Do you have a well-organized dental practice where every employee is in the right role and your practice is running smoothly? If so, you're part of an elite group—only 2-5% of organizations reach this level of efficiency. But most dental practices struggle with this. The reason? Many people don’t have the right employees working in roles that match their unique abilities.

The Importance of Unique Abilities

What do I mean by "unique abilities"? We all have certain strengths. Some people are good with numbers, some are great with patients, others excel at surgery, and some are natural leaders. As a dentist, you need a wide range of skills: you're not only a surgeon, but you're also responsible for managing a team, marketing, and running the business. Most dentists are good at some of these tasks, but very few are excellent at all of them. And just as no dentist is great at every role in the office, your team members aren't always a perfect fit for every position either.

The Concept of "Right People, Right Seats"

In the book Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters, the authors talk about the concept of having the "right people in the right seats." This means placing each team member in a role where they can use their unique strengths. It’s about finding the position where they thrive, not just where they’re needed. Everyone has a special skill that sets them apart, and when they are doing what they love and are good at, both the individual and the practice benefit.

Finding the Right Roles for Your Staff

Sometimes, finding the right role for an employee is a matter of trial and error. I remember hiring someone for an administrative position at our practice who was great with people, but not very comfortable handling complex data and numbers. She was kind, empathetic, and pleasant to work with, but she struggled in a high-pressure administrative role.

Initially, our team suggested letting her go, but I saw something in her that others didn’t—she had exceptional people skills. So, I moved her to a different role in the office where her strengths could shine. She became our most empathetic employee, someone I could count on during chaotic situations. Whether it was calming a nervous patient or stepping in during a surgical procedure to clean up a mess, she excelled because she was working in her unique ability.

The Benefits of Role Alignment

When your team members are in roles that align with their strengths, they thrive, and your practice thrives. This creates a harmonious, high-performing environment. In my practice, every team member is encouraged to work in a role they love, and this has had a profound impact on both team morale and the overall success of the practice.

It’s funny—when you're working in your unique ability, you're naturally attracted to people who are also working in theirs. You can feel the energy shift when you are aligned with your strengths. It’s the same when you're not in the right seat—everyone can sense it. Have you ever been in a store and the employee seems disinterested or disengaged? You can tell they're not in the right role. The same thing happens in a dental office.

Optimizing Your Practice by Leveraging Strengths

I’ve learned that the key to a thriving dental practice is ensuring that everyone on the team is doing what they love. When employees are in their "right seat"—the role that best fits their unique ability—both they and the practice benefit. This leads to greater productivity, higher morale, and better patient care.

Of course, it’s important to recognize when a position no longer fits someone’s strengths. I’ve had employees with me for several years who eventually realized they wanted a change. And when that happens, we work together to find a role that aligns better with their passions and abilities. Keeping your team happy and engaged is vital to creating a positive work environment and achieving long-term success.

Conclusion: Creating a High-Performing, Thriving Dental Team

The success of your dental practice depends on the success of your team. If you align their roles with their unique abilities, you will build a stronger, more efficient team that works in harmony. Whether you're currently struggling with team dynamics or simply looking to optimize your practice, the key is to ensure that each member is in the right role.

A thriving dental team isn't just about having the right skills—it’s about having the right people in the right seats, where they can do what they love and excel. When this happens, your practice will run on all cylinders, and your team will be more motivated, productive, and satisfied.