Stress Management for Dental Practice Leadership

Course Objectives

1. Identify the Root Causes of Rising Stress in Dental Practices
   Learners will assess the current landscape of stressors—including staffing shortages, economic uncertainty, patient behavior changes, and supply chain disruptions—and understand their impact on leadership capacity.
   
   
2. Recognize the Signs of Burnout in Self and Team
   Learners will develop the ability to spot physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of burnout and understand how they manifest in practice leaders and staff alike.
   
   
3. Implement Tactical Solutions to Alleviate Operational Stress
   Learners will explore high-impact strategies such as outsourcing insurance verification, using executive or administrative assistants, and optimizing call systems to regain control and relieve daily pressure.
   
   
4. Foster Workplace Flexibility and Creative Staffing Models
   Learners will design flexible work arrangements, including remote roles and hybrid scheduling, to attract and retain team members in today’s competitive job market.
   
   
5. Improve Internal Systems for Efficiency and Delegation
   Learners will evaluate the practice’s call flow, appointment types, and scheduling protocols to reduce chaos, improve patient service, and increase team bandwidth.
   
   
6. Set and Communicate Patient Expectations Proactively
   Learners will build scripts and office policies that train patients on new systems and boundaries, helping to prevent conflict and reduce front office burden.
   
   
7. Enhance Team Communication and Emotional Safety
   Learners will practice leadership techniques that create psychological safety, address resentment, and encourage healthy accountability without micromanagement.
   
   
8. Involve the Team in Cost Awareness and Solutions
   Learners will develop transparent, team-centered approaches to cost control and budgeting—empowering staff to contribute ideas and protect resources without cutting wages.
   
   
9. Strengthen Financial Stewardship Without Compromising Care
   Learners will perform overhead reviews, evaluate discretionary spending, and reinforce profitability strategies while continuing to invest in high-value team members.
   
   
10. Develop Personal Resilience Through Mindset and Self-Care Practices
    Learners will implement mindfulness tools, morning routines, and thought-checking strategies to lead from a place of strength—even when external conditions remain uncertain.