Be the Happy You Want to See: Cultivating Positivity in Your Dental Practice

Have you ever listened closely to the lyrics of Pharrell Williams' 2013 hit song, "Happy"? The song's message is simple yet powerful: don't let bad news, hardships, or the negativity of others bring you down. Instead, choose to overcome and embrace happiness.

Throughout my 30+ years in the dental industry, working in both large and small practices, I’ve discovered a universal truth: every practice is made up of different personalities, and those personalities don’t always blend seamlessly. Managing a dental office can sometimes feel like managing a household with growing children—moods and attitudes can easily set the tone for the entire day.

In my early 20s, I conducted a simple but transformative experiment at home. I CHOSE to be happy. No matter how I felt when I woke up, I made a conscious effort to put on a happy face and start the day with a song. What I found was incredible—my kids responded to my energy. My positivity was contagious, and it created a ripple effect. Before I knew it, we were moving through our day as a happy, connected family. On days when things weren’t perfect (and we all know they rarely are), that choice to be happy carried us through the tough moments with grace and resilience.

I soon realized that this approach could work wonders in the dental office as well. I began each workday with the same mindset: be happy, smile freely, and spread positivity. I made it a priority to look for the good in my team, offer compliments, and treat everyone with respect. When answering the phone, I smiled—because, believe me, patients can hear that smile through the line. I made sure my team felt seen, heard, and appreciated. Because when people feel valued, they don’t just show up—they thrive.

The results were nothing short of amazing. A happy, cohesive team began to form. Team members felt valued and appreciated. Even those individuals who sometimes tested my patience began to flourish when I focused on their strengths and nurtured their potential. It was as if choosing happiness not only transformed the workplace but also helped build a family—a group of individuals who lifted each other up and worked toward a shared vision.

As dental office managers, we hold the power to shape the culture of our practices. By investing in the happiness and well-being of our teams, we create a workplace where positivity thrives, patient experiences improve, and team members genuinely enjoy coming to work. More than just a job, it becomes a place where people feel safe, motivated, and excited to contribute.

One of the simplest yet most effective tools is leading by example. Your attitude as a leader sets the tone for your entire team. When you greet your team members with a warm smile and a friendly hello, you create a welcoming environment from the moment they walk in the door. When you show empathy and understanding during challenging situations, your team learns to mirror that same compassion with patients and one another.

Additionally, celebrating successes—big or small—can foster a culture of appreciation. Recognize team members for their hard work and accomplishments. Whether it’s acknowledging a job well done during a team meeting or leaving a handwritten note of appreciation on someone’s desk, these small gestures can boost morale and motivate your team. Everyone wants to feel like they matter, and sometimes, just a few kind words can make all the difference.

Encourage open communication as well. Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their ideas and concerns fosters trust and strengthens teamwork. Listening attentively and addressing concerns promptly can prevent small issues from escalating and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. When people know their voice matters, they feel more invested in the success of the practice.

So, I encourage you - Choose to be the happy you want to see in your dental office. Start your day with positivity, offer your team the gift of encouragement, and watch as that small seed of happiness grows into a flourishing, united practice.

Smile, be kind, and lead with joy—because happiness is truly contagious! The best part is that by choosing happiness, you’re not just changing your day—you’re changing the world around you.