Imagine going in for a dental appointment thinking that everything in your mouth is healthy and happy, and then learning that there are significant issues in multiple teeth that could require a great amount of attention. Scary right?  Well that was the experience of one very courageous hygienist today. What a challenging way to learn about the benefits of Read More

Experience tells me that transitions are often times stressful and especially so when "ending" relationships are part of the equation.  What if we could shift the dynamics to focus on supporting each other through the change rather than holding attention only on the hurt or disappointments? Today's video shares a story about one dental practice that's Read More

Although many dentists have developed a vision for their dental practices, I'm recognizing that many have never committed it to paper or clearly created ways to share and engage their team in bringing that vision to life. That being said, for those that HAVE put their vision in writing, when is the last time that you updated it based on your growth and Read More

From the mouths of babes...when a young dental hygienist first heard the idea of Treatment Planning along with the idea of enhancing her role as a Restorative Partner, her reply was beautiful. She said, "Oh you want me to learn about "treatment PLANTING!" Yes! That is exactly what we mean!  A Restorative Partner deeply appreciates the development process Read More

Ever heard the phrase "Unstated expectations are resentments waiting to happen"? I've actually been saying it for years...and only recently started asking myself how to better apply this concept in my day to day world.  As easy as it may seem to ask for what you really want, most of us are so busy being stuck in our own long term patterns that it simply Read More

Even though I THINK I'm being clear with my communication, and I THINK I'm really good at asking for what I want, it seems that somehow my message can sometimes tend to be a little bit foggier than I intend. Consider the difference between passive and direct communication. Does texting someone, "are you busy?" really send a message that you are in dire need Read More

It can be challenging to make decisions every day, morning till night.  It can be EXTRA difficult to make them if there is nothing to anchor your decision making in. Even in the most stressful moments, everything can become easier and more clear if one simply remembers the course they are on. Having some version of a vision in place can make all the Read More

And yep, I really believe it's true!  After spending years in the dental field working both in and with teams, there is one thing I know for certain. Taking time away from the office to laugh, socialize, eat, go bowling, or do yoga is GREAT thing! It is proven time and again that individuals miss less work, take on more responsibility, and have greater Read More

Many of my recent conversations have had a common thread around how to create safety and clarity during interactions. A creative way to look at boundaries is to look at them like different "hats" to put on at different times.  The more clear about the "hat", the more clear the message AND the more clear the person on the receiving end can hear what is Read More

Truth is that it is NOT possible to be fully present and listen to every single thing that every person has to say. What IS true is that most of us can be at least a little better, a little more effective, at paying attention and responding to those around us. Learning to listen and respond to what your patients are saying just might be one of the most Read More