Work Hard, Smile More

Last month we talked about the psychological obstacle course that can happen in dental practices and some of the causes of that tension. Here at Global Team Solutions, our tagline for the past 15 years has been:

“We believe dentists, practice owners and their teams deserve to have an organized, business-focused, yet FUN environment! At GTS, we work with you and your team to create the tools needed to achieve your goals.”

Do you believe you can have this? 

Yes! You can have an organized, business-focused dental office that’s also FUN. 

Let’s face it—running a dental practice isn’t always easy. Between patient care, insurance headaches, managing staff, and trying to stay profitable, the day-to-day can feel like a never-ending to-do list. But we stand behind the idea that you and your team deserve to work in an environment that is organized, business-savvy, and genuinely enjoyable.

Your office should not be defined by stress and chaos. You know those cups we keep seeing for moms that say “Chaos Coordinator”? As a mom of 4, I remember those days quite vividly. And working in dental offices since I was 14 years old, I understand that chaos as well. There is always going to be “chaos”. Dental offices are busy, and things don’t always go as planned. It is how you and your team handle yourselves in these times that should be what defines you. 

We’re not talking about putting fun above function—we’re talking about building a solid foundation so your team can breathe easier and enjoy their work. When everyone knows their role and responsibilities, the systems are humming along, and goals are clearly defined, everything becomes lighter—and more fun.

Having fun isn’t all about pizza Fridays or birthday balloons (although those are nice too). It’s about the tone you set daily. Is your team walking in dreading the day ahead, or do they feel appreciated, capable, and part of something meaningful?

A high-stress environment can lead to burnout, turnover, and costly mistakes. But when you intentionally create a space that values teamwork, open communication, and enjoyment in the work, your practice becomes not just more efficient—but stronger too.

Here are some easy-to-implement ideas to make your practice more enjoyable:

1. Promote Calm, Not Chaos -- If everything feels urgent all the time, morale crashes. It’s important to let your team know what really needs to be prioritized, and help them pace themselves through the day with purpose, not panic.

2. Celebrate Small Wins -- Did the hygienist help a nervous patient through their first cleaning? Did the front desk successfully fill a cancellation? Acknowledge it. Celebrating small victories builds momentum and positivity.

3. Encourage Open Communication -- Stress only builds in silence. Make it safe for your team to speak up—whether it’s about scheduling conflicts, patient concerns, or responsibility concerns. When employees feel heard, they’re more engaged and less anxious.

4. Create Space for Laughter and Connection -- A dental office doesn’t have to be stiff and silent. Where I worked, we always had friendly banter, shared meals and laughter. A strong team culture not only improves the team’s experience, but also the patient experience.

5. Breaks and Downtime -- Skipping lunch or powering through without a break may feel productive short-term, but it’s a recipe for burnout. Ensure your team can rest and reset during the day—respecting their need to recharge helps them do their best work.

6. Be a Leader, Not Just a Boss -- Your team takes their signals from you. Show empathy. Be approachable. Offer guidance, not just orders. When employees feel respected and supported, their stress decreases.

Your dental office is not just about teeth—it’s about people. The more “fun” and respect you bring into your workplace, the more your team will succeed. And when your team is happy and engaged, your patients feel it too.

Creating an enjoyable work environment isn’t just good for morale—it’s good business.

If you feel like you need help creating the environment you desire, please give us a call. Nothing would make us happier than to help you.

---

Janice Janssen, RDH, CFE, Consultant

At age 14, Janice Janssen got an after-school job working for her dentist. Twenty-something years later, she is the co-founder of Global Team Solutions and an expert in practice consulting. Besides hands-on experience, Janice has gained professional recognition for her hard work and commitment to excellence. She is co-author of OMG! Office Management Guide, the “bible” used in GTS training workshops. She is a member of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants (ADMC), and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), which positions her as an expert in educating dentists to deter fraud and embezzlement in their practice.

Janice can be reached at: janice@gtsgurus.com