Managing and Coaching Change in Your Dental Office

Overview

“THE SECRET OF CHANGE IS TO FOCUS ALL OF YOUR ENERGY NOT ON FIGHTING THE OLD, BUT ON BUILDING THE NEW” -SOCRATES

  • Regardless of when your career in dental began, we can all tell a story of the way it used to be.
  • For me that story began with an appointment book, x-ray developers and one office computer.
  • Although change can sometimes be scary, I think most of us can agree that in many instances change turned out to be a good thing!
  • Change has made our job easier and more efficient!
  • Give some examples of things that have changed in your office that have led to positive change.
  • As the Practice Leader, YOU are the person who is responsible for implementing change in your office. This is not always an easy task.
  • It requires a positive outlook and a commitment to gain “buy-in” from your team.
  • Helping them understand the why is key to this process.
  • You are the cheerleader for your team. Encouraging them to embrace the change and to see the future benefits of implementing this change.
  • As the world around us is continually changing, our dental offices are also changing.
  • We are all experiencing change to help us grow and improve our patient care.
  • COVID-19 tested our ability to change and adapt like never before!
    • However, Many offices implemented technologies and change, such as digital forms that will continue long after the pandemic is over!

In Conclusion

  • Change can be a great thing!
  • Your team depends on you to remain positive and guide them through change.
  • You are never in it alone! Rely on your Regional Leaders to help your office navigate through changes.

Communication with Your Team

  • We have just discussed how change plays an important part in every dental office. Change is always present as we learn better and more efficient ways to provide top notch patient care.
  • An integral part of implementing change in the office is communication.
  • How does your office currently communicate?
  • There are many ways to establish regular communication in the dental office.

Morning Huddles – Each Day Approximately 10 Minutes

  • A great way to start the day as a team!
    • Discuss any special requests or concerns.
    • Review a strategy for the day.
    • Plan ahead for any issues that may arise.
    • Celebrate the previous day’s success.
    • Identify opportunities that are present today.

Regular Staff Meetings

  • Staff meetings are an important part of communication to the entire team.
  • They provide a forum for the entire team to work collectively.
  • They help form a TEAM atmosphere and boost morale.
  • They keep everyone informed and on the same page.
  • If possible, set a cadence and build staff meetings into your schedule.

Promise and Source Board

  • Make a promise with your team to accomplish a task.
  • Appoint a member of the team to be accountable for each item (Source Person).
  • Set a target date for completion.

Keep Your Team Connected!

  • Group Text
  • Slack
  • Email
  • Microsoft Teams

Morale and Team Satisfaction

    • Maintain open communication. For employees, knowing they can approach their supervisor in a friendly, yet professional, manner can make a significant difference in their overall satisfaction at work.
    • Live your values. For many employees, particularly millennials, working for a company whose values speak to their own is important.
    • Offer workplace flexibility.
    • Encourage team building activities. Once you’ve succeeded in creating a comfortable work environment for your employees, you’ll want to maintain it by encouraging get-togethers outside of the office space.
    • Don’t be averse to feedback. If you’re looking to see whether or not you’ve been successful with building a positive work environment, your best bet is to go directly to your team and ask for feedback.

Watch Out for ENERGY VAMPIRES!

Energy Vampires may crop up from time to time in your office and impact your team morale.
Spotting an energy vampire:
  • They are always involved in drama.
  • They always one up you.
  • They diminish your problems and play up their own.
  • They use your good nature against you.
  • They use guilt trips or ultimatums.
  • They are codependent.
  • They bully, criticize and intimidate.
If you think you may have an energy vampire on your team, work with your Regional Leader to determine a plan of action that protects the morale of your team.

Team Events

Team Events help foster good morale and satisfaction

  • Select supports team building events
  • Contact your Regional Leader if you would like to plan a team event

Below are examples of team building events that some of our offices have held

Family Dental Care of Rocky Hill

Painting with a Twist – Paint Night Fall 2020

Cedar Mountain Dental

Family Game Day Spring 2021

Family Dental Care of Rocky Hill

Axe Throwing Bachelor Shower in Honor of Dr. Mike Fazzone Spring 2021

Glenmont Dental

Team Building Event Spring 2021

Regional Leadership Meeting

Westbrook, CT Summer 2021

Mason Dental and Manchester Dental Group

Paint & Sip September 2021

Corning Dental Associates

Wine Glass Marathon 5K October 2021

The Dental Office of Rosen & Dworkin

Back to School & Marlton Festival October 2021