Bringing a dental team together can be challenging, especially in a culture where people instinctively prioritize their own needs before considering the needs of the group. As a leader, your goal is to create an environment where team members feel supported, aligned, and committed to working collaboratively toward shared goals.
Start by setting clear expectations and providing ongoing training on what effective teamwork looks like. Clarify each person’s role and how their contributions support the practice’s objectives, whether that’s keeping the office running smoothly or reducing hygiene open time. In most cases, every goal in a dental practice requires participation from the whole team.
For example, if the objective is to reduce hygiene open time, the hygienist must consistently educate patients on the importance of maintaining their recommended perio intervals. The dentist reinforces that diagnosis, the assistants watch for recall opportunities among patients already in the chair, and the administrative team confirms and schedules appointments efficiently. Without coordinated teamwork, progress becomes difficult.
Next, focus on creating an emotionally supportive environment where team members feel safe expressing concerns and ideas. Regular, balanced feedback, positive and constructive, goes a long way. Give praise publicly and address concerns privately. When people feel psychologically safe, they engage more openly and with greater trust.
Incorporating team brainstorming sessions also promotes collaboration. Instead of relying solely on top-down decisions, create space for team members to share unique insights or strategies they’ve seen succeed elsewhere. Often, the best solution is not one idea or the other, but the “third” solution that emerges somewhere in between, one that fills gaps and strengthens the practice.
If your team still seems disconnected, consider giving them opportunities to bond outside the office. Group activities, such as a hike, an escape room, or any shared interest, can build camaraderie that naturally carries back into the workplace.
Ultimately, shifting from a culture of “every person for themselves” to one of true teamwork requires intentional leadership. By implementing these strategies, you’ll begin to see stronger collaboration, improved patient outcomes, and a more positive daily environment. Reducing the number of “I’s” on your team benefits everyone, including the overall happiness of the practice.
If your office is struggling with this challenge, partnering with a coach can be an effective way to bring your team together and move forward collectively.
