Talking, Thanking, and Teamwork Stuff
So, in Part 1, I talked about why having a good vibe at work really matters, especially in a dental office.
Now I want to talk about how to actually make that happen. I’m not saying I have all the answers, but I’ve seen and have done things that help, and I think it’s worth sharing—just in case it helps someone else.
The truth is, you don’t have to do anything super fancy or expensive. It’s mostly about being a decent person and trying to make work feel a little more human. Like, you’re working with real people—not just coworkers who clock in and out.
The Importance of Communication, Appreciation and Teamwork
There are three things that I think really help: exceptional communication, saying thank you more, and making sure everyone feels like they’re part of the team—not just showing up and doing their own thing.
1. Talk More (and Better)
Communication is huge. I’ve seen teams where nobody talks unless something goes wrong. And that just builds tension. It’s better when people actually check in with each other. Even something like a 5-minute or longer, morning meeting to go over the day helps.
My team does a morning huddle, and honestly, the whole day feels smoother.
Also, don’t wait for problems to say something. It’s way easier to give feedback in little pieces instead of waiting until someone messes up big-time. If people feel safe to speak up, they won’t bottle stuff up.
2. Say Thanks (Seriously)
This might sound obvious, but people don’t say “thank you” enough. Everyone’s tired, everyone’s working hard—and hearing someone say “Hey, good job today” means more than you’d think. You don’t have to give out prizes or anything. Just noticing people’s effort helps.
We do little shout-outs at our team meetings, or I’ll just give praise or a “thank you” to someone in the hallway. It makes people smile, and that makes the whole place feel lighter.
3. Work Together (Not Just Next to Each Other)
One of the worst things is when it feels like you’re doing everything alone. But when people jump in to help or ask, “Do you need anything?” it changes the mood completely.
Also, it’s not just about doing the job. Having fun helps too. Like celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or doing silly theme days like a scavenger hunt, or even just grabbing coffee together. Those small things help people feel like they belong.
What’s Next?
This stuff is just the beginning. If you want the good energy to last, you have to keep working on it.
Next time I’ll talk about the real steps to keep positivity going—not just good ideas, but stuff you can actually do every day. Stay tuned!
About the Author
Lisa Fox, FAADOM
Lisa is the Practice Manager at VanDerhoef Smiles/Legacy Dental Group, where she helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes so patients and staff feel supported and cared for. With 30 years of experience in dentistry, including 15 years in dental office management, Lisa brings a deep understanding of both clinical and administrative sides of the practice.
She’s passionate about creating a welcoming, positive, and efficient environment where teams can thrive, and patients feel at ease. Whether she’s organizing schedules or helping a nervous patient feel more comfortable, Lisa is always ready with a solution and a smile.
