You may have the swishest of premises with all the latest equipment and pay the highest salaries in the area. However, if you haven’t put in the time and effort to develop the right culture for your practice, then your financial investment may have been in vain.
Culture is about more than the practice décor and the friendliness of the team. It’s the intangible thing that is the difference between having staff who stay for the long term or finding yourself on a constant round of recruitment as you struggle to retain staff members.
When you have the right culture, everyone benefits from clear team communication, patient satisfaction and profitability.
What do we mean by “culture”?
The dictionary defines culture as ‘the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.’ Colloquially you could say ‘’It’s how things are done around here.” People can see it in how your receptionist greets patients, how your clinicians support each other, and how your team handles challenges.
A positive culture fosters trust, collaboration, and accountability. A toxic or unclear culture, on the other hand, can lead not only to high staff turnover, but also poor morale, and inconsistent patient care.
Why culture matters in dentistry
Recruitment and retention remain major challenges in UK dentistry. According to NHS England’s 2024 Dental Workforce report, long-term staff absences and recruitment difficulties are still widespread, with many practices citing workplace stress and burnout as key issues.
However, practices that invest in a supportive culture are more likely to see better outcomes. In the 2024 Dentistry Census, 68% of dental professionals said they felt supported with their mental health—up from 49% in 2021. This improvement is closely linked to better workplace environments and leadership that prioritises wellbeing.
Patient experience and loyalty
Patients pick up on the atmosphere of your practice the moment they walk through the door. A cohesive team that communicates well and genuinely enjoys their work creates a welcoming environment that helps to build trust with patients. A positive culture directly impacts how patients perceive your practice—and whether they choose to return or recommend you to others.
Clinical standards and consistency
A strong culture supports high clinical standards. When your team shares a commitment to excellence, ethics, and continuous improvement, it shows in the quality of care they deliver.
If expectations are clear and values are shared, everyone knows what “good” looks like—whether it’s infection control, patient communication, or treatment planning.
Adaptability and growth
There are always changes in dentistry. Whether it’s regulatory changes, new technologies, or shifting patient expectations. Then a positive culture helps your team adapt to change with resilience and openness.
According to the 2024 Dentistry Census 85% of practice owners and principals said they expect their levels of private work to increase in the next year. So, practices with a strong, adaptable culture are better positioned to manage this shift and thrive in a changing environment.
Building the right culture: where to start
Creating a great culture doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, leadership, and ongoing effort. Here are some practical steps to get started:
Define your values
What do you stand for as a practice? What kind of experience do you want to create for your team and your patients? Define 3–5 core values that reflect your vision—such as integrity, compassion, teamwork, or excellence—and make them central to your daily operations.
Lead by example
Culture starts at the top. As a practice owner or principal dentist, you set the tone. Demonstrate the values you want to see—whether it’s punctuality, empathy, or a commitment to learning.
Communicate openly
Encourage honest, respectful communication. Regular team meetings, one-to-ones, and timely feedback sessions (not just once-a-year!) help build trust and ensure everyone feels heard and involved.
Recognise and reward
Celebrate wins, big and small. Recognising team members who embody your values reinforces positive behaviour and boosts morale. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way.
Invest in your Team
Provide opportunities for professional development and personal growth. A culture of learning not only improves clinical standards but also shows your team that you value them and are invested in their future.
Hire for culture fit
Skills can be taught, but attitude is harder to change. When recruiting, look for candidates who align with your values and will contribute positively to your team dynamic rather than just focusing on skills.
Culture is a journey, not a destination
Even the best cultures need nurturing. As your practice grows and evolves, so will your team and your challenges. Regularly revisit your values, listen to your team, and be willing to adapt.
The right culture doesn’t just make your practice a better place to work—it makes it a better place to be a patient. And in today’s competitive dental landscape, that could be a great advantage.