In this time of radical change in dental staffing, it is still essential to focus on building a superior team. Too many practices are playing catch-up and are focused on hiring, replacing, or training new team members. While you do need to do those things, don't lose sight of the critical aspect of building a superior team and the effect it will have on the practice. Keep these objectives in mind to build a lasting team.
Superior teams create superior results
The number one objective of every dental practice is to increase practice revenue every year, and building a superior team is the clearest path to making this happen. When team members (and the team as a whole) reach the highest levels of performance, practice production, revenue, and income increase.
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Superior teams maximize practice efficiency
A superior team is a group of self-disciplined people who are motivated to conduct their jobs and responsibilities with a results-oriented mentality. As efficiency becomes enhanced, the superior team will be characterized by continually improving performance and decreasing stress. When stress is reduced, the levels of fatigue and burnout automatically decrease. The practice becomes a more engaged, positive, and energized environment.
Superior teams create high levels of customer service
Patients are more demanding now than ever before regarding when they’re treated, how they’re treated, and the expectations they have from a dental practice. By focusing on creating a superior team, customer service will be enhanced. Happy and satisfied patients accept more treatment, refer other patients, and write positive reviews.
Simply stated, the key to building a superior team is having superior systems. Documented, proven, step-by-step systems are the fastest pathway to improve current team performance and train new team members. All systems should be documented so that team members can easily access them for review. Systems should be created in a step-by-step format so they can be excellent instruction manuals for new team members who are training as they join the practice.
One final benefit of building a superior team is that you will not have to spend as much time on team management, team conflict, or even hiring because superior team members in an improvement-oriented practice tend to stay longer in their positions.
