Influence Your Communications
From Burnout to Buy-In: Rebuilding Team Culture Through Communication
In today’s high-pressure dental environment, team burnout is no longer rare—it’s rampant. Stressed schedules, misaligned goals, and poor communication can silently erode morale, productivity, and ultimately, patient care. But the good news? You can reverse the spiral. When communication becomes the cornerstone of your practice culture, burnout begins to lift. Here’s how to reconnect, reignite…
What’s Quiet, Powerful, and Runs Your Dental Practice Day?
Discover how communication—the unsung hero—quietly drives patient trust, team success, and growth in every thriving dental practice.
World-Class Mogul Skiing & Dental Success: The Same Winning Formula!
Every year, my husband and I attend the Deer Valley World Cup Dual Moguls, an event that showcases some of the most skilled and resilient athletes in the world. This year, the conditions were particularly brutal—high winds, heavy snow, and unpredictable temperature swings forced athletes and coaches to make last-minute adjustments for every run. Success…
How Non-Verbal Cues Influence Patient Experiences in Dentistry
Effective patient communication in dental practices heavily relies on non-verbal cues, which significantly impact patient-centered care. Research reveals that body language, eye contact, and facial expressions build trust and comfort, enhancing treatment adherence. Training dental teams to recognize and employ non-verbal signals can improve patient experiences and overall satisfaction.
Shaping Perceptions: Strategies to Improve Your Dental Practice’s Reputation
Perception significantly influences dental practices, affecting patient experiences, team dynamics, and community reputation. Factors such as first impressions, clear communication, and recognized leadership shape these perceptions. By managing feedback, investing in training, and promoting strengths, practices can enhance trust and loyalty, fostering long-term success and a positive environment for all stakeholders.
From Routine to Results: Powering Up Dental Meetings
Unlocking the Secrets to Successful Team Meetings: Webinar Insights Effective team meetings are a critical component of any thriving organization, yet they often become unproductive, frustrating, and a drain on motivation Recently, I had the privilege of delivering a virtual presentation sponsored by Air Techniques and hosted by Inside Dental Hygiene, titled Optimizing Team Meetings…
How to Show Gratitude to Patients: Tips for Building Stronger Relationships
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time for dental practices to reflect on the importance of patient relationships. This season provides a unique opportunity to show gratitude to our patients, deepen connections, and enhance trust. Here are some effective strategies for dental professionals to express appreciation and build stronger relationships with their patients during the…
Creative Ways to Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month
National Dental Hygiene Month, celebrated every October, is the perfect opportunity for dental practices to engage patients, highlight the importance of oral health, and recognize the efforts of hardworking hygienists. As a dental team, you can turn this celebration into a fun and educational experience for your patients, all while promoting healthy habits. Here’s how…
Your Expertise Isn’t Enough: You Have to Be Seen and Heard
You can have the experience, credentials, and expertise—but if the right people never hear your message, how far can that expertise take you? In this article, I explore the difference between expertise and influence, why visibility matters, and how speaking can become a powerful tool for building trust, creating conversations, and opening doors to new…
The Power of Unplugging: Why “Me Time” Isn’t Selfish—It’s Necessary
Eight days away with lifelong friends reminded me of something easy to forget in our always-connected world: we can’t recharge if we never unplug. Stepping away from work isn’t selfish—it creates space for laughter, connection, perspective, and the people who remind us who we are beyond our careers. Sometimes the most productive thing you can…
Preparation Doesn’t Prevent Problems—It Changes How You Respond
Speaking Can Become a Revenue Engine. When you learn how to structure your message, engage your audience, and deliver a clear call to action, speaking becomes more than a visibility tool. It becomes a revenue engine. One strong presentation can lead to consulting contracts, coaching clients, referrals, podcast invitations, future speaking opportunities, and partnerships. But…
Speak, Connect, Convert: The Revenue Power of Speaking
Speaking Can Become a Revenue Engine. When you learn how to structure your message, engage your audience, and deliver a clear call to action, speaking becomes more than a visibility tool. It becomes a revenue engine. One strong presentation can lead to consulting contracts, coaching clients, referrals, podcast invitations, future speaking opportunities, and partnerships. But…
From Lambing to Leading: A Communication Wake-Up Call
If communication were purely instinctual, more patients would say yes. More teams would be aligned. More meetings would move things forward. But they don’t. And it’s not because you’re not smart or capable. It’s because communication is a skill, not a side effect.
From Elite to Rookie: Life Lessons from the Pickleball Court
I’ve spent most of my life as an elite athlete—confident, prepared, and competitive. Then I picked up a pickleball paddle and became the beginner. Being the last one picked is humbling. But growth doesn’t happen when you’re comfortable—it happens when you’re willing to learn again.
When a Legacy Moves On: What Sundance Taught Me About Change
Leaning Forward Is a Leadership Skill It takes courage to move something that’s working. It takes even more courage to say, “What got us here won’t get us where we’re going.”
The Sound of A-Flat: The Morning Note That Raised Me
What’s the small daily habit you do when nobody’s watching—the thing that keeps you sharp, grounded, improving? Because that’s where the real growth happens. • Not in the big moments. • Not on the stage. • Not in the spotlight. It happens in the quiet. In the repetition.
Closing the Year With Clarity, Opening the Next With Purpose
As we head into a brand-new year, I’m cheering you on for a 2026 that’s prosperous, exciting, and energizing — for you, your family, and your teams. Fresh starts aren’t just symbolic… they’re powerful. And this next chapter? It’s going to be a good one. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and an even better…
From Thankful to Thoughtful: Refresh Team Communication Before Year-End
Before the holiday rush, take a moment to refresh your dental team’s communication and culture. Discover how gratitude and leadership build trust, loyalty, and lasting success.
Unplugging to Recalibrate: Why Your Practice Needs a Reset
Sometimes you have to unplug to recharge. My trip to Wyoming reminded me that reflection + recalibration = growth. Learn how your practice can reset for success this fall.
H.E.A.R. Me Out: Trust Isn’t Told—It’s Shown
In high-performing dental practices, trust isn’t left to chance. It’s intentionally woven into every interaction using a simple, powerful structure of what I have coined: the H.E.A.R. Trust Framework. It’s not about scripts or robotic replies. This framework helps you show up as your most authentic, effective self—every time.
Lead Your Dental Team with IRONMAN Strategies
Leadership isn’t just about what you say—it’s how you show up. Your body language and tone create an energy people either trust… or resist.
May the 4th Be With Me: What My Hip Replacement Taught Me About Fear and Confidence
Three years ago, on May 4th, I rolled into the operating room for hip replacement surgery with a nervous smile and a nerdy quip: “May the 4th be with me!” At the time, I had no idea how much this journey would teach me—not just about physical healing, but about fear, resilience, and communication. Meet…
Autumn Magic: Transform Your Dental Practice with Powerful Seasonal Strategies
The transition from summer to fall is an ideal time for dental practices to engage with patients through autumn-themed decorations, social media updates, and season-specific promotions. Examples include back-to-school specials, fall whitening offerings, and Thanksgiving gratitude discounts. By participating in community events and planning ahead for winter, practices can foster strong patient relationships and attract…
Embracing Innovation: My E-Bike Journey and Lessons for Dentistry
By drawing parallels between the personal joy of riding an advanced e-bike and the professional benefits of adopting new technology in dentistry, this blog aims to inspire dental professionals to consider the long-term advantages of embracing innovation in their practices.
Thriving in a Crowded Marketplace: 12 Dental Video Marketing Tips
Implementing these twelve video marketing ideas can help your dental practice stand out in a crowded marketplace. By showcasing your expertise, building trust through patient testimonials, and highlighting the human side of your practice, you can create lasting connections with your patients. Embrace the power of video marketing to enhance your practice’s visibility, credibility, and…
Seizing Opportunities and Completing Tasks in Dentistry
Discover essential strategies for dental professionals to excel in their field. Embrace lifelong learning, optimize time management, enhance patient communication, leverage technology, foster a positive work environment, focus on patient-centric care, and set clear goals to elevate your practice and achieve personal fulfillment. Watch your dental career thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
Harmony by Design: How Dental Champions Forge Team Success
Dental practices are powered by the collective efforts of the team. Their collaboration and dedication are the driving force behind every successful patient interaction and practice operation. It’s time to shine a spotlight on these unseen champions and acknowledge the invaluable role they play in harmonizing the world of dentistry.
Enhancing Referral Networks: A Generational Approach
By embracing generational diversity, adapting marketing strategies, and varying meeting formats, practices can cultivate meaningful connections with referral partners.
Igniting Team Spirit: 12 Creative Ideas for Team Building
Incorporating fun team activities is not only an enjoyable break from the routine but also an investment in building a positive and cohesive work culture. By embracing these creative ideas, you can create memorable experiences that foster collaboration, boost morale, and contribute to a more motivated and connected team.
Generational Smiles: Strategies For Successful Treatment And Product Recommendations
Create the $2 bill experience to enhance your dental treatment and product recommendation acceptance.
Communicating with Patients Through Google Business Profiles
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent in the dental industry has become more challenging than ever. As we navigate the “Great Resignation,” it’s crucial for dental practices to rethink their approach to talent management.
Securing Dental Talent in Turbulent Times: Strategies from Leaders
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent in the dental industry has become more challenging than ever. As we navigate the “Great Resignation,” it’s crucial for dental practices to rethink their approach to talent management.
Unlocking the Enigma of Generation Z: Idealism Meets Pragmatism
Generation Z, the largest cohort yet, defies stereotypes with their forward-looking, pragmatic mindset. They are defined not only by their birth years but also by the unique experiences that shape their worldview. Cuspers, those straddling two generations, offer a special perspective, making them invaluable bridges between age groups. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing…
New Dental Instruments Lead to New Practice Heights
Embracing innovation through new instruments is not just a strategic decision; it’s a commitment to the success and growth of the practice.
Efficient, Collaborative Dental Department Meetings: An Agenda for Success
Monthly department meetings are crucial for dental departments to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. To make the most of these meetings, it is essential to have a well-structured agenda that caters to the specific needs and goals of each department.
Achieving Dental Team Bliss: Dividing Tasks to Multiply Success
Understanding the reasons behind your team members’ actions, their true motivations, and when they perform at their best is crucial for unlocking their full potential. Ultimately, success in the workplace is not solely based on technical skills but also emotional factors and the overall experience of individuals and the team. Embracing a coaching mindset and…
How Can We Improve Patient Satisfaction And Experience In Our Dental Practice?
Elevating patient satisfaction and experience in your dental practice requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses clear communication, minimal wait times, patient comfort, education, and continual improvement. By focusing on these aspects, dental practices can create an environment that fosters trust, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall patient satisfaction.
Let’s Celebrate Our Dental Hygienists This Week
Dental hygienists are experts, leaders, health advocates, and influencers who contribute significantly to the success of our dental practices.
5 Strategies for Improving the Patient Experience in Your Dental Practice
The patient experience is a critical factor in the success of any dental practice. Patients who have positive experiences are more likely to return for future appointments, refer friends and family, and leave positive reviews.
Patient Retention vs. Acquiring New Patients
Don’t get me wrong, new patients are important for practice growth, but retaining existing patients has a greater practice impact. They know the drill…pun intended.
Specialty Practice Communication: Challenges & Solutions Part II
Part II. While presenting at AAOMS, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we began the day with a group activity to identify daily communication challenges. The focus was on three areas: Patients, Players (team members), and Practice.
Specialty Practice Communication: Challenges & Solutions
While presenting at AAOMS, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we began the day with a group activity to identify daily communication challenges. The focus was on three areas: Patients, Players (team members), and Practice.
Dental Leadership is a Team Sport
Great leaders reduce team turnover by UP-skilling AND RE-skilling team members. When everyone’s voice is heard and valued we are inspired to go beyond what is expected of us!
The Power of Social Media Reviews for Practice Growth
Online reviews influence the way patients think about your practice. Your reputation is shaped by what patients are saying in online reviews. Patients look at online reviews to vet how and where they find healthcare.
Communicating Confidence with Team Members and Patients
Every dental team member deserves a fulfilling career in a highly functional dental practice, customized generational appreciation, and strategically developed intra-team and intra-department communications. These are necessary to make their career easy and enjoyable every day.
Principles of Building Team Wellness and Patient Relationships
Relationships are the bridges that lead us to success and build trust and loyalty. We must have high-quality communication first, followed by our technical excellence for patients to understand their needs.
Resolve to Evolve by Embracing Generational Differences
We Are All Immigrants To The Other Generations! The more generations on your team, the more the Generational Friction Factor becomes a reality.
Are You Asking Intentional Questions?
Asking intentional questions takes preparation and planning. The good news is we become more skilled at it as we practice. An intentional question should be thought evoking and create a pause that generates curiosity.
16 Ways to Retain Dental Team Members
The time is now to pivot to what employees genuinely want in this employee-driven workforce.
Evolution for Survival: A Dental Team Guide 
Practice Investing in Your Team, and Your Team Will invest in the Practice!
Is it Possible to Change Habits While Under Stress?
What does it take to initiate behavior change, particularly when under stress? Intentional, collaborative system development that influences the success of a dental practices.
Communication is Our Currency for Successful Dentistry
Language is our currency and a bridge to trust! Three pillars that conversations impact in dentistry are • Patients • Players (Team) • Practice
Successfully & Ethically Recommending Products to Patients
By using this communication strategy, you will find that your patient compliance improves which positively impacts their oral/systemic health.
What Do Eating Pancakes and Shoveling Snow Have in Common?
If you had done either of these activities with my father, you would know the answer is “Systems”. Growing up in a small suburb of Scranton PA, with a Pennsylvanian Dutch dad, we learned about systems and processes to be more effective and efficient in all of life’s tasks. That included eating pancakes and shoveling…
What Happened to Your Referrals?
How to Increase Your Study Club / Association Membership and Get More Referrals!
September is National Preparedness Month: Has Your Practice ‘Preparedness Kit’ Been Updated?
Last month we were evacuated from our home, in Park City, UT, due to the Parleys Canyon Fire raging toward our mountain homes. The smoke plume expanded quickly, directly behind our neighborhood. In 2021, Utah has experienced one of the worst droughts in history. The fire started at 1:30 PM on a Saturday. By 2:30…
We Got Engaged: Now We Are Deeply Committed!
Two activities for your dental practice to improve team engagement.
Disruption Offers Opportunities: Try Productive Reflection
How to Practice Productive Reflection. Make a list of positive, neutral, and areas for improvement that occurred in your practice / team in the first half of the year.
How To Focus on the Freedom of Emotional Safety
Emotional Safety relates to an individuals’ perceptions of the consequences of taking interpersonal risks.
How to Improve Treatment Case Acceptance
We are in the midst of a shift from product-centricity to people-centricity. Investments in your team and your customer is essential. Dental practices pushing services rather than focusing on the wants of the patient will see their revenues dwindle over time. We must have a strong culture in order to be patient-centric because it requires…
Sticky Notes Or Apps To Stay On Task?
Improve brain wellness by completing tasks without interuption.
How To Be The Unicorn Dental Office
Do You Know How To Be The Unicorn Dental Practice?
How to Focus on Emotional Safety
Are you Soaring, Coasting, or Diving to implement emotional safety in your practice?
Creative Marketing: 2021 Winter Dental Menu
How many of us ordered take-out and / or curb-side delivery in 2020? We have, and it got me thinking about how the restaurants and service industry adapted to initiate / increase their revenue. We can adopt the same strategy in our dental practices. Now more than ever before we need to let our existing…
Time to Change the Tires
7 End-of-Year strategies for dental practices.
Are You Practicing Digital Compassion?
Digital Compassion = Connecting with your patient community on several platforms with a variety of messages that emphasize empathy and compassion.
Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month
OCTOBER CELEBRATES DENTAL HYGIENE
7 Ways to Influence Employee Experiences
Intentionally create a “Team-Centric” culture.
Being Authentic Builds Your Dental Practice
If your employees aren’t thriving, your dental practice may be struggling
How Will Gen Z Change Dentistry?
Be The Practice That Embraces Gen Z
Dental Office Recovery is an IRONMAN, not a Sprint
Dental Practice Recovery is an IRONMAN event.
SEVEN RESET STRATEGIES FOR PRACTICE ADAPTATION
Reset your office strategies to prepare your practice for future success.
CELEBRATING THE RE-OPENING OF DENTISTRY
iRONMAN COMMUNICATION TIP CREATE A POSITIVE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE DENTAL DRILLS There’s a new sheriff in town…named COVID-19!Throughout history…Disruption has lead to creativity. Start thinking outside the box of how to interact, communicate, lead in person and virtually to set ourselves up for second half success. First and foremost, our teams need to feel safe and supported when returning…
Courageous Conversations for a Healthy Dental Practice
Communicate early, often and clearly with your dental teams
PRACTICING H.O.P.E.
Dental Professionals practice H.O.P.E as we move forward in these turbulent times.
Virtual Presentation Check List
Use these tips to boost your confidence, generate audience engagement and master the with virtual experience.
Longer Days Improve Well-Being
Take advantage of longer days to improve health.
Happy Dental Assistants Recognition Week
Let’s celebrate Dental Assistants and the super powers they bring to our dental practices!
Make Time to Focus ON Your Business
Is Your Dental Office ready to “Spring” into new marketing ideas?
Creating Customer-Centric Experiences
MEET HAROLD The master of creating a positive customer experience at the Colorado Convention Center.
Value Trumps Worth
iRONMAN Communication Tip Are you hiring employees, purchasing office equipment / supplies, or updating technology based on the price rather than the value it will add to you practice? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Employees: The younger the employee, the more money matters. By hiring the “right person”, one that is:…
It’s Time to Break Up
New Year, New Habits! It’s time to reflect on bad habits and move on!
The Communicator
How would your dental team react if they were rewarded regularly?
Dental Team Rewards and Recognition
What would happen if we rewarded people, and expressed our appreciation regularly?
Dental Professionals: Serve, Don’t Sell
Challenge your dental team to level up your practice by seizing creative opportunities.
Dental Relationships
Relationship building that contributes to your success is the education and training of your team.
Managing Dental Patients Wants vs. Needs
The want vs. need dilemma is real for us all. A want is a desire or a wish…like that new pair of furry boots I bought last week! Did I need them? Not really, but I justified buying them because I really wanted them. Needs, on the other hand, are necessities or obligations. I need…
Dental Relationship Update: A Generational Approach
Relationships are the cornerstone of business and life. Having just moved to a new city, where we do not know anyone, we have accepted the challenge and embraced the excitement of making new friends and routines. For most of us, we are out of our comfort zone with change. However, calculating and customizing your approach…
Opportunity’s Knocking… Are You Opening the Door?
After living for 20 years in Seattle, my husband and I moved to Park City. It was a huge decision, but one we were ready to make! Working together as a team, we strategically made a plan to seize opportunities to embrace our new location and life. We joined mountain biking groups that reveal the…
First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions
iRONMAN Communication Increases Business Productivity Lisa Copeland RDH, CSPGLOBAL SPEAKER / IRONMAN™COMPETITOR /GEN X _________________________________________________ iRONMAN Communication Tip Customizing generational communication will increase dental case acceptance. To learn about dressing to match the patients generational expectations watch this short video created for the Seattle Study Club. _________________________________________________ Dental Drills The “I” in iRONMAN is for Impression. According…
iRONMAN Communication for Business Success
June 26th 2005, I was about to compete in my first IRONMAN: 2.4 mile swim, cycling 112 miles, finishing with a full marathon, 26.2 miles. I signed up to compete in the Coeur d’Alene, ID Ironman one year in advance. At that moment, mental training began and the physical soon to follow. I joined a…
Snap Shot of Generational Work Ethics
Have you ever wondered why your colleagues make the decisions they do at work? Sometimes I scratch my head in confusion and other times I applaud in awe at the unique and creative approach to an opportunity. Then I remember, “Its Generational”! Recognizing this influences positive team harmony and allows everyone to have a voice.…
Book More Business That Pays: Professional Speaking Sponsorship Guide
As paid professional speakers, we have all heard the statements or questions below uttered by associations, corporations, meeting planners and non-profit groups. *We do not have a budget to pay you but we would love to have you speak to our group. *We are always looking for great speakers, but we cannot pay you. *You…
Body Language That Moves Us
I recently attended an all-day seminar featuring Traci Brown, a body language expert. It got me thinking about how I connect my body language and my words to convey a positive message to my clients, colleagues and friends. If our words and movements are not congruent, the audience will have a feeling of unrest. The…
Chatter Matters: Using Intentional Vocabulary to Increase Engagement
The way we communicate to one and all, Can make or break a 1:1, a meeting or even a call. Be thoughtful when selecting certain words and phrases…choosing the ones that can pay, Or you could end up having an abrupt ending to a conversation… and a very long, bad day. If we insert the…
Networking Communication: Rules and Tools
While attending a networking event recently, in between conversations, I began to observe and categorize the variety of approaches people used to engage with strangers. It became apparent very quickly that 50% or more of the attendees were struggling with networking etiquette. As I reveal the networking predator’s traits I created, with a…
Gratification of Speechification (Public Speaking): How to Have a Positive Speaking Experience
According to Psychology Today, “Our fear of standing up in front of people and talking is so great that we fear it more than death.” Jerry Seinfeld captured it perfectly, “Most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.” Glossophobia or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking. And yes, Speechification…
Learning to Embrace the Generational Friction Factor
Last spring I decided to plant a garden. Having grown up in the Northeast region of the US, with a father who is a Pennsylvania Dutch farmer, I was accustom to homegrown delicacies year round! I now live in the Northwest region, where rain is abundant and sunshine scarce…farming would be challenging. Before starting, I…
When Dental Shift Happens: Are You Speaking the Right Generational Language?
When Dental Shift Happens: Are You Speaking the Right Generational Language? Last weekend was very emotional, finding myself watching a complete stranger lurch and stutter an old manual shift 1997 Subaru Outback out of the garage and away to its new home. SuBe (my car) was a member of our family for almost two decades. …