Boosting Dental Team Well-being

In the high-stakes world of dentistry, the success of a practice is intricately tied to the well-being of its team. While burnout among dentists has gained attention, the overall health of the entire dental team is equally crucial for sustained success. According to a recent systematic review in the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, about 1 in 10 dentists experience burnout syndrome, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to well-being in dental practices.

Understanding Burnout

Most clinicians report symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, contributing to burnout. The focus on dentist burnout has led to the emergence of dental life coaches and specialists in addressing the mental and emotional challenges faced by dentists. The International Academy of Dental Life Coaches has become a valuable resource in this regard for the dental profession. However, it’s essential to continue to extend the focus of research and support beyond dentists to include the entire dental team for comprehensive well-being.

Immediate Well-being Benefits Checklist for Dental Teams

Open Communication Channels:

Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing personal and professional concerns or ideas. Regular team meetings can provide a platform for open communication and problem-solving.

Work-Life Balance:

Encourage a healthy balance between work and personal life. Set realistic expectations for work hours and provide flexibility when possible to reduce stress.

Recognition and Appreciation:

Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, whether big or small. Regularly recognizing the efforts of team members boosts morale and creates a positive work environment.

Understanding Each Other:

Focus on getting to know individuals on the team beyond their professional roles to strengthen interpersonal relationships. A cohesive team is better equipped to handle challenges and promotes a supportive atmosphere.

Practice Wellness Programs:

Implement a wellness program that focuses on physical, mental, and emotional health. This could include life coaching for team members, stress management workshops, harmony sessions, or problem-solving team challenges together.

Long-term Success Strategies

Incorporate Total Well-Being into Your Practice Mission:

When the culture of your practice relies on total well-being this is something that is noticed by team members and patients alike. A strong well-being foundation contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the practice.

Regular Team Check-ins:

Conduct periodic check-ins to gauge how the team is feeling and their current experiences of stress and challenges. Addressing concerns proactively prevents long-term issues.

Well-Being Awareness:

Consider including well-being awareness as part of your onboarding for new team members and as something all existing team members have access to as well. Embed well-being into your practice.

Oscillation:

Careful and intentional scheduling can allow time to oscillate between periods of high and low intensity. Periods of rest actually increase productivity. 

A New Way to Enhance Practice Success

Prioritizing the well-being of the dental team is a strategic investment in the long-term success of the practice. By implementing immediate well-being benefits and incorporating long-term strategies, dental practices can create a positive, supportive environment that not only prevents burnout but also fosters a thriving and resilient team. Remember, a healthy team leads to a flourishing practice.

About the Authors

Dr. Karen Tindall and Dr. Laura Schwindt are long-time dentists and certified life coaches who combine their love of people, transformations, and dentistry in partnership with The Mint Door.

The Mint Door stands at the forefront of fostering well-being in dentistry, skillfully merging their experience as dentists with certified life coaching to enhance the holistic health of individuals, teams, and entire practices.

Their impact extends beyond individual care; they specialize in empowering teams to enhance communication and interaction, creating a harmonious work environment. Through their Mint Method Formula, they offer various services, including personalized coaching, the affordable Refresh Program which includes weekly open coaching sessions, workshops, comprehensive wellness programs, on-demand programs with CE and engaging digital content like podcasts, blogs, articles, and a weekly newsletter, The Mint Julep.

Their approach rejuvenates busy dentists and equips them with the tools to nurture the well-being of their teams, ensuring a thriving, collaborative practice.

Partnering with The Mint Door ensures you and your team are holistically cared for, making a successful collaboration between you and your practice consultant more likely. This leads to reduced resistance, which inspires greater receptiveness and seamless integration of your consultants’ recommendations and systems. Let them guide you on the path to a thriving practice where everyone’s well-being is a top priority. To schedule a complimentary 30 minute impact chat use this link. or send an email to themintdoorclub@gmail.com