6 Ways to Show Appreciation to the Dental Team
A strong dental practice staff starts with a leader that wants to support them in their successes, and showing appreciation is a great first step.
6 Ways to Show Appreciation to the Dental Team.
Having the dental practice run like a well-oiled machine hinges on having a strong staff. With staffing crises and the “Great Resignation” looming, it may feel like there are no solutions to retain good staff members in the dental practice. But there are effective ways to keep good employees on board, starting with showing everyday appreciation and recognizing good work. Here are just a few ways to being that appreciation journey which will, in time, lead to a happier staff that wants to stick around.
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Development Opportunities
A great way to show appreciation for the dental staff is to invest in their professional growth. This demonstrates that not only do you support them in being better in the dental practice, but also better in the dental field as a whole. There are a variety of options here, such as conferences and webinars, as well as online continuing education (CE). Offering CE is a great way to show your dental staff that you want them to be the best they can be.
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Verbal Gratitude
It may seem like a simple solution, but ask yourself: how often do I say ‘thank you’ to my fellow practice staff? Verbal, enthusiastic gratitude can often be overlooked when it comes to showing gratitude, but it is a simple and effective way to show people that you appreciate them. A little goes a long way.
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Lunch or Breakfast
Sharing food is a staple of community. By extension, sharing food, like coffee, breakfast pastries, lunch sandwiches, can be a great way to show practice staff a sense of community that sets your dental practice apart from others. Obviously, you don’t need to be supplying breakfast and/or lunch every day, but doing this maybe once a week or once every 2 weeks is a great way to make dental practice staff happy (and fed!)
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Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great way to show appreciation. They can be a relatively small expense and give the practice employee the power to choose whatever gift they want. Even if it’s just a $5 card for Starbucks coffee or gas, gift cards are a fun way to say thanks.
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Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool in the dental practice, but in this instance, it can be a great way to show off your practice and what sets you apart from others. Ask dental staff who may be adept with social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and especially TikTok. See who enjoys what, and if they would have any interest in running an account for the practice. Social media can be a good way to introduce dental staff (who consent to being posted online) and recognize good weeks, and good days.
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Upgraded & updated equipment
Above all else, the practice staff wants to get their work done efficiently and safely, which can start with the practice owner. Making sure your equipment is upgraded and updated lets your practice staff know that you are investing in your success together, and that you want the best for both them and the patients. No amount of pizza parties or gift cards can show appreciation quite as strongly as having faith in your team, and doing your best to support their clinical success.
