This week I visited Dr. Samir Rana and his team at Comprehensive Dental in Lincoln Park, NJ. This was my first time meeting the team in person. I enjoyed checking in with them and watching them deliver great dental care. At our team meeting we celebrated the team hitting their tier 3 goal in July for the first time. We also refined their new patient experience.
I was able to check-in individually with team members to understand what is working well in the practice and what is not working well. Being in-person allowed them to feel more comfortable sharing their insights with me. We were able to develop a plan of what to work on for the next 90 days.
I enjoy these check-ins and know that our clients will learn to enjoy them, too.
Insight of the Month: Check-In System
This year, we designed a simple check in system for our clients to make this task seem less daunting—and the impact has been powerful. Many dentists had no real process for regularly connecting with their team and were avoiding it, worried it would be stressful or lead to raise requests.
But a check-in isn’t a compensation review—it’s a moment to listen, support growth, and strengthen trust.
When done regularly, check-ins help your team feel valued and engaged, and they give you insight into how each person wants to grow. This month, we’re showing you how a small habit like this can lead to big results.
They don’t have to be long. A quick weekly check-in or a quarterly one-on-one can uncover challenges, spark growth, and keep everyone aligned. You can also share the load—team leads can help lead check-ins and strengthen leadership across the practice.
Engaged teams don’t happen by accident. Consistent check-ins are a simple way to keep your team connected and committed.
Success Story - Transforming Practices
For several months, we encouraged Dr. Ben Tolley to start regular check-ins with his team. With two practices and over 25 team members, he understood the value—but making the time and knowing where to start felt overwhelming.
Each month on our coaching calls, we’d ask, “How are the check-ins going?” And each time, he’d honestly reply, “I haven’t really started yet—but I know I need to.”
After several months of steady nudging and support, Ben made the commitment. He scheduled 20–30 minute check-ins with each team member—and the results were immediate.
He was blown away by how much he learned just by listening. These conversations deepened relationships, built trust, and gave him insight into his team on a whole new level. He also created a simple daily routine with one of his office managers: a morning text asking for a win from the day before. That small habit turned into a powerful way to stay connected and celebrate success.
Click here to hear from Ben about how check-ins are working out for him and his team. His story is a reminder that even when change feels daunting, consistent effort—and the right support—can lead to big breakthroughs.
Tip of the Month: Don't Let Raise Requests Hold You Back
One reason some dentists avoid regular check-ins? The fear that a team member will ask for a raise. It’s a real concern—but one that’s easy to manage with the right approach.
If a team member brings up compensation during a check-in, simply respond with: “That’s something we can talk about during your next compensation review that we do once a year in October. Today we are going to focus on checking in with eachother."
This keeps the check-in focused on growth, feedback, and connection—without putting you on the spot. It also reinforces that raises are part of a structured, thoughtful process—not a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Don’t let fear of an awkward question keep you from having powerful conversations. Regular check-ins build trust—and trust builds strong teams.
Resource: Monthly/Quarterly Conversations
One of the most powerful ways to engage your team? Ask great questions—and really listen.
This month’s resource is a Monthly/ Quarterly Conversations Check-In Sample Questions—a simple tool with thoughtful prompts to guide your one-on-one meetings. Click here for access.
Did You Know?
Click here to schedule a call with me and let’s start building stronger team connections—one check-in at a time. To your continued growth.
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