From manager to leader: Transforming your dental office management approach

As dental office managers, we are responsible for overseeing and managing an office's administrative and operational functions. Managing schedules, supervising employees, coordinating appointments, maintaining patient records, and ensuring compliance are just some of our many tasks and processes.

What if we changed that mindset? Instead of being a manager of everything, we could become leaders who empower others to manage. This was a game changer for me.

The difference between a manager and a leader

Trina Shipley.

Understanding the differences between managers and leaders is a great place to start. A leader focuses on setting a vision and inspiring others to work together toward a common goal, while a manager typically focuses on tasks and processes.

Leaders communicate effectively, listen actively, and provide feedback to encourage growth and development. Managers may be more inclined to micromanage and control their team's work.

Leaders focus on building solid relationships with their team members, creating a positive and supportive work environment. Managers have a mindset that may prioritize tasks over relationships.

Making the change

Making the shift from managing tasks to inspiring and guiding your team can be a rewarding journey. It starts with developing a clear vision and communicating it with your team.

Empower them by delegating tasks and trusting them to make decisions. Form strong connections with your team members through communication and active listening.

Assign team leads

Depending on the size of your team, assigning leads for each department can help with organization and structure. Our office has a business team lead, an accounting lead, an assistant lead, and a hygiene lead. Each lead is responsible for managing the daily operations in their department. They are the primary contact and liaison for their team members and the providers. They are empowered to make decisions within their scope of work.

When selecting your team leads, giving them productive training, mentorship, and direction is essential. In our office, this is delivered by the director of business operations and clinical operations.

Effective leadership

Influential leaders envision where they want to go and inspire others to follow. They have good communication skills and can clearly articulate their ideas, listen actively, and provide feedback.

Understanding and empathizing with the needs and feelings of team members is essential for building trust. Influential leaders make tough decisions, weigh options carefully, and take responsibility for the outcomes. Honesty, integrity, and consistency in actions and decisions are crucial to building credibility with your team. Empowering and collaborating inclusively within the team can improve outcomes and strengthen unity.

Leadership is a journey of continuous learning and growth, and anyone can be an effective leader by striving to develop these values. By embodying the characteristics and qualities of leadership, you can inspire and motivate your team, drive innovation and growth, and create a positive and productive work environment.

The American Association of Dental Office Management

The AADOM has greatly influenced my mindset change from manager to leader. Attending a conference in 2023 had the most significant impact. In addition to the leadership classes I took, the keynote speaker touched my soul and inspired me (and my drive) to determine my purpose. I am not in this business for myself; I am in it for my team and to be the one who holds the ladder for them to climb to the top.

Trina Shipley is the director of business operations for Pax Dental in Southern Maryland. She has more than 26 years of dental experience. Shipley is a lifetime AADOM member and earned her AADOM Fellow in 2016, AADOM Master in 2023, and AADOM Diplomate in 2024.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.