Holding onto staff who consistently fall short of expectations can lead to a ripple effect that impacts the entire team and patient experience. Instead of elevating your practice, you may be inadvertently lowering the bar, causing frustration among high-performers and diminishing the quality of care your patients receive.
Here’s how “just keeping the peace” can backfire:
Increased Stress on High Performers – When underperformers aren’t held accountable, your top team members often pick up the slack. Over time, this can lead to burnout and resentment.
Lowered Team Morale – If standards aren’t upheld consistently, your culture takes a hit. Other team members may feel unmotivated or discouraged if they see poor performance go unaddressed.
Damage to Patient Experience – Inconsistent communication, poor chairside manners, or administrative mishaps can directly affect patient satisfaction, retention, and referrals.
Hidden Costs Add Up – Mistakes, inefficiencies, and rework can cost far more than hiring and training someone new.
Missed Growth Opportunities – Keeping the wrong person on the bus may prevent you from finding someone who can truly contribute to the practice’s long-term vision.
Instead of avoiding conflict, consider addressing performance gaps with honesty and structure. Offer support and training—but also set clear expectations, timelines, and consequences if improvement isn’t seen. Turnover may be temporarily disruptive, but strategic staffing decisions are vital for long-term growth and sustainability.
Ultimately, building a resilient and productive dental team means knowing when to invest in people—and when to make the tough calls. Your practice, your patients, and your culture deserve the best. Letting go of what (or who) isn’t working may be the bold step that opens the door to your next big breakthrough.
Schedule your Discovery Call to get started.