Let’s face it—running a dental practice isn’t just about creating healthy smiles. It’s also about building a team that works together, supports each other, and thrives in a positive environment. Toxic culture, unfortunately, can creep in like a hidden cavity, eroding your team from the inside out.

If you’re ready to create a workplace where your team feels valued, inspired, and excited to come to work, these seven steps will help you turn things around. Here’s how to clear out toxic culture and cultivate a thriving environment in your dental practice.

1. Lead with Intention

Your team is always watching—what you do matters far more than what you say.

As the leader of your practice, you set the tone. Want a supportive and collaborative culture? Show up every day and live those values. Be kind, communicative, and consistent. If you want your team to prioritize patient care, go above and beyond in how you treat patients and each other.

When your actions align with the culture you want, your team will follow your lead.

2. Highlight Every Step Forward

Culture doesn’t change overnight—it’s built incrementally.

In your dental practice, that might look like acknowledging when a team member handles a tough patient interaction with empathy, celebrates a colleague’s win, or takes the initiative to streamline a process.

Take time to recognize even the smallest progress. A simple “thank you” during a morning huddle or a quick shout-out in a team meeting can go a long way in reinforcing positive behavior and building morale.

3. Foster Real Collaboration

Your practice thrives when your team works together seamlessly.

Encourage collaboration by creating systems that allow for it naturally. For instance, pair hygienists and dental assistants in ways that play to their strengths or foster mentorship. Create open lines of communication between the front office and the clinical team to ensure smooth workflows and a stress-free day.

When collaboration becomes part of daily life, your team starts feeling like a true unit, working toward shared success.

4. Reward What You Want to See

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool.

When someone embodies your practice’s values, call it out and celebrate it. Did a team member stay late to accommodate an emergency patient? Did someone go out of their way to comfort a nervous child in the chair? Reward those actions, whether it’s through verbal recognition, small perks, or a team lunch.

By consistently recognizing the behaviors you want to see, you strengthen your culture and encourage others to follow suit.

5. Give Feedback that Fuels Growth

Regular, constructive feedback is key to building a high-performing team.

Be direct but kind when addressing performance or behavior. If a dental assistant struggles with time management or a front office team member seems disengaged, have a conversation about it. Focus on solutions and growth, not just the problem.

Feedback isn’t about criticism—it’s about helping each person align with your practice’s culture and values while achieving their personal and professional best.

6. Make Values Part of the Daily Conversation

Your practice’s core values shouldn’t just live on a mission statement tucked in a binder—they should be alive in your day-to-day operations.

Bring them up during morning huddles, team meetings, and even patient interactions. For instance, if “patient-first care” is a core value, discuss how the team can continue to improve the patient experience.

When values are woven into the fabric of your practice, they become second nature to everyone on the team.

7. Don’t Tolerate Toxic Behavior

The hard truth? Ignoring toxic behavior is the same as endorsing it.

Whether it’s gossip, negativity, or outright hostility, addressing it head-on is essential. Toxicity not only erodes morale but also impacts patient care. Have those tough conversations and, if necessary, make the hard decisions to protect your team and culture.

Your dental practice should be a safe and uplifting space for everyone—your team, your patients, and yourself.

A Final Word

Clearing out toxic culture in your dental practice takes effort, intention, and consistency. But it’s worth it.

When you lead by example, recognize progress, foster collaboration, and reinforce your values, you’ll create a work environment where your team thrives—and so will your patients.

Remember, culture isn’t built overnight, but every small step you take today leads to a stronger, healthier practice tomorrow. Let’s create workplaces that everyone can feel proud to be part of—starting with yours.