Does dentistry still need DEI?

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From Walmart to Amazon to Meta, American companies are abandoning previously made commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) in their workforce. It seems they cannot pull the plug on these programs fast enough. Certainly, some in Canada are happy to see an end to the so-called “woke agenda” and a “return” to what they … Read more

A people-first culture: The secret to a thriving dental team

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In the complex and dynamic environment of a dental practice, one thing is certain: teamwork is non-negotiable. It is the foundation of a thriving office, ensuring that patients receive the best care and the team functions seamlessly. Yet, fostering a truly collaborative environment is easier said than done. It requires intentional communication, genuine empathy, and … Read more

Become the inspiring leader people want to follow | Weekly Wisdom

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Peter Barry, Practice Success Coach, reveals that only 15% of your success comes from your clinical knowledge/skills. The rest is dependent on your ability to deal with people. As a practice owner, become the inspiring leader that your team will want to follow. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight … Read more

Why does everything fall on me? Did YOU set it up that way?

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“Nobody on my team can make decisions on their own!’ “Everyone comes to me with questions about how to do the simplest tasks!” Do these complaints sound familiar? Too many dentists I talk to tell me it is impossible for them to focus on growing their practice because they are constantly interrupted by team members … Read more

Keys to creating a meaningful & fulfilling workplace culture | Weekly Wisdom

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No amount of money is worth working in a negative environment. Peter Barry, Practice Success Coach, shares how you can create a fulfilling workplace for your staff that will build loyalty and cohesion. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox every week!

How to handle conflicts at your dental practice

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More than half of the Canadian dentists who responded to our survey reported having to resolve conflict between team members at their practice. A dental office is full of people working in close quarters, with potentially very different personalities and opinions. It’s not a question of if conflict will arise at your clinic, but when … Read more

Cultivating a championship dental team that thrives | Weekly Wisdom

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When building your dream team, you must hire for attitude, not just experience. Peter Barry, Practice Success Coach, shares how you can ensure you are attracting those A-players to your team. Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight to your inbox every week!

The backbone of the dental practice

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Our study reveals that business tasks, such as staff management and paperwork, are among the least favored aspects of being a dentist. This stands in contrast to the reasons most dentists enter the field – namely, a passion for science and a desire to help people, as discussed in last month’s column. However, many dentists … Read more

Recruitment! Attracting A Players to Grow Your Dream Practice | Weekly Wisdom

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When recruiting team members for your practice, it’s important to remember that candidates are interviewing you as much as you are interviewing them. Peter Barry, Practice Success Coach, shares a few tips for making potential employees feel valued to attract the best candidates! Subscribe to Oral Health’s weekly e-newsletter to have the latest episode delivered straight … Read more

Effective Strategies To Mitigate the Impact of Labour Shortages

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All Canadians are feeling the pressures facing the dental industry. Anecdotally, you might have heard a dental colleague recounting a fast-paced day in the clinic, struggling to accommodate the number of patients due to inadequate staffing. As a patient, you might have noticed a more rushed and tense environment compared to previous visits. Dental sales … Read more

The Rise of Distance Delivery in Dental Education

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Intuitively, we know that priority needs to be placed on recruitment, education, and practical training to meet the growing demand for jobs in the dental industry among Canadians. While it’s clear that expanding the pool of dental professionals will help alleviate the strain, there are notable concerns regarding traditional education programs. Geographic Limitations: Students are … Read more

5 Ways Dental Offices Can Benefit from an HR Professional

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In many dental offices, particularly smaller practices, the role of human resources might be overlooked due to a focus on clinical duties and a lack of familiarity with the strategic benefits of HR management. However, with increasing regulatory demands and the complexities of staff recruitment and retention, the need for dedicated HR expertise is becoming … Read more

Mindful Dentistry: Navigating the Challenges of Holiday Burnout

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If you work in dentistry, you want to be busy during the holiday season. A fully booked schedule shows that the folks in your area trust you to take care of their health and are committed to improving their dental hygiene with you. However, a busy seasonal schedule can quickly lead to burnout and heightened … Read more

Change for the Better: Building Peace, Harmony, and Alignment

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Are flawed processes keeping your team from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? The challenge: As a dedicated practice manager, I have a team of exceptional individuals who showcase remarkable skills and talents. However, some challenges require attention. Specifically, I invest significant time in managing questions and conflicts related to … Read more

Behind the Smiles: Understanding the Surge in Dental Hygienists Resigning

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In a profession dedicated to maintaining the brightest of smiles, a stark trend has emerged that is casting a shadow on the field of dental hygiene. Numerous dental hygienists are resigning from dental practices that they have worked at for years. The cause behind this surge in resignations are multifaceted, and in this article, we … Read more

Change for the Better: When Time-Tested Standards are No Longer the Standard

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Are flawed processes holding your team back from experiencing better efficiency, healthier clients, happier employees, and continued practice growth? The challenge: As a new graduate I am having a hard time integrating the techniques and standards I learned in school into our practice, particularly with some resistance from more senior hygienists. The solution: Navigating differences … Read more

Building Your Dental Brand…The Key to Recruiting Exceptional Staff?

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For the second year in a row, hiring and retaining staff ranked number one as the biggest challenge dentists are facing. So, what can be done to improve this issue and ease your stress as a practice owner? You most likely already have a handle on your practice’s branding, which you use to attract patients. … Read more