Dos and don'ts for leadership: Reducing stress

Surveys show that many dentists today are suffering from high stress. The reason is not a mystery -- dentists are producing excellent quality dentistry while simultaneously trying to manage the day-to-day operations of the dental practice.

Implement documented systems. This is one of the best ways to reduce stress, improve efficiency, and build a more effective team as well. Of course, change doesn't happen overnight. The process to update every practice system takes time. However, with each redesigned system that's implemented in the practice, your stress is progressively reduced.

Don't focus on just getting through each day. When you do this, you are unable to focus on achieving your desired quality of life. That type of mindset strongly inhibits achieving goals and establishing your lifestyle. For most dentists, high practice stress often spills over into other parts of their lives. Instead, concentrate on recapturing your passion for dentistry -- and what it will take to get you there.