“Empowering Female Dentists: Coaching Insight sand the Importance of Leadership in Dentistry”

In this episode of the Ultimate Dental Podcast, Dr. David Moffet interviews Dr. Jennifer Smith, an orthodontist and dental coach from Calgary in Canada. They discuss Jennifer's journey from dental school to orthodontics, her transition into coaching, and the challenges faced by dental practice owners.Jennifer emphasises the importance of building a positive practice culture and the need for ongoing education in business skills for dentists. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by female dentists in leadership roles and the significance of mentorship and support in the dental community.In this conversation, Jennifer Smith shares her insights on transforming communication within dental practices, emphasising the importance of feedback, accountability, and personal growth. She discusses the significance of hiring for cultural fit rather than skill set, and how to create a positive patient experience.The conversation also touches on the challenges of dental practice ownership and the need for effective systems to ensure success.What you will learn:[01:20] Introduction and Background[03:03] Journey to Orthodontics[07:11] Transition to Coaching and Consulting[12:44] Challenges in Dental Practice Ownership[18:04] Building a Positive Practice Culture[26:34] Transforming Communication in the Workplace[28:50] The Power of Feedback and Accountability[31:14] Personal Growth and Team Dynamics[33:14] Hiring for Culture Over SkillsTakeaways Jennifer decided to become a dentist at 12 years old. She transitioned to orthodontics after a challenging start in general dentistry. The importance of a supportive practice culture is emphasised. Many dentists lack business training in dental school. Women in dentistry often struggle with leadership dynamics. Practice ownership can provide freedom and control. Building a positive culture can significantly impact practice success. Communication rules can transform team dynamics. Mistakes should be attributed to systems, not individuals. Ongoing education is crucial for dental professionals. Snarky comments can damage relationships; constructive communication is key. Apologising for mistakes can strengthen team relationships. Feedback should be immediate, specific, and balanced with praise. Accountability is about connection, not policing. Gathering data from the team is essential for improvement. Hiring should focus on cultural fit over skill set. Positive patient experiences are crucial in dentistry. Effective systems are necessary to prevent marketing waste. Practice ownership offers control over personal and professional life. Continuous personal growth is vital for effective leadership.Sound Bites "I decided I was going to be a dentist at 12." "I wanted to work in a place that I enjoyed being at." "We always blame a system, not a person." "Snarky Jen would say something like..." "A repair is more powerful than getting it right." "Feedback is like a magic wand." "We must gather data to improve." 'We do not hire on skill set."