Dental, HR & People Management, Performance Management

Effective Team Management in Dentistry

Introduction

Once upon an afternoon in sunny San Diego, Dr. McClean – an astute dentist with 20 years of experience – heard the sound of his second dental chair’s suction system. Usually, this melody was accompanied by the sight of a dental assistant taking care of routine tasks. However, today the chair was empty. His usual assistant had called in sick, and the temp service employee was nowhere to be found.

This situation left Dr. McClean amidst a complex root canal procedure, a waiting room filled with impatient clients, and deadlines looming. It was at that moment while trying to balance between the extraction tools and a client’s dread of dentistry, he envisioned the importance of effective team management in his practice.

Like Dr. McClean, numerous dentistry professionals worldwide struggle with managing their teams efficiently. Consequently, introducing certain best practices can bring order and efficiency, ultimately leading to a more profitable practice.

The Statistics

According to the American Dental Association (ADA)^[1], 64.9% of dentists owned their practice in 2020, and team management, thus, became a significant concern for the majority.

A Gallup poll^[2] reported that highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability. Effective team management in dentistry is a tool for dentists to tap into this heightened profitability.

The Forte of Efficient Scheduling

One of the central facets of team management is time management. Dental Economics^[3] found that insufficient scheduling could cost a dental practice an estimated $50,000 per year.

By developing and implementing a strategic scheduling system, team members can efficiently handle clients without overloading any single employee. The utilization of team meetings, where roles and expectations are clarified, can be a significant driving force in optimizing scheduling.

The Power of Communication

As in any industry, open and transparent communication plays a significant role in dentistry. A recent survey conducted by the DentalPost^[4] revealed that 63% of dental professionals wished for improved communication within their workplaces.

The solution is multi-fold – creating channels that facilitate open dialogue, addressing grievances professionally, and appreciating team efforts – and each contributes to better synergy among team members.

The Catalyst of Internal Training and Development

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics^[5], the median pay for a dental assistant in 2020 was $40,080 per year. Onboarding and training a new dental assistant can thus save valuable costs in terms of time and money over time.

By consistently investing in continuing education programs and in-house training, Dr. McClean and his counterparts can further enhance their teams’ competencies and inspire loyalty.

Imbibing effective team management practices and prudently addressing the challenges can not only streamline a dental practice but also foster a positive and productive work atmosphere. Just as Dr. McClean found, harmonious teamwork paves the way for a dental clinic that both team and patients look forward to visiting each day.

Leverage Technology with HR for Health: The Game Changer

In this technologically advanced era, software like HR for Health acts as a boon in easing team management challenges in dentistry.

HR for Health,^[6] an advanced cloud-based human resource software, is specifically designed for healthcare providers, including dentists. This platform bridges the gap between dental practice management and effective team management in a truly revolutionary way.

Streamlined Payroll Processing

HR for Health boasts an efficient payroll system that minimizes administrative efforts. Through the intelligent use of data, this software can track working hours accurately, calculate wages, and ensure on-time payment^[6]. This system’s smooth operation eliminates confusion and discrepancies in salary matters, contributing to team satisfaction and morale.

Clear Job Descriptions and Performance Evaluations

A well-structured and comprehensive job description forms the cornerstone of effective team management. HR for Health allows employers to define roles clearly and set expectations upfront^[6]. Performance evaluation becomes easy and objective as this software can track an employee’s work against set parameters, effectively dissipating any misconceptions and aiding in informed decision-making during appraisals.

Compliance Made Easy

Regulatory compliance can become a cumbersome task, especially for health practitioners who juggle patient care and administration. HR for Health keeps the compliance-related paperwork and intricacies in check^[6]. It assists in ensuring the practice operates within the legal framework, hence reducing stress due to potential legal issues and liabilities.

Efficient Hiring and Onboarding

The task of recruiting the right individual for a role can be daunting. However, HR for Health simplifies this task, right from advertising to hiring. It boasts capabilities that streamline the onboarding process, enabling new hires to swiftly acclimate to the practice’s culture and protocols^[6%5E].

Weaving HR for Health into the fabric of a dental practice’s team management strategy can undeniably streamline operations and enhance productivity. It is an efficient ally that helps in building not just great teams but also a successful and enduring dental practice.