In a fast-paced orthodontic practice, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, moving from patient to patient, checking tasks off a never-ending to-do list, and putting out the occasional (or constant) fire. But behind every aligned smile and streamlined process is a team of individuals w...

Let’s talk about the messy middle. That glorious stretch of time where you’re too far in to turn back, but not far enough to feel like you’ve got it all together. You know the stage:

• You’ve hired a new team member but forgot to make a training plan.

• You implemented a new system, but someho...

Paid Time Off (PTO) shouldn’t be a source of guilt for your team or for you as the practice owner. It’s time to shift the mindset from scarcity to strategy. In orthodontics, we often hesitate to fully embrace PTO policies because we’re afraid of coverage gaps, disrupted schedules, or a slowdown in p...

Orthodontics has long been an industry driven by precision, innovation, and care, but one of its most powerful and sometimes underappreciated assets is the role of female forces in orthodontics. From clinical excellence to leadership, trailblazing women in orthodontics are shaping the future of orth...

Years ago, I picked up Who Moved My Cheese? during one of the busiest and craziest seasons of my life. I had two babies under two, was constantly traveling for work, and barely had time to think, let alone read a book about change. I needed something simple, short, and straight to the point. This li...

It’s Time to Ditch Performance Reviews in 2025 (Seriously, Just Toss Them!)

Let’s talk about performance reviews. You know, those sit-downs where you tell your team members how they’ve been doing, give them a grade (or at least it feels like one), and hope they leave motivated instead of deflated.

 As we step into 2025, it's the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and set an intentional tone for the year ahead. Instead of traditional resolutions that can feel overwhelming or restrictive, consider a fresh approach: choosing a Word of the Year. This single word becomes your guiding star—bringing ...

The holiday season is the perfect time to build camaraderie, celebrate achievements, and spread cheer among your team. Here are five creative ways to make your workplace festivities memorable:  

🌮 Host a Themed Office Potluck or Bake-Off

Encourage everyone to bring a dish that reflects their holid...

Choosing the right clinical lead for your orthodontic practice fosters a positive work environment and ensures high-quality patient care. When looking to promote someone from within, consider the following key attributes to identify the ideal candidate.

Look for Natural Leadership Skills

The best ...

As an orthodontist, your days are likely filled with clinical care, exams, and putting out fires. Getting caught up in the day-to-day grind of running your practice is easy. However, to ensure long-term success and growth, it's essential to balance working IN your business and working ON your busine...

Time for Gratitude: Recognizing Your Team's Hard Work

As the warm days of summer fade into autumn, it's the perfect time to reflect on the hustle of the summer season and express your gratitude to your dedicated team members.

A happy and motivated team is the cornerstone of any thriving orthodonti...

High turnover rates significantly impact any orthodontic practice, not only in terms of team morale but also in terms of production and profitability.

Orthodontic practices rely heavily on their teams for patient care, scheduling, treatment coordination, and practice management. When team members f...

We've all seen it: the incredibly skilled team member with a terrible attitude. They produce fantastic results but leave a trail of negativity in their wake. While some managers hold onto these "stars," it's a recipe for disaster that can poison your entire orthodontic practice. Here's why keepin...

In the fast-paced world of orthodontics, the old "sink-or-swim" approach to training just doesn't cut it anymore. New team members are often bombarded with information, leading to burnout, overwhelm, and anxiety. It's no wonder! Imagine if orthodontists had to navigate the complexities of orthodonti...

We all know the feeling: a never-ending stream of appointments, mountains of ClinChecks, and the constant pressure to deliver exceptional patient care. In the fast-paced world of orthodontics, it's easy to fall into the trap of working harder, not smarter. But what if there was a better way?

Enter ...

Summer, a season for vacations, barbecues, and...exhausted orthodontic teams?

Just like any other workplace, orthodontic practices can face summertime chaos. The relentless pace of appointments and the lack of a proper break can leave your team feeling burnt out. But fear not. There's a leadership ...