You know what’s worse than not having an office manager? Having the wrong one. We all want that "perfect" hire, but perfect on paper rarely works in practice.

This episode explores what really makes someone the right fit, whether you're promoting from within or hiring from the outside, and how to set them up for success in their new role. You'll learn three important things: the trade-offs of hiring internally vs. externally, what you need to do before handing over the reins, and how to keep your practice running smoothly — with or without a manager.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why most outside hires fail
• The #1 onboarding mistake
• How to successfully promote internally vs. externally
• How to interview new office managers
• How to “build your bench"

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Join Etch, Steve, Henry, and 14 other growth minded practice owners at this exclusive beachfront masterminding opportunity November 7 and 8 in Destin Florida. Apply by setting up a strategy call HERE

Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life

We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams.

Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Feeling trapped on the dental treadmill? That plateau between $1-2 million in practice revenue isn't just common—it's a critical crossroads in your ownership journey.

Dental practice owners typically hit this wall after establishing their core team (usually two hygienists, two assistants, and two front desk staff), then find themselves unable to push beyond despite working harder clinically. The fundamental problem isn't your clinical skills or work ethic—it's that you've reached the ceiling of what one dentist can physically produce while simultaneously trying to run a business.

I experienced this firsthand when my practice hit $1.8 million back in 2015. Despite efficient systems and block scheduling, growth seemed impossible without clinical burnout. I was constantly trying to squeeze in one more same-day patient while lacking the energy to handle the essential business responsibilities. The breakthrough came when I realized that most dentists don't actually own a business—they have a really good job. A true business continues generating revenue when you're not physically present, while most dental practices stop producing the moment the owner stops performing dentistry.

Breaking through requires four transformative mindset shifts: transitioning from dentist to owner, building a leadership team, systematizing operations, and developing problem-solvers within your team. By implementing these changes, I was able to bring on my first associate, reduce my clinical schedule, and unlock unprecedented freedom—taking 18 weeks off last year while my practice continued thriving.

The path beyond $2 million isn't about working harder; it's about working differently. Ready to stop being trapped by your practice and start enjoying the freedom of true practice ownership? Visit dentalpracticeheroes.com to schedule a strategy call and discover how our coaching can help you build the systems and leadership that create both profitability and freedom.

Join Etch, Steve, Henry, and 14 other growth minded practice owners at this exclusive beachfront masterminding opportunity November 7 and 8 in Destin Florida. Apply by setting up a strategy call HERE

Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life

We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams.

Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

Imagine losing a team member who's been with you for years. Beyond the obvious recruiting costs, you're facing a cascade of hidden consequences: the training burden on your remaining team, eroding morale as staff wonder if they should be looking elsewhere, and patients noticing unfamiliar faces at every visit. That's the reality of turnover, and it's far more costly than most dentists realize.

Drawing from my own practice experience—nine years of remarkable stability followed by a challenging period of departures after COVID—I've discovered that reducing turnover doesn't require complex systems or extravagant perks. It comes down to three fundamental principles that are surprisingly easy to implement but transformative in their impact.

Recognition sits at the heart of retention. When I committed to giving each team member two specific compliments weekly (what I call "filling buckets"), I was shocked to discover how many quiet contributors I'd been overlooking. Creating systematic appreciation—sharing patient reviews, implementing token recognition programs, celebrating achievements—transforms recognition from an occasional afterthought to a cultural cornerstone.

Regular one-on-ones provide the psychological safety team members need to express concerns before they become resignation letters. These structured conversations aren't just problem-solving sessions; they're relationship-building opportunities that demonstrate you value each person's perspective. I've consistently found that periods of team unrest coincided with lapses in these critical meetings.

Finally, investing in your team's growth and creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy their colleagues builds remarkable loyalty. People will tolerate significant workplace challenges when they love the people they work with and feel they're continuously developing professionally.

Ready to transform your practice into one where people want to stay? Visit dentalpracticeheroes.com to schedule a strategy call. We'll discuss your specific challenges and explore how our coaching program can help you build the team-driven practice that gives you more freedom, profitability, and peace of mind.

Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life

We help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams.

Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.