Spring is a season of growth—and there’s no better time to turn that energy inward and focus on your team. This month, we’re diving into one of the most important (and often overlooked) drivers of practice success: team engagement.
From how––and when––to hold meaningful check-ins and salary refviews, to simple ways to show appreciation, we're sharing actionable strategies to help you create a workplaceyour team is proud to be part of.
Insight of the Month: Team Engagement
Want to boost team engagement? Start with regular, intentional check-ins. Ask open-ended questions like, "What's working well?" or "What would you like to learn more about?"––Then just listen. These conversations build trush and give your team a voice.
Worried a check-in will lead to a raise request? Take control by setting a consistent month––like October––for annual compensation reviews, based on the prior year's profitability. This sets clear expectations and eases the pressure.
Remember, you don't need to have all the answers right away. Just create a space, take notes, and follow up with thoughtfulness.
Engaged teams start with leaders who are present and proactive.
Success Story - Transforming Practices
Dr. Ben Tolley came to us facing a challenge many dentists can relate to: a practice culture clouded by entitlement and disconnection. Despite his best efforts, it was tough to build a unified team that shared the same vision. Through coaching, that changed. Together, we focused on creating both cultural and numerical clarityh. Dr. Tolley didn't just hit his goals––he exceeded them. With structure, consistency, and accountability, he discovered what was truly possible for his team and his leadership.
"We've created careers for our team, and now they feel fullfilled––just like I do. That joy shows up in our patients, in our environment, and in our lives." - Dr. Ben Tolley
Today, his practice is thriving––with a strong culture, fulfilled leaders, and a renewed sense of purpose that reaches everyone, from staff to patients. He says it best: "I wish I had done this years ago."
Watch Ben's full testimonial here.
Tip of the Month
A little appreciation goes a long way. When team members feel seen and valued, they show up more engaged, more loyal, and more committed to your practice’s success. This month, make it a priority to show your team just how much they mean to you. It doesn't have to be grand or expensive––small, genuine gestures often mean the most. Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Handwritten Notes - Leave a quick note on their workstation thanking them for something specific they did well.
- Surprise Treats - Bring in coffee, lunch or their favorite snacks just because.
- Shout-Outs - Start your next team huddle by publicly recognizing someone's great attitude or effort.
- Ask for Input - Invite them to share ideas or feedback. Feeling heard is a form of appreciation.
- Celebrate Milestones - Acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, or personal wins to show you care beyond their role.
When appreciation is consistent, your culture becomes stronger, your team becomes more loyal––and your patients will feel the difference, too.
Resources
Whether you're preparing for annual reviews or looking to stay competitive in your market, the 2024 DentalPost Salary Survey is a must-read.
This comprehensive report is based on responses from thousands of dental professionals across the U.S. and includes valuable insights into compensation, benefits, job satisfaction, and workplace trends. It's one of the most trusted tools for understanding where your team's compensation stands in today's market.
How you can use it:
- Benchmark your team’s wages and benefits against national and regional averages.
- Prepare for confident, data-driven compensation conversations.
- Identify trends in job satisfaction and turnover to stay ahead of retention challenges.
- Support your leadership decisions with real-time industry insights.
Use this report as a guide to not only stay competitive—but to show your team you care enough to lead with transparency, fairness, and growth in mind.
Did You Know?
18% of dental professionals changed jobs in 2024—seeking a better work environment, higher pay, and more appreciation from their employer.
––Dental Post 2025 Survey
This month, we’ve explored the power of intentional check-ins, the impact of appreciation, and how setting the right time for compensation conversations can create clarity and confidence. We were inspired by Dr. Ben Tolley’s journey—from a culture of entitlement to one of fulfillment—and we shared tools like the 2024 DentalPost Salary Report to help you lead with insight and data.
One thing is clear: engaged teams don’t happen by chance—they’re built by leaders who are present, proactive, and committed to growth.
To support you, we’re offering a complimentary Team Engagement Assessment—just 20 quick questions—and a free coaching call to review the results. You’ll walk away with clarity on how engaged your team really is and what you can do next to take them even further.
Let’s work together to build a practice culture your team loves—and your patients can feel. Until next month, keep leading with heart.
All my best,
Susan
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