Performance Reviews & How to Properly Conduct Them

As a dentist who owns your own practice, you wear many hats. You’re expected to do it all - dentistry, employer, bookkeeper, etc. Part of your job is to properly manage your team, and this includes conducting regular performance reviews. Not only will your employees expect them, but they’re also a great opportunity for you to bring up any concerns you may about an employee’s specific conduct or behavior.

While many dentists know that they’re expected to conduct performance reviews, they’re unsure of what these reviews should require.

Conducting Employee Performance Reviews

We have a few tips and topics for you to cover when conducting performance reviews with the individual members of your staff.

First off, discuss with your employees how they’d like to receive feedback or how best they learn in a teaching environment. Each of your team members is different and unique and may have a different reaction to various feedback or coaching methods.

Below are some common and constructive questions to ask your team members when conducting performance reviews:

1. Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve the dental practice or the way that our team works together?
2. Do you have any conflicts or problems within the office that you’d like help addressing?
3. What do you think has been your best contribution to this practice in the last year? What do you believe inspired you to make this contribution?
4. Have you had any conflicts this year? If so, how were you able to successfully diffuse them?
5. Is there anything I can do to help you meet your goals at this job?

As a busy dentist, it can be tempting to neglect employee reviews. However, using these reviews as a chance to catch up with each individual member of your team, provide feedback, and gain insight, will help your practice run more smoothly. Your employees will feel heard and valued, and they’ll feel more loyal to the practice.

For more information about strengthening your team, or if you need help conducting performance reviews, please let CTC Associates guide you through it.