As dental office managers, we are constantly juggling patient satisfaction, team coordination, and operational efficiencies. Amid these daily demands, it is easy to lose sight of what initially sparked our passion -- our why -- for this role.
How we define our why is about how we see ourselves and who we are at our core -- it’s about purpose and passion. It is more than what motivates us; it is the driving force behind our actions and our behaviors and keeps us aligned with what truly matters.
Sheri McVaugh.
Our why is the reason we get up every day and do what we do, both professionally and personally. What happens when our sense of purpose fades or feels buried under stress and burnout?
It may be time to reevaluate your why and rediscover your purpose and goals. This journey begins with intention and a willingness to look inward.
Here are three rewarding steps to rediscover your passion and your why as a dental office manager.
Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations
To rediscover your why, it is important to self-reflect and assess your personal strengths, weaknesses, core values, and motivations. Consider how each of these connects to your role as a dental office manager. These reflections will help provide you with clarity and help you understand what fuels your passion and what may be draining it.
Start by asking yourself: What are my core values? What guides me to show up each day, and what strengths define me? Assess the tasks you enjoy: the responsibilities that energize you, make you lose track of time, or feel rewarding. Do you thrive on patient interactions and connections, feel excited by analytics and problem-solving, or enjoy being the facilitator for team collaboration?
Let’s be honest … there are also those aspects of our role that consistently fall to the bottom of our to-do list simply because they are mentally or emotionally draining, or they fail to excite us. What are those tasks that you off, as they are a drain on you rather than a challenge? Being completely honest with yourself is crucial in identifying not only opportunities for growth but also areas where support may be needed.
How are your office relationships with your doctor and team? Have you created a culture of open communication and mutual respect? These strong connections can often reinforce your values and help shape a healthier work environment.
Lastly, ask yourself: Why did you choose dentistry? Are you still feeling the excitement and sense of fulfillment you felt when you initially began in your role? Answering these questions and taking actionable steps to reignite your passion will reconnect you with your why and ultimately help alleviate stress and burnout.
Create your action plan
Once you’ve taken the time for honest and insightful self-reflection, it’s time to think about what you’ve learned and how your responses apply to your responsibilities and position. Evaluate the tasks that energize you and those that consistently drain your time and energy. This is critical in identifying where you thrive and where support or adjustments may be needed.
Take time to determine if you can delegate some of those tasks that drain your energy and time (for example, insurance, scheduling, etc.). If tasks cannot be delegated (especially for those of us in smaller offices), develop a workflow for yourself to help you maintain your focus and stay efficient. Utilizing tools, software, or systems that can support you will also help you to streamline your responsibilities.
The next step is to build an action plan that supports your strengths and helps you more effectively manage those challenging responsibilities. Your action plan should not only emphasize your natural abilities and interests, but it should also provide strategies to manage those less enjoyable tasks.
Evaluate your workflow throughout your day to make sure that you have a balance in your day of rewarding/energizing tasks and those that may be a challenge to you. Build time into your plan for monthly self-reflection to assess your progress and adjust as needed.
During your monthly self-reflection, ask yourself these guided questions:
- What accomplishments am I most proud of this month?
- What tasks and responsibilities brought me the most satisfaction?
- How were my interactions with the doctor, team, and patients?
- Were there any tasks that drained my energy, and what were the causes?
Finally, review your self-reflection answers and ask yourself if there is anything that you can do differently next month to stay aligned with your goals and values.
Based on your self-evaluation, you may need to adjust your daily workflow and action plan to be more aligned with a positive mindset. Once your action plan has been developed and is in motion, your next steps are to focus on your goals and to develop a supportive network.
Growth and development goals and supportive resources
Now that you’ve had time for self-reflection and have created an action plan, it’s time to evaluate what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life.
Do you have a clear plan for your personal and professional goals, whether it’s a one-year, five-year, or long-term vision? What are some motivational and educational programs that may be available to you?
As dental management professionals, it is essential that we stay up to date with industry standards, updates, and regulations, whether they are related to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, HIPAA, dental insurance, in-office membership plans, and human resources, etc.
Do you participate in continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences? Have you developed a supportive network of friends and industry peers who provide you with a boost in morale or answers to tough questions? For me, joining the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) 15-plus years ago gave me the tools that I needed to succeed in my office manager role.
The AADOM conference provides valuable resources, as well as networking and educational opportunities, and the relationships I’ve developed with attendees, speakers, and sponsors have provided me with lifelong friends, mentors, and collaborators.
Joining an AADOM-endorsed dental professional learning network at the local level (or starting your own organization) can further provide you with a network of your peers. These relationships have provided me with unlimited support and guidance.
Reignite your why and reclaim your passion
Your why defines the passion behind your purpose. It is more than a fleeting sense of motivation, it is the foundation of your personal and professional identity. Reconnecting with it can reignite your motivation, focus, and fulfillment in dentistry.
Through self-reflection, intentional planning, and continued growth, you can make the shift from surviving in your role to thriving! By evaluating your strengths and challenges, building an action plan that supports you, and surrounding yourself with a strong network of support, you can set yourself up for long-term success and satisfaction.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to rediscover your spark, remember that your why reflects you! Take time today to pause, reflect, and rekindle your passion for your career in dentistry. Embrace your why to lead a more productive, fulfilling, and meaningful career and life.
Sheri McVaugh has been involved in the dental field for over 30 years. She is the founder and president of a local AADOM-endorsed dental professional learning network, the Susquehanna Valley PA Dental Connection. McVaugh holds the AADOM Mastership, and she will receive her AADOM Diplomate distinction in 2025.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
