Hiring feels harder than ever. Teams are stretched thin. Turnover is constant. So, what actually works right now? In this follow-up episode of the Everyday Oral Surgery Podcast, Dr. Grant Stucki continues his conversation with returning guest Dr. Roger Levin, founder and CEO of Levin Group. Building on their previous discussion about the office manager as chief operating officer (COO), this episode focuses on how to build the right team around that role. Dr. Levin breaks down why the office manager must take full ownership of recruiting, onboarding, and team development, and why surgeons need to delegate without disengaging. He outlines practical steps for attracting candidates, screening effectively, conducting stronger interviews, and onboarding new hires in ways that promote retention and engagement. The discussion also explores red flags to watch out for, the value of maturity and reliability, and how systems, culture, and leadership determine whether new team members succeed or fail. This episode offers clear, experience-based insights for oral surgeons and office managers looking to improve their practice. Listen in to rethink how you hire, train, and support the people who keep your practice running!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The office manager as the chief operating officer (COO) for all non-clinical practice functions.
• Why building and managing the team is a central office manager responsibility.
• The ongoing staffing crisis in dentistry and its impact on oral surgery practices.
• Recruiting as a structured process owned by the office manager, not the surgeon.
• The importance of clear, updated job descriptions before hiring begins.
• Practical recruiting channels, from online postings and team referrals to internal promotion.
• Telephone screening to save time and qualify candidates early.
• The importance of checking references before the live interview.
• Best practices for in-office interviews in a competitive labor market.
• Using longevity bonuses to reduce costly staff turnover and reward retention.
• Red flags in interviews, including punctuality and communication skills.
• Setting clear goals so team members understand how success is measured.
• Assigning a “big sister” to support and integrate new hires.
• Regular check-ins to support onboarding without formal performance reviews.
• The doctor’s role in supporting hires while still delegating management.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Roger Levin — https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-levin-69ab744/ 

Levin Group — https://levingroup.com/

Office Manager Practice Mastery Program — https://levingroup.com/office-manager-practice-mastery-program/

Episode 313 — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-power-tips-for-multi-office-practice-growth-with-dr/id1535284898?i=1000717140271

Episode 343 — 

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059