Orthodontists often see themselves as clinicians, not cheerleaders — but motivation may be the most important tool for building a strong, engaged team.
By Roger P. Levin, DDS
I never met an orthodontist who told me they thought their main job was to be a motivator. I get where they’re coming from. As the CEO of an orthodontic management consulting firm—and someone who does a lot of speaking—I do not think of myself as a motivational speaker. I think of myself as an educator. But if I were to give seminars that are pure education with no motivation, then many of the doctors attending will accomplish far less when they return to their practice and attempt to implement what they learned.
Now let’s talk about your team. Some of you are frustrated. Some of you would like them to perform better. Some of you would like them to act better. Some of you have a toxic team member in your office. Some of you have conflicts or factions. All of this is normal in small businesses, but the antidote is motivation. If you as a doctor and your office manager can learn to be excellent motivators, you will build a fantastic orthodontic team.
Why?
Because people want to be motivated. They need motivation as much as they need food, water, and sleep. So, it’s time to become a motivator and understand that motivation is a major part of your job. I have had orthodontists say to me that they don’t want to be motivators. Wow, what a mistake. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a motivator or not, your team needs you to be. They will respond with energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes if they are confronted with motivation day after day after day.
How do you motivate? You show up at work energized, excited, and enthusiastic every day regardless of how you really feel. You compliment people, tell them you appreciate them, recognize them for a job well done. You bring a positive attitude every single day and in every single interaction with your team. You help them to aspire to be better. You can’t do that unless you inspire them. Inspiration creates aspiration. And you want a team that is aspirational.
So yes, it’s time to recognize that you have to be a motivator. This is what the orthodontists in the best practices do. This is what the CEOs in the best companies do. This is what you should do. OP
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Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the CEO and founder of Levin Group, a leading practice management consulting firm that has worked with over 30,000 practices to increase production. A recognized expert on orthodontic practice management and marketing, he has written 67 books and over 4,000 articles and regularly presents seminars in the U.S. and around the world. In 2025 Levin received the Fauchard Gold Medal from The Pierre Fauchard Academy for his contribution to dental practice management. To contact Levin or to join the 40,000 dental professionals who receive his Practice Production Tip of the Day, visit levingroup.com or email [email protected].
