Mindset Matters: Embracing Change in Dentistry
Dentistry is constantly evolving.
In my 20+ years in the field, I’ve seen a lot of change. I remember when schedules were handwritten, radiographs were developed in darkrooms, and patient charts were stacked so high they could double as office décor.
Fast-forward to today, and most practices are fully digital—electronic health records, digital X-rays, and automated workflows have made things faster and more efficient.
But here’s the thing: new technology isn’t what makes or breaks a practice—mindset does.
The Power of Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth
Mindset is simply how we approach challenges. A fixed mindset believes that skills and intelligence are set in stone—you’re either good at something, or you’re not. A growth mindset believes that abilities can be developed through learning and effort.
When change comes along (and let’s be real, it always does), mindset determines how we respond. Some team members see it as an opportunity to improve, while others feel overwhelmed and resistant to change. Neither is wrong, but understanding these differences is key to making change effective.
To get my team thinking about mindset, I once gave them this simple exercise. For each pair below, pick the statement that best describes you:
- I stick to what I know / I want to try new things
- I can either do it or I can’t / I can learn to do anything
- Feedback is personal / Feedback is constructive
- I don’t like to be challenged / Challenges help me grow
- This is too difficult / Struggling means I’m learning
It was eye-opening! Some were excited by the growth mindset statements, while others hesitated. But the conversation it sparked was even more valuable. We all began to see how our individual mindsets affected how we handled change.
Real Talk: Introducing Change at Our Practice
When I became Practice Manager, our office was using Dentrix, but paper charts still bogged us down.
It made no sense!
The admin team scanned documents into Dentrix, updated medical histories, and then printed the same forms for the clinical team. Treatment plans were printed, signed, scanned, and refiled. The amount of double (and triple) work was exhausting.
I knew going digital would save time and headaches, but not everyone was thrilled about the idea. Some were worried: “What if something gets lost? What if the system crashes?”
Others were all for it: “Finally! This will make life so much easier!”
Instead of forcing an overnight switch, we took it one step at a time. First, we digitized treatment plans. Once the team felt comfortable, we moved on to reviewing medical histories and completing HIPAA forms. Slowly but surely, we went fully chartless—and even the skeptics admitted it was a game-changer.
The lesson?
Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing. When people feel supported (instead of rushed), they’re much more likely to get on board.
Finding the Balance: Why Both Mindsets Matter
The real magic happens when two perspectives work together. It’s easy to think a growth mindset is “better,” but here’s the truth: both fixed and growth mindsets bring value to a dental practice.
- Stability: Fixed-mindset team members value tradition and consistency. They help ensure changes are well thought out, not just impulsively thrown into place.
- Innovation: Growth-mindset individuals push for progress. They’re the ones eager to try new things, explore better systems, and keep the practice evolving.
How to Bridge the Mindset Gap
Let’s be honest, mindset differences can sometimes cause tension. Here’s how to keep everyone moving in the same direction:
- Encourage Open Conversations: When introducing change. Let fixed-mindset team members voice their concerns while growth-mindset individuals share their excitement. Feeling heard makes a huge difference.
- Pair Up Different Mindsets: Match a fixed-mindset team member with a growth-mindset colleague on projects. One brings caution and stability, the other brings enthusiasm and adaptability—it’s a win-win.
- Provide Training and Support: Most resistance comes from fear of the unknown. Instead of expecting instant adaptation, provide hands-on training and reassurance. Learning takes time.
- Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small): Change feels less intimidating when progress in recognized. Whether it’s a team member mastering new software or streamlining a process, celebrate it!
- Keep the Focus on the Bigger Picture: At the end of the day, we all want the same thing—to provide the best possible patient care. Keeping that shared goal front and center helps everyone stay on the same page.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Change Together, But Growth is a Choice
Change will always be a part of dentistry. New software, new workflows, new regulations—it’s not a matter of if, but when.
The key isn’t forcing people to “just get on board.” It’s understanding different perspectives, easing the transition, and working together.
A well-balanced team isn’t just one that embraces change—it’s one that respects both stability and innovation. At the end of the day, mindset matters. The stronger, more adaptable, and more supportive your team’s mindset is the more confident and successful your practice will be.
About the Author
Patricia Calhoun, MAADOM
Patricia “Trish” Calhoun has 23 years of dental experience, starting as a Certified Dental Assistant and advancing to Registered Dental Hygienist. After relocating to Florida, she transitioned into dental administration, becoming an Office Manager, where she leads her team and manages practice operations.
A lifetime member of AADOM, Trish holds a Master’s designation and serves as president of the NW Florida Dental Connection DPLN. She is committed to professional growth within her network and elevating the standards of dental office management in her community.
