Managing a Team

About the Hosts:

In this insightful conversation, we are joined by Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor. Both guests showcase a wealth of experience in dentistry, set to inspire and educate listeners on navigating the early years of a dental career. Dr. Craig's journey from dental assistant to practicing dentist brings a unique perspective, emphasizing the significance of teamwork within a dental practice. Dr. Sartor brings her recent experience of transitioning from residency to practice ownership, focusing on building a practice culture and team dynamics, and sharing her insights on patient care in a small town setting.

Episode Summary:

In a profession where technical skill is often spotlighted, this episode of "Beyond Graduation" with Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor shines a light on the challenging aspect of managing dental teams. The conversation begins with a nod to the complexities inherent in handling the diversity of personalities within a practice.

Dr. Sartor takes us through her journey of transitioning from residency to owning a practice, along with the reshaping of her team. Emphasizing the value of establishing a desirable office culture, she narrates the impact of retaining and hiring team members who share her vision. Dr. Craig contributes her experience as an associate navigating team management, providing insights from her interactions as both a supervisor and an empathetic team member aware of each individual's unique arduous tasks.

Key Takeaways:

• Managing a dental team involves more than just dentistry, requiring the ability to effectively handle diverse personalities and establish a positive practice culture.
• The patient experience is deeply influenced by the team's dynamic and how well team members are treated.
• Effective team management requires transparency, direct communication, and addressing issues promptly to prevent escalation.
• Both Dr. Craig and Dr. Sartor emphasize the importance of mutual respect, support, and assuming that everyone on the team is trying their best.
• Leaders in dental practices should seek input from their team on improvements and provide the necessary resources and support to foster a supportive environment.

Connect with Ronnetta Sartor: @dr_sartor

Connect with Savanah Craig @savanahcraigdds

Connect with FutureDentists: @futuredentists

Connect with Future Dentists Beyond Graduation: @futuredentistsbeyondgraduation

Dive into the full depth of the conversation by listening to this episode of "Beyond Graduation". Dr. Craig and Dr. Sartor explore the nuances of team management within a dental practice with candidness and valuable takeaways. Stay tuned for more engaging and informative content from these seasoned dentists as they continue to tackle real conversations about life and career beyond graduation.