How dentists can support staff without breaking the bank

The environment owners create at their dental practices has become just as important as pay for employees.

Barry Lyon, DDS, a chief dental officer for the division of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for Dental Care Alliance, recently spoke with Becker's about the best ways for dental practice owners to support their employees without hurting themselves financially. 

Editor's note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.

Question: What are some ways for practice owners to support their staff without hurting themselves financially?

Dr. Barry Lyon: One of the greatest challenges for a dental practice owner is putting together "the team." This critical task is even more challenging today as dentists are still feeling the effects of The Great Resignation. Wages alone are not guaranteed to attract and retain the best people. What can a dentist do to create the ideal staff without going broke in the process?

First and foremost, having an issue-free practice is a basic requirement. A dentist aloof from their staff, having repeated patient complaints, and an office needing maintenance and updating do not inspire pride or confidence. Gaining your employees' respect and instilling pride in the workplace is the cornerstone of developing a cohesive staff.

So, if it isn’t money, what do the people working for you want? An employee who does not feel valued, either as a person or as a professional, will often look for the job that provides those assurances. Whether they are at the front desk, are dental assistants or are dental hygienists, they should be considered professionals and treated as such.

Finding a dental office without drama at times is virtually impossible. This is why having open and honest communication with the staff is essential. Otherwise, interpersonal dissension and conflict will simply fester instead of being resolved. Morale and culture must be maintained.

Finally, providing opportunities for your staff to expand their knowledge and skills demonstrates the confidence the dentist has in the staff and augments the pride they feel as professionals. The staff will feel valued and their self-esteem, as it relates to the practice and themselves, will grow.

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