Bullying Has No Place in Your Practice: How to Take a Stand

Bullying is not always playground behavior; it can show up in the workplace and even within the patient experience. As orthodontic professionals, we not only shape smiles but also create safe environments where our teams and patients feel valued and respected.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has taken a powerful step with its “Bullying Bites” campaign, shining a light on how damaging bullying can be, especially for the young patients we care for every day. This initiative reminds us that orthodontists and their teams are in a unique position to both recognize the signs of bullying and to be advocates for kindness, confidence, and self-worth.

But while we stand behind our patients, we also need to look inward. A healthy practice culture doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional check-ins and accountability.

How to Do an Internal Bullying Check-In in Your Practice

1. Evaluate Team Culture

• Are team members encouraged to speak up without fear of judgment?

• Do you actively recognize and celebrate contributions, big and small?

2. Listen Beyond Words

• Pay attention to tone, body language, and “inside jokes” that might leave someone feeling excluded.

• Establish an open-door policy that allows team members to share concerns directly and safely.

3. Check in With Patients

• Ask gentle, open-ended questions: “How are things at school?” or “What’s making you smile these days?”

• Be mindful of patients who may appear withdrawn, nervous, or hesitant to smile.

4. Model the Behavior You Expect

• Leaders set the tone. Treat every interaction with kindness, empathy, and respect.

• Show your team and your patients what it means to be inclusive and supportive.

5. Provide Resources & Training

• Use AAO’s Bullying Bites resources in your practice to spark conversation and raise awareness.

• Incorporate discussions on kindness and team communication into your regular staff meetings.

Every orthodontic office has the power to be more than just a place for treatment; it can be a safe haven where confidence grows and bullying has no room to hide. By taking the time to check in with your team, culture, and patients, you’re sending a clear message: bullying may bite, but in your practice, kindness should always prevail.