Managing Dental Drama

100% of Bethany’s clients have struggled with attendance issues on their teams. Either an employee is chronically late, often asks to leave early, or is simply absent chronically. In this episode, Bethany reminds listeners that some requests to be off should be met with a no. She describes scenarios that could potentially incur an automatic “no” to the request. She also encourages listeners to create boundaries that they can enforce such as requiring a request to be submitted 30 days in advance. Practice owners should also consider a list of probable “consequences” for excessive absenteeism. Finally, Bethany reminds listeners that compassion is critical in handling this trend, but boundaries are just as important.

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Clear Expectations and Sticky Conversations
Hiring Trends and Using Indeed

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Bethany flies solo in this episode to tackle an important and often repetitive topic which is maternity and medical leaves. So many practice owners face this issue multiple times over the years of their career. Bethany discusses several simple tips to ensure that medical and maternity leaves are handled with consistency and a clear, documented plan. In addition to clear documentation, open communication is also critical to properly managing a medical/maternity leave. Bethany recommends a meeting with the individual to discuss needed time off as well as needed accommodations. If listeners haven’t experienced a team member request for an extended time off, it will only be a matter of time! Enjoy some practice tips to help you be prepared.

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Staffing Solutions – Remote Workers
Management Tool Kit – Office Policy Manual and Performance Reviews 

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Dr. Kuba is often not often surprised by a raise request in due to the diligent systems she has in place for frequently reviewing compensation. But, in this episode, she and Bethany discuss what may have caused the employee to unexpectedly ask for a raise. They also discuss what they can do going forward to ensure unexpected raise requests do not continue to happen. If you’ve found yourself in this position, listen up! 

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Team Holiday Bonuses and Gifts
Cutting Hours, Cutting Pay, and Exit Interviews

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A common and practical question often asked is – How many team members do I need? What are the parameters for determining what is overstaffed and what is understaffed? In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss three different tools for determining the right number of employees. First, Bethany discusses certain financial milestones that the practice reaches that solicit the potential addition of a new employee. Second, Dr. Kuba and Bethany talk about the financial impact of adding a team member and the impact on overhead expenses. Finally, Dr. Kuba shares her insight on the subjective nature of when it feels right to add an employee. While it is a common question, the nuances of when to add a team member can be very difficult to navigate. Learn three different evaluation strategies to determine the perfect timing for your next hire!

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Back Up Employees and Plan B Strategies
Does My Practice Need an Office Manager? 

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Many practice owners struggle to find out true feedback from their employees. They desire to know their teams and know how things are going, but it is hard to get honest feedback from them. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany talk about the importance of establishing a foundation of good communication and trust with team members. Then, prior to asking for feedback, employees must have a chance to prepare for the conversation. So, providing questions or topics for them to consider prior to a feedback session is helpful in getting more thorough or honest responses. Finally, they discuss various questions to ask to solicit feedback.

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Clear Expectations and Sticky Conversations
When Team Members Complain

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Get ready for crusty Dr. Kuba! Today, she talks about her natural aversion to forced holiday celebrations. She confesses that she has never celebrated dental assistant week, administrative assistant day, etc. She and Bethany talk through all the reasons why she resists these celebrations. Dr. Kuba confesses that she gets cranky even thinking about the holidays. Bethany advises listeners to truly think through team member expectations and to determine a balanced approach to team member anniversaries and other holidays. It is important that team members feel valued but also that practice owners are careful with how they celebrate. 

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
The Basics of Team Building
Creative Team Building Ideas

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Bethany has her dad, Dr. Jones, in the studio today. Together, they discuss a hot topic – hiring family members or friends to be a member of the dental team. Dr. Jones has employed multiple friends and family members throughout the years of his profession. For him, it felt like a dream come true, but he discusses that it is critical to have clear expectations before the friend or family member joins the team. Many potential problems can be eliminated with clear communication. He also suggests having higher expectations for friends and family members, rather than lower expectations. In addition, Bethany recommends frequently asking for feedback from team members to ensure that the environment stays healthy. Finally, Dr. Jones throws in a few ideas for showing appreciation to employees. 

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
How to Have Corrective Conversations with Employees
When Team Members Complain

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While work culture has always been a “thing,” it has become a very important “thing” over the last few years. Whether it is due to post-pandemic depression and anxiety trends or workforce generational gaps, work culture has taken a hit. It has become increasingly difficult to keep teams working together well and staying focused on the main task of work. Bethany believes that many of the problems she tackles in her consulting business stem from culture issues. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss several examples of work culture problems, and then they discuss various ways to tackle the topic of work culture. While it may seem like a fluffy or unimportant topic, it is actually a critical one that can impact the success of the practice. So, stay tuned! 

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Discovering Your Why and Then Practicing Happy
The Basics of Team Building

Interested in the Leadership Summit?
Friday, September 18, 2026 from 8:30 – 4:30
Inquire or register TODAY:  HelloBethany.com 

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While accountability may seem simple, it is actually quite complex. In this episode, Dr. Kuba and Bethany discuss the many reasons why it can be so complicated. On one hand, a practice owner cannot be too soft, and yet on the other hand, a practice owner cannot be too rigid. Accountability requires a strategic mind, good communication, and consistency. Dr. Kuba confesses that key team members often blame her for being too soft and therefore creating an accountability problem. She and Bethany discuss the various ways to hold people accountable while balancing out what is best for the business. 

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
How to Help Your Team Bear Fruit
Management Tool Kit – Office Policy Manual and Performance Reviews

Interested in the Leadership Summit? 
Friday, September 18, 2026 from 8:30 – 4:30 
Inquire or register TODAY:  https://www.hellobethany.com/about-3

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Text a 2-minute voice memo to 214.326.4605 with your questions, comments, real-life examples, or tips for a chance to have YOUR voice on the air!

It’s a word that makes every shudder – embezzlement. In this episode, Dr. Kuba asks Bethany questions to ensure that her embezzlement resistant strategies are enough. Together they discuss the most vulnerable places for a practice. Then, they discuss several strategies to strengthen the weak spots. One of the most important aspects of protecting the practice is ensuring that the team knows that the practice owner is consistently evaluating the numbers. When there is clear oversight, embezzlement becomes something that is not worth the risk to employees. 

Previous Episodes Worth Revisiting:
Know THY Practice
The Emotional and Mental Health of the Dentist or Practice Owner

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Text a 2-minute voice memo to 214.326.4605 with your questions, comments, real-life examples, or tips for a chance to have YOUR voice on the air!