In the fast-paced, metrics-driven world of a dental practice, it’s easy to slip into routines that prioritize efficiency over connection. Appointment times are limited, schedules are packed, and every interaction feels like it is reduced to a checkbox: patients need to be treated, dental hygiene protocols followed, and the day must be completed to the best of our ability. But if we step back and ask ourselves, “Are my relationships transactional or transformative?” we might discover an entirely new dimension to patient care and team dynamics.
What happens when you shift your relationships?
Consider what could happen if we shifted our approach from merely transactional – an exchange of services for a fee – to transformative, where every interaction with our team and patients is rooted in care, trust, and mutual growth. This subtle yet profound shift can redefine the very foundation of a successful dental practice.
The power of trust with patients
Patients can tell when they are being treated as just another appointment on the schedule. When they feel rushed, overlooked, or misunderstood, their trust erodes, and along with it, their willingness to accept your recommendations for their care. But when a patient feels comfortable, heard, and truly supported, the results can be transformative.
Think about it: A patient who trusts you will be far more likely to accept a treatment plan, not just because you recommend it, but because they believe in your genuine concern for their well-being. This level of trust is built over time, and it doesn’t come from simply going through the motions of an exam or consultation. It comes from listening – really listening – to their concerns, explaining their options in a way that makes sense to them, and showing empathy for their individual situation.
Patients who feel this level of connection are also more likely to follow through with their oral care at home and keep coming back for their scheduled appointments. They view their oral health as a collaborative effort between themselves and their dental team. And that’s the key – they see themselves as part of a team, not just a customer in a service transaction.
When the team feels safe, they thrive
The same holds true for your dental team. Teams that feel supported, valued, and safe are more willing to go the extra mile, not because they have to, but because they want to. When team members feel like they are more than just employees, when they believe that their ideas matter and their growth is a priority, they become invested in the practice’s success on a personal level.
Take a moment to evaluate how you interact with your team. Are you fostering an environment where they feel safe to communicate openly, ask questions, or bring new ideas to the table? Do they trust that you have their best interests in mind? Building a deep, transformative relationship with your team means creating a space where they feel valued beyond their job description.
One way to nurture this environment is by investing in their growth – not just professionally, but personally. Take time to check in, offer encouragement, and create opportunities for learning and development. When a team member feels like their success is a priority, they will work harder, stay longer, and provide the kind of care to patients that reflects the values of the practice. In turn, this creates a ripple effect that touches every corner of your practice, from patient satisfaction to team morale.
Evaluating your relationships and self-reflection
How often do you step back and evaluate your relationships with both your patients and your team? It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind without pausing to reflect on the quality of your interactions. But without regular self-reflection, you might miss out on opportunities for growth.
Start by asking yourself some simple yet powerful questions:
- Do I listen more than I speak when interacting with others?
- Do I create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns?
- Am I consistent in offering support, encouragement, and guidance?
- How do my patients and team members respond to me? Do they feel rushed or truly valued?
These questions can help you gauge whether your relationships are purely transactional or have the potential to be transformative. Self-reflection isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for personal and professional growth. Are there areas where you could improve in terms of communication, empathy, or trust-building?
Watering relationships for mutual growth
Relationships, like plants, need consistent care and attention to grow. It’s easy to focus on the technical aspects of dentistry – procedures, treatments, and results. But the true heart of any successful dental practice lies in the quality of the relationships that are built within its walls. Keep watering these relationships, and you’ll see both your practice and your team flourish in ways you might not have expected.
When you take the time to invest in meaningful relationships, you’ll find that the benefits extend far beyond immediate results. Teams that work well together because they trust one another create smoother, more efficient operations. Patients who feel genuinely cared for will not only return, but they will recommend your practice to others, increasing referrals and enhancing your reputation.
The lasting impact of transformation
You may never fully realize the impact you have on the people around you – from the anxious patient who felt at ease in your chair to the team member who found the confidence to step up and lead because of your support. But the effects of transformative relationships are lasting and far-reaching.
So, what do you consistently do for others? How are you investing in the people you see every day – patients and team members? Are you truly listening, supporting, and creating an environment where growth and trust can thrive? These questions are critical, not just for the success of your practice, but for the health of the relationships that sustain it.
In the end, treat everyone like you are going to run into them again – because in dentistry, and in life, you probably will. The relationships you build today will shape the future of your practice and the lives of those around you. Transform them, and they’ll transform you right back.
About the Author
Jennifer Turner is a two-time recipient of the North American “Dr. Bicuspid Award” in the speaker category and she was named one of the “10 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders to Watch in 2022” globally, her impact is undeniable. Jennifer is renowned for her leadership, professionalism, and unmatched expertise in dental hygiene. As CEO of Hygiene Headquarters Inc, Jennifer has transformed countless dental practices, achieving substantial growth through expertly navigating change and implementing clinical systems while achieving optimal patient care.
