4 strategies for strengthening team dynamics in the dental practice

Running a dental office can’t be done alone. From dentists to office managers, hygienists, and dental assistants, practices need a cohesive team to deliver quality patient care and manage daily operations. Building a team that works together effectively, and enjoys doing so, doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right approach, practices can foster a positive team dynamic that elevates the entire office. 

Here are a few strategies that can help, with firsthand testimonials from winners of the Great Practice for Dental Assistants to Work award. 

Communicating constantly 

Collaboration is everything in the dental office. From knowing what instruments the dentist needs during a procedure to keeping the schedule on track, answering patient questions, and formulating treatment plans, clear communication between the front and back office is paramount for the dental team. 

Practice leaders should emphasize the importance of communication in the office and set up systems to best facilitate it. Most practices have a team huddle every morning to form a “game plan” for the day. The meeting can involve reviewing the appointment schedule, procedures, and patient needs, as well as answering questions or addressing any issues in the office that require attention. This can also be a time to give shout-outs to employees and get the team energized for the day.  

Monthly or quarterly team meetings are also helpful for reviewing long-term plans for the practice, giving updates on goals, and discussing the team’s ideas and needs. Providing opportunities for the team to bring up issues, whether in team meetings or privately, can also quell any office drama.  

When a dental team communicates effectively, they can work in harmony — and this often leads to close bonds being formed. 

“It truly feels like myself and the entire staff are a family,” says Kaci Christy, a lead registered dental assistant at Lone Star Smiles in Lubbock, Texas. “We are able to communicate freely and confidently. I always say there has never been a day I haven’t wanted to go to work.” 

Treating everyone equally 

Every person on the dental team contributes to the practice’s success, regardless of their seniority, experience, education, or job title. Dental assistants should be given the same respect as hygienists, for example. Employees should also be treated equally regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, or gender. Having policies in place for workplace conduct (e.g., anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies) and equitable hiring practices can help ensure fair treatment of team members. Additionally, every member of the team should be given equal opportunities for growth, such as training and career advancement. 

Transparent communication is a major aspect of fair treatment. All team members should be informed about what’s going on in the practice, including changes and decisions that will affect their jobs. Involving employees in decision-making processes — such as dental equipment upgrades or patient care protocols — allows all voices to be heard and can make everyone feel more invested in the practice. 

“At our monthly team meetings, all 12 team members are included in the decision-making for the growth of the office and upcoming events, making everyone’s decision important,” shares Rebekah Vardaman, a lead dental assistant at Lawrenceville Family Dental Care in Lawrenceville, Georgia. 

Aligning on values and goals 

When a team has a shared mission, it can bring out the best in every member. Dental practices should have a set of core values (e.g., establishing a safe, welcoming environment for all patients) and a mission statement that serve as the team’s North Star. Dentists and other practice leaders should communicate these values often to remind the team of their shared purpose. Getting the team involved in creating these goals can also be an effective way to create alignment, establish a collaborative office culture, and give everyone a say in the future direction of the practice. 

“When Dr. Dooley bought the practice, we had a meeting where we all worked to establish our mission statement and core values,” explains Amy Mitchell, an expanded functions dental assistant at Cedar Village Dentistry in Mason, Ohio. “Seven years later, they’re still a part of our daily growth as a practice. These core values helped us create our culture of inclusivity, positivity, celebration, community, and leadership.” 

Celebrating successes 

Between jam-packed patient schedules, the preparation that goes into each appointment, and the behind-the-scenes tasks needed to keep the practice running, dental offices are usually busy from open to close. But it’s important to take time to celebrate successes and recognize the hard work everyone does. These don’t have to be grand gestures — it can be as simple as giving a dental assistant a shout-out during a team meeting for working with a tough patient in a professional manner the previous day. For larger team milestones and accomplishments, such as a staff member’s birthday or meeting a patient retention target, it can be meaningful to the team to bring them lunch or plan an event outside the office to celebrate.

“Dr. Hicklin verbally tells us on a regular basis how much he appreciates his team and that he knows how lucky he is and could not be happier,” says Meridith Lokey, a Certified Dental Assistant at Reedy River Dentistry in Greenville, South Carolina. “He makes sure to spoil us on a regular basis ... Starbucks, lunch, new shoes, manicures — you name it, he’s done it.” 

Read more: 4 ways dental leaders can support dental assistants