Why You Need to Win Over Your New Team When Buying a Dental Practice

As a dentist, one of your primary goals is to provide exceptional dental care to your patients. However, when you decide to buy a dental practice, you are not only acquiring the facility and equipment but also a team of professionals who are vital to the success of your practice. Just as you need to gain the trust of your patients, you also need to win over your new team to ensure a smooth transition and a prosperous future. 

The success of your dental practice depends on more than just your clinical skills as a dentist. It also relies on the efficiency and dedication of your dental team, which includes dental assistants, hygienists, office managers, and receptionists. These individuals play a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment, streamlining operations, and providing excellent patient care. 

So, whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned professional looking to expand your dental empire, understanding the importance of winning over your new team is the key to unlocking the true potential of your newly-acquired practice.

The Risks of Not Building Trust with Your New Dental Team

Failing to win over your new team can have significant consequences for the practice’s future success. These risks include:

1. Loss of key staff members: If staff members don’t feel valued, supported, or engaged during the transition, they may choose to move on to other opportunities. Losing key team members can lead to disruptions in patient care, increased recruitment and training costs, and a loss of valuable institutional knowledge.
2. Decreased morale and productivity: A lack of trust and goodwill between the new practice owner and the existing team can lead to low morale and decreased productivity. When staff members don’t feel supported or appreciated, they are less likely to go above and beyond in their roles or contribute to a positive work environment.
3. Negative impact on patient care: When staff members are unhappy or disengaged, the quality of patient care can suffer. This can lead to a decline in patient satisfaction, which can ultimately damage the practice’s reputation and bottom line.

How Do You Earn Your New Team’s Favor?

1. Communicate openly and honestly: Clear, honest, and open communication is key to winning over your new team. Arrange a meeting with the entire staff to introduce yourself, share your vision for the practice, and address any concerns or questions. Be transparent about any changes you plan to make and the reasons behind them.
2. Show genuine interest and appreciation for the team: Take the time to get to know each staff member individually, and express genuine interest in their skills, experiences, and contributions to the practice. Recognize and celebrate the team’s achievements, and demonstrate that you value and appreciate their hard work.
3. Involve the team in decision-making: Involving your new team in the decision-making process not only fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the practice but also helps ensure that any changes or improvements are well-received and supported by those who will be implementing them.
4. Provide opportunities for growth and development: Offer training, development, and advancement opportunities to your staff members. This demonstrates your commitment to their professional growth and success, and helps them feel valued and engaged in the practice.
5. Be patient and flexible: Recognize that change can be difficult for some people, and be prepared to be patient and flexible as your new team adjusts to new leadership and potentially new ways of doing things. Provide support and reassurance where needed, and listen to and address any concerns or feedback that arise during the transition process.

The Bottom Line

Winning over your new dental team is a crucial aspect of ensuring a smooth and successful transition when purchasing a dental practice. By fostering a positive, supportive, and engaging work environment, you will not only retain the valuable skills and knowledge of your existing team members but also lay the foundation for future growth and success in your new practice.

Are you interested in buying a dental practice and need accountants for dentists? Look no further than Ash Dental CPA! We are a team of experienced and knowledgeable dentists, accountants, and tax professionals dedicated to helping dentists and dental practices succeed. 

From helping you understand your financials to setting up and managing systems to maximize your revenue and control expenses, we have the expertise and experience to support your success. Contact us today!