Taking Action as a Dental Leader: Why You Shouldn't Ignore That Small Thought

As dental leaders, we often encounter moments where a small idea or thought crosses our minds. This idea could improve our team's efficiency, enhance patient care, or elevate workplace culture. These moments may seem insignificant initially, but they can potentially ignite substantial change.

The real challenge is whether we act on them immediately or let them disappear, overshadowed by doubt or the daily demands of running a practice.

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest on a podcast where the host asked me about my journey as a leader in the dental industry. One of the most thought-provoking questions was, "What would you tell your 16-year-old self if you could go back?" My answer was straightforward: "Just take the chance and do the thing." This advice isn’t just for a young dreamer; it's a powerful reminder for us as leaders in the dental field. It matters to take immediate action, especially when we have seemingly small thoughts about how our team or practice could improve.

The Power of Immediate Action

Looking back on my career, I realize how often I hesitated to implement changes. I would think, "Should I modify how my team is trained? Should I overhaul a process that isn’t working as efficiently as possible?" These questions were often accompanied by concerns about how much time it would take, whether the team would buy into the changes, or if it would come across as micromanaging. More than once, I let these thoughts hold me back. But with hindsight, I now see the immense power of taking immediate action on those ideas.

Small thoughts and ideas are often the seeds of innovation. They are quiet nudges that, if ignored, could mean missed opportunities for growth and improvement. As dental leaders, we must recognize the value of these moments and act swiftly rather than letting them dissipate.

Applying This to Leading a Dental Team

In a dental office, leadership isn’t just about making big decisions; it's also about paying attention to the small things that can make a big difference. For example, if you notice that your admin team is struggling with patient scheduling or that communication could be smoother during patient handoffs, that’s your cue. Start now; don’t wait for the perfect time or until you've fully mapped out every detail of the change. Even a tiny adjustment can have a ripple effect that improves the entire practice.

Imagine a scenario where the administrative staff is consistently behind on patient follow-ups. The typical response might be to address this issue in the next monthly meeting or send a memo. But what if you decided to act on that small thought immediately? What if you initiated a quick huddle to brainstorm solutions with your team or, better yet, immediately tested a new follow-up system? By addressing the issue in the moment, you demonstrate to your team that you value their time and are committed to continuous improvement.

Overcoming the Fear of Change

One of the biggest hurdles to taking immediate action is fear of failure, resistance from the team, or fear of being perceived as a micromanager. But these fears are often unfounded. In my experience, when you approach change with transparency and involve your team in the process, they are more likely to embrace it. Share with them why you’re making a change and how it will benefit them and the practice. When the team understands the rationale, they’re more likely to support the initiative.

Moreover, it’s important to remember that not every change needs to be perfect. Leadership is about iteration. Implement the change, observe the results, gather feedback, and refine as needed. This approach alleviates the pressure of getting it right the first time and builds a culture of agility and resilience.

Applying Immediate Action to Dental Billing, Eligibility, and Phones

The most critical aspects of dental practice management are dental billing, eligibility verification, and managing patient communication through phones. These areas are the backbone of ensuring a smooth, efficient, and profitable practice. However, they can also be sources of frustration when performance does not meet expectations. As leaders, it’s crucial to address these performance issues head-on, but it must be done in a constructive and supportive way.

.When you notice that your billing processes are slow, eligibility checks are inconsistent, or patient calls are not handled with the care and efficiency you expect, it’s tempting to put off addressing these issues. You might worry about being perceived as too harsh or that your team will see you as micromanaging. However, confronting these performance issues is your right as a leader and your responsibility. Holding your team accountable and mentoring them to improve does not make you a bad boss; it’s the hallmark of a great leader.

It is important to approach these conversations with the mindset that you are there to support your team in improving. For instance, if billing is frequently delayed, rather than reprimanding your billing coordinator, sit down with them to understand the root cause. Is it a lack of training, a need for better resources, or perhaps an issue with time management? By identifying the problem together, you can work on a solution that helps them succeed, which benefits the entire practice.

Similarly, if your team struggles with efficiently verifying patient eligibility, take that as an opportunity to mentor them. You can introduce new tools, provide additional training, or streamline the process to make it easier for them. The same applies to phone management; if patients are not receiving the best possible service over the phone, it’s up to you to step in, provide guidance, and implement changes that will improve this crucial touchpoint.

The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes the importance of leadership in ensuring the quality of care and efficiency within a practice. According to the ADA, "Effective leadership in dental practices directly impacts the quality of care provided to patients, and it also influences the overall success of the practice." This underscores the importance of addressing any performance issues within your team, particularly in areas as vital as billing, eligibility, and patient communication.

The Importance of Small Thoughts in Leadership

Leadership is often romanticized as making grand decisions and leading sweeping changes. However, the reality is that leadership also lies in our small, everyday choices. It’s in those tiny moments of inspiration or concern where true leadership is tested. Ignoring those small thoughts can lead to missed opportunities and a stagnant practice. On the other hand, acting on them can propel your team and your practice forward in ways you might not have imagined.

A study published in the Journal of Dental Education highlighted the importance of adaptability in dental practice management. It noted that leaders who are quick to implement small changes in response to team dynamics or patient needs often see greater overall practice success. This supports the idea that even small, timely actions can have significant long-term benefits.

Peter F. Drucker, a renowned management consultant, educator, and author, said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” As leaders in the dental field, we have the power to shape the future of our practices by acting on the small, impactful thoughts and ideas that cross our minds daily.

Embracing Immediate Action

Don’t underestimate the power of those small thoughts. They are often the key to unlocking greater efficiency, better patient care, and a more cohesive team. As a dental leader, you are responsible for acting on these ideas and creating an environment where innovation is welcomed, and growth is continuous.

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If you are unsure where to start or how to implement these changes effectively within your dental practice, I offer one-on-one mentoring to help guide you through the process. As a seasoned dental speaker and public speaker, I specialize in providing actionable insights and strategies tailored to dental professionals. My goal is to help you identify those small yet impactful thoughts that can significantly improve your practice, whether it’s enhancing team efficiency, improving patient care, or refining your leadership approach.

We can craft a personalized plan that aligns with your practice’s unique needs and goals by working together. Whether you’re looking to become a more effective leader, mentor your team to tremendous success, or navigate the complexities of running a dental practice, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Connect with me online at sarahbethherman.com to learn more about how we can work together. Additionally, you can explore the mentor page at Dentistry Support to see how my mentoring services can make a difference in your practice. Visit dentistrysupport.com/mentor for more information on how to take your leadership and practice to the next level.

References:

1. “Adaptability in Dental Practice Management: A Review.” Journal of Dental Education, 2022.

2. “Effective Leadership in Dental Practices.” American Dental Association, 2023. Link.

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Disclaimer:

To learn more about Sarah Beth Herman, the author of all free training content you can read her bio here. These materials are intended to provide helpful information to dentists and dental team members. They are in no way a substitute for actual professional advice based on your unique facts and circumstances. This content is not intended or offered, nor should it be taken, as legal or other professional advice. You should always consult with your own professional advisors (e.g. attorney, accountant, or insurance carrier). To the extent, Dentistry Support ®has included links to any third-party website (s), Dentistry Support ® intends no endorsement of their content and implies no affiliation with the organizations that provide their content. Further, Dentistry Support ® makes no representations or warranties about the information provided on those sites. You can view our privacy policy and terms and conditions by clicking those pages in the footer of our website.