Why great dental office managers still need leadership training
In this conversation, DentistryIQ Editor-in-Chief Andrew Johnston sits down with editorial advisory board member Teresa Duncan to discuss what separates effective dental leaders from those who simply manage people.
From private practices to DSOs, they explore why leadership development has become essential, how KPIs and culture can work together, why implementation is often the biggest challenge, and how masterminds and mentoring help dental professionals continue growing throughout their careers.
Whether you’re a dentist, office manager, practice administrator, hygienist, or aspiring leader, this discussion offers practical insights you can apply in any dental practice.
In this interview:
- Why dentistry is becoming more business-focused
- Leadership vs. management in dental practices
- Why promoting your longest employee isn’t always the right decision
- Balancing KPIs with culture
- The importance of accountability and organizational structure
- How DSOs have influenced leadership development
- Why paid mastermind groups often outperform free online communities
- The biggest leadership challenge: implementation
- Building a culture of continuous learning
About Teresa Duncan
Teresa Duncan is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and expert in dental revenue cycle management, leadership, and practice operations. She serves on the DentistryIQ Editorial Advisory Board and helps dental practices improve financial performance while developing stronger leadership teams.
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About the Author
Andrew Johnston, Editor in Chief, DentistryIQ
Editor In Chief, DentistryIQ
Andrew Johnston is Editor in Chief of DentistryIQ with more than 15 years of clinical experience and over two decades of leadership experience. Known as a trusted leader in the DSO space, he brings a clinician-first mindset and a focus on sustainable growth. He values community-driven learning and is committed to amplifying diverse voices across dentistry so the profession can learn and grow together. To contribute, email him at [email protected].
Teresa Duncan, MS
With more than 20 years of health-care experience, Teresa Duncan, MS, addresses topics such as insurance coding, team growth, and revenue through her speaking engagements, workshops, lectures, and webinars. Her memberships include the National Association of Dental Plans and the National Speakers Association. She is the host of the Nobody Told Me That! and Chew on This! podcasts. Her book, Moving Your Patients to Yes! Easy Insurance Conversations, has guided thousands of team members through difficult conversations. Duncan has a master’s degree in healthcare management from Marymount University. Contact her through her company, Odyssey Management, at odysseymgmt.com.