Tito’s Pearls of Wisdom: Dental Practice Management Tips
Dental Management Tips from AADOM’s 2024 Office Manager of the Year – Multi-Location Practice
As the Regional Manager and driving force behind Dr. Ammar Mousa & Associates, a multi-location practice in Wildwood, FL, Alnardo “Tito” Albino, MAADOM, has steered his team toward success and helped their office grow and prosper. His leadership philosophy, centered on fostering individual growth and cultivating a cohesive team, has not only elevated the practice’s performance but also earned him the admiration of his peers.
AADOM has recognized Tito as this year’s 2024 Office Manager of the Year – Multi-Location Practice, and we’ve invited him to share his dental practice management tips for office efficiencies and team engagement.
1) Lead by Example, Not by Title
Leading by example is one of the most powerful things you can do as a manager. Your team is always observing how you handle challenges, interact with patients, and navigate daily tasks. Showing them that you’re not above rolling up your sleeves, whether answering phones during a busy day or helping clean up after a procedure, sets the tone for a collaborative and respectful work environment.
Leadership isn’t about barking orders from an office chair; it’s about actively participating in your team’s success. When you lead by example, you’re earning respect and reinforcing the behaviors you want your team to adopt.
This approach also humanizes you as a leader. The title of “Manager” or “Regional Manager” can sometimes create a perceived barrier between you and the team. You break down those walls by being approachable and relatable and demonstrating that you’re willing to share in their workload.
Team members will feel more comfortable coming to you with problems or suggestions, which improves communication and fosters a stronger sense of teamwork. It’s important to remind your team that although you manage the office, you’re still a part of it.
Actionable takeaway: Don’t wait for a crisis to step in and help. Make it a regular practice to participate in day-to-day tasks alongside your team. This not only builds camaraderie but also allows you to stay in touch with the office’s pulse, which will help you make more informed decisions.
2) Create Systems, but Stay Flexible
As a manager overseeing one or multiple dental practices, having efficient systems in place is crucial for smooth operations. From scheduling protocols to patient communication workflows, consistency ensures that all offices are running effectively and meeting practice goals.
However, it’s equally important to remain flexible. No two offices are exactly the same, and sometimes systems need to be adapted to fit the unique culture or needs of a particular team.
Flexibility allows you to fine-tune processes based on feedback or changes in technology, ensuring that your systems continue to serve the team, rather than stifle creativity or efficiency.
The key is to strike a balance between maintaining the structure and allowing room for adjustments. I’ve learned that the best systems are those that can evolve over time. Listen to your team members—they are the ones using these systems daily, and they often have valuable insights on how things can be improved.
For example, a standardized patient check-in system may work for most offices, but one practice might benefit from a digital update to reduce wait times. Instead of forcing every office into the same mold, find a happy medium that allows consistency without rigidity.
Actionable takeaway: Review your systems regularly and ask for feedback from your team. Be open to making adjustments when necessary and remember that flexibility doesn’t mean a lack of structure—it means adapting to optimize results.
Stay Tuned for Next Month’s Dental Management Tip for Multi-Location Practices
Is Your Dental Office Manager Our Next Practice Administrator of the Year?
Each year, AADOM recognizes two members as Office Managers of the Year (single-location practice and multi-location practice) who exemplify leadership, actively pursue professional development, education, and community service, and have demonstrated the ability to increase practice efficiency and profitability through the implementation of systems, technology, and marketing strategies. Does this sound like you or the office manager of your dental practice?
Nominations for 2025 will open soon! Your candidate could be recognized at the 2025 AADOM Conference this September.