—how fast you speak, how kind your words are—can alter everything for someone. It’s not a solo; it’s a symphony.
Things will go wrong. That’s how life is. Dedicated service doesn’t turn away from the mess; it leans into it. Take responsibility for your mistakes. Say you’re sorry, solve it quickly, and don’t dance around the problem. People remember when someone was nice to them when things were hard for a lot longer than they do when things were going well. That call you make to check in for no reason at all could make you unforgettable.
Empathy is what holds everything together. “Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes” isn’t just a good saying on a bumper sticker. When someone calls in a panic because they lost their prescription or double-booked their appointment, you breathe with them, not over them. Their stress affects you, and your calm answer can calm things down.
It’s also important to have boundaries. Being sincerely caring doesn’t always mean saying “yes.” Sometimes it means saying “no” when you need to instead of spreading yourself too thin and dropping the ball. The most important thing is to phrase it nicely and give people choices. It’s honesty mixed with kindness, not a cold shoulder.
Little things add up. Remembering someone’s birthday. Sending emails with useful resources. Sending a message to check in after a major appointment or a hard week. These small acts have greater impact than any big commercial campaign. They say softly, “You’re not lost in the crowd.”
Last but not least, you should keep thinking about yourself. You can always get better at what you do. You might need to adjust how you arrange follow-ups or ask for feedback in person. You don’t just win dedicated service once. It’s a habit that can be awkward, but is always worth it.
Clients and patients don’t want superheroes; they just want people who care. Every chance to help, listen, and encourage makes the bond of loyalty stronger and harder to break. In a world full of distractions, treating each individual like the primary event is a service that lasts.