Picture this: It’s Monday morning. You walk into the office and everything is already humming. The ops are set up, your staff is on time, the schedule is full (and booked out for months!), and there’s even a waiting list. The team is reviewing today’s patients, making sure they understand the needs of each child and family so they can deliver the very best care.
You gather for your morning huddle, and then—it’s showtime.
Throughout the day, your staff moves seamlessly. After every visit, they communicate with parents confidently and clearly—explaining treatment, answering questions, giving post-op instructions in a way that makes sense. Parents leave not just reassured, but motivated to follow through.
This is what it feels like to practice with a high-performing pediatric dental team.
The Orchestra Effect
Think about an orchestra. The conductor brings out the best in each musician. Individually, small mistakes may go unnoticed—but if the group isn’t in harmony, the whole performance falls apart.
Our practices are no different. Yes, a minor blip here and there happens. But true efficiency, profitability, and professionalism come when the whole team is “playing the same score”—hour after hour, day after day.
And just like an orchestra, it takes preparation, a well-written script, and practice to get it right consistently. It starts with us as the doctors, and it extends to every role in the office—front desk, assistants, hygienists, everyone.
Why Scripts (and Trust) Matter
Administrative responsibilities are similar across dental practices. But in pediatrics, our front-office teams spend most of their time communicating not with the patient, but with the parent. And as we know, parents don’t always “see” or “feel” what’s going on in their child’s mouth—especially if the child hasn’t complained of pain.
That’s where well-crafted communication scripts come in. Photos and radiographs help, of course, but ultimately, it’s about trust. A well-trained admin team knows how to:
-
Confidently praise the doctor and the clinical team
-
Share stories or examples that reassure parents
-
Translate “dental speak” into parent-friendly language
When parents trust the messenger, case acceptance soars.
Clinical Team: Precision and Flow
On the clinical side, clarity of roles is non-negotiable. In a busy pediatric office, systems prevent chaos and help create an atmosphere of calm for kids and parents alike.
The best teams are also trained to work at the top of their licenses. Every state is different, but whether it’s fluoride varnish, sealants, injections, or expanded-function restorative tasks, the more your assistants and hygienists can legally do, the more efficient—and profitable—your practice becomes.
Efficiency isn’t about rushing; it’s about being smart with time. Take fluoride varnish, for example. It’s quick, effective, and parent-friendly compared to the old four-minute trays. Or consider sealants—having team members proficient in isolation systems like Isolite makes them faster and more reliable. Fewer failures, fewer redos, better production.
The Real Asset: Your People
At the end of the day, the most valuable asset in your practice isn’t a piece of equipment or even the building—it’s your team. Especially in pediatrics, where staff members have to communicate with both children and parents, their ability to use both verbal and nonverbal communication is what makes or breaks the patient experience.
Practices that invest in training—not just once, but consistently—see the payoff: smoother days, happier parents, better referrals, higher case acceptance, and a team that feels like they’re part of something special.
When your team is working in harmony, the result is more than efficiency. It’s a beautiful performance that parents notice, kids feel, and the practice thrives on.
🎶 Final Thought: Think of yourself not only as the dentist but also as the conductor. Your role is to set the tempo, hand your team the right “sheet music,” and let them shine. When everyone plays together, your practice doesn’t just function—it flourishes.
Showcase the harmony of your pediatric dental team with this free set of 3 ready-to-use social media graphics. Designed in PDTA colors, these posts highlight teamwork, professionalism, and the calm confidence that parents love to see in your practice.
Download today and start posting — it’s an easy way to keep your feeds active and share the message of pediatric dental excellence.
👉 [Download the Free Social Media Pack Here]
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.