A Time to Smile when working for Dr. Wageman in Kelowna!

Theresa Naka, Vicki Saarinen, Naomi Stapleton, Elly Cornett, Julie Bush, Lori Harrison

We all applied here under different circumstances and had no idea how fortunate we would be.  Where it might all be business in other offices, it’s different here. None of us could imagine being anywhere else.

Position:We all work in the practice

Tenure:From 3 to 26 years!

Reasons for working for Dr. R. C. Wageman:  “We work here to be with each other and because our efforts are appreciated by Dr. Wageman.  It is a family orientated practice with multi-generational patients.  We’ve worked together for so long we’ve watched each other’s kids grow up and shared in each other’s joys, successes, and sometimes sorrows.  We all feel like the clients are comfortable here and we are on a first name basis with everyone.   It’s important that people feel at home and relaxed when they visit us because most times, they are nervous about the treatment that’s ahead."

Our boss:  “Dr. Wageman is a sincere and genuine individual.  He trusts us to do our job to the best of our ability and we are all grateful for that.  We feel he listens to us and moreover, our clients.  He’s smart, caring, consistent and fun. We couldn’t go without mentioning his generosity.  Giving back to the community and using his profession to help others is a big priority for him.  A few years ago he invited all of us to join him on an aid mission to Guatemala.  What an enriching experience.  Each and every day he thanks us for our efforts, without fail.  He is simply a wonderful person.”

Co-Workers:  “There are no prima donnas here and our egos are checked at the door (if they even exist in any one of us?).  We look out for one another and love to get involved in the community as a team, pitch in where ever help is need.  We have weekly meetings to keep the lines of communication open.  Now this may seem a little strong, but we are so efficient and competent in our roles, we don’t even have performance reviews….no need to really.”

Defining moment of choosing to work here; “We all applied here under different circumstances and had no idea how fortunate we would be.  Where it might all be business in other offices, it’s different here. None of us could imagine being anywhere else.” 

The Flat Side:  “The educational requirements of the doctor and the staff, the equipment and the supplies make some of the recommended treatment plans cost prohibitive for some.  That’s a tough part of our job.  There are emergencies, changes in the plan and Dr. Wageman’s sociability which makes it hard to run on schedule.”

Why we still like it here: “This is a place we can be proud of and it feels good to make a difference.  We do smile make-overs, get people out of pain and make them feel better about their teeth.  Attaining to high standards is satisfying and rewarding.  We get a clothing allowance to purchase matching outfits and Dr. Wageman even dresses to match us!  We are respected, listened to and appreciated. We could go on and on.”