It starts at the top, according to practice management consultant Dianne Glasscoe Watterson, RDH, MBA, in this latest episode of "15 Minutes to Excellence," DrBicuspid.com's video chat series.

"I don't think a lot of business owners really stop to think about the impact of staff morale on the smooth functioning of their businesses, but many studies have confirmed that happy employees are more productive employees, they are more focused on their work, they enjoy their work more, and they are more likely to have positive interactions with patients," Glasscoe Watterson said. "So all that together makes for happy patients, and I think all business owners would have that as a goal."

As the team leader, the dentist needs to set the tone by ensuring that he or she walks in the door each morning in a positive mood, Glasscoe Watterson emphasized.

"The number one thing that affects staff morale is the doctor's attitude," she said. "When the doctor comes into work in a grumpy mood and doesn't speak to anybody, that really affects the staff. Staff members can feel like maybe they have done something wrong or wonder if the doctor is mad at them, and that can just squelch motivation and creativity."

Watch this episode of "15 Minutes to Excellence" to hear Glasscoe Watterson's take on the issues that can affect staff morale, the consequences of low office morale, and tips for improving team morale. The video is free to all registered DrBicuspid.com members.