“We hold these truths to be self-evident...”

Those famous words from the Declaration of Independence helped launch a great nation.

And as we celebrate the anniversary of America's independence this week, let's remember something else: the interdependence it took to achieve it. It took a lot of great leaders and a lot of people working together to make that vision a reality. Even the document itself was the result of intense collaboration.

Similarly, I believe dentistry is best served when dental practices remain strong and independent. And yet it also takes a lot of interdependence to make the most of the opportunities the profession offers. Great dentistry requires interdependence among the people on a dental team, in the dental community, with your lab, with the specialists you work with, and with the educators, mentors and colleagues who inspire you. Each person has independent responsibility; each person is part of an interdependent effort to deliver great care.

So as you reconvene with the team again after the holiday, why not take a few moments to make a declaration to each other. Maybe something like this: The Dental Team Member's DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE. I recognize and acknowledge that, as a member of an interdependent, mission-focused team, I have a unique role to play.

Because every part of the patient's visit is connected to every other part, I know my teammates depend on me to support them in achieving their goals in my areas of accountability, and I perform my role with the intent of supporting their efforts. In this way, we provide a seamless, integrated, complete patient experience and drive our success.

With that in mind, I hereby declare that:

  • I have clarity for the job role duties and all value roles in the practice, how they are interdependent and how my contribution fits in.
  • I participate fully in all team innovation meetings. I am always prepared to report on my areas of accountability and contribute ideas and strategies to drive our mission forward.
  • I acknowledge that our mission as a practice is always growing and evolving, which means that I can expect my role to grow and evolve as our competencies develop.
  • I know that the ideal team member loves dentistry, genuinely cares about our patients, believes in our mission, embraces challenge and is a source of energy for others – and I continually strive to be that ideal member.

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