Help! I’m Working For a Dental Corporate And It’s Stressing Me Out!

“I’m a new dental practice manager for a corporate office, and it’s been a challenging ride. It seems like no one is happy – not the dentists, the dental assistants, nor the administration staff. Our surgery is open for extended hours, and the staff is burning out, with the long hours taking a toll on everyone’s mental and physical health. Accounts aren’t being paid on time, causing a lot of frustration and operational hiccups. The budgets set, especially for consumables, are unrealistic, making it hard to manage resources effectively. Despite the company making huge profits, the pay at the practice level is appallingly low, leading to resignations and difficulty in hiring new staff.

From the start, it was clear that the corporate culture wasn’t ideal. There was a lack of transparency during the interview process, which has now left me feeling deceived and upset. I value honesty, and it’s disheartening to realise that I wasn’t given the full picture. Despite my efforts, I feel powerless. We clearly need more staff, the opening hours of the practice need to be addressed, staff need to be paid their worth, and accounts at the head office level need to be paid in a timely manner. But here’s the catch – I don’t have control over any of these! What should I do?”

Let’s remember that these sorts of issues can happen in any dental practice.  However, we increasingly hear this happening in corporates and with some first time dentists purchasing their own practices.

Here are the strategic actions we suggest for our disheartened dental practice manager:

Document the issues and their impacts, such as resignations and burnout, and present this data to upper management. Using specific examples will make the case compelling. Highlight how unrealistic budgets and delayed payments are affecting operations, and provide clear suggestions for more realistic budget limits.

Recruitment and Retention

Research local market rates for staff and prepare a proposal for competitive pay. Emphasise the cost of turnover versus the cost of paying competitive wages. Propose offering professional development opportunities as an added benefit to retain staff.

Improve Workplace Culture

Push for more transparency from the corporate office. Regular updates and honest communication can improve trust. Implement a system for recognising hard work and dedication to help boost morale.

Engage with Upper Management

Request regular meetings with upper management to discuss ongoing issues and progress. Ensure they understand the severity and long-term impacts of the current conditions.

Set Boundaries

Ensure you are not overextending yourself. Delegate tasks where possible and take time to recharge. Seeking professional support, such as counseling, (venting in our manager’s group!) can help manage stress and maintain mental health.

Reflect on Your Position

Assess if staying in this role aligns with your personal and professional goals. Sometimes, finding a better fit elsewhere is the best decision for your well-being.

While it’s a tough situation, taking these steps can help manage the immediate crisis and work towards longer-term improvements. If the corporate culture remains unresponsive, it might be worth considering other opportunities that align better with your values and work style.