December 12, 2025
Welcome to ‘The Dental CEO Podcast,’ where today, I’ll be diving deep into my experiences running a dental practice, growing a team, and creating a workplace culture that resonates with both team members and patients alike. I’m Dr. Scott Leune, your guide on this journey to thriving dental entrepreneurship and practicing management.
My venture into the dental industry began with a humble setup – me, a dental assistant, and a front desk team member. Fast forward six years, my practice has expanded extensively, now boasting a robust team which includes three front desk team members, three full-time assistants, three hygienists, and two doctors, including myself and an associate physician.
Building a Team and Culture
One of the most transformative aspects of growing my practice has been developing a strong team culture. Initially, I believed in a tightly controlled management style but quickly learned that empowering employees and fostering a culture organically, through time and trust, yields better results. The journey taught me about the importance of finding the right people – individuals who are aligned with your vision and willing to contribute positively to the collective goal.
Mistakes were made along the way, but each served as a critical learning curve. These experiences underscored the significance of letting go of micromanagement, trusting my team, and focusing more on guiding and supporting rather than controlling every aspect of the operations.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Every business faces challenges and so did we. From managing staff turnover to adapting leadership styles, from refining patient care strategies to boosting operational efficiency, each phase brought its own set of challenges. Even when the going got tough, approaching each situation with resilience and a clear strategy helped us navigate through and emerge stronger.
On this note, I’d like to discuss the immense value brought by seasoned team members. Retaining employees from nearly the beginning has not only brought stability to the practice but has also strengthened the trust and communal spirit amongst the team and with our patients. This continuity is crucial for maintaining the quality of care and operational excellence.
Hiring and Team Dynamics
Over the years, hiring and managing a diverse team has exemplified the criticality of aligning new hires with the established culture and operational dynamics. It’s not always about their resume but more about their personality, willingness to learn, and integrate into the team’s ethos. Quick decision-making in hiring and trusting your gut feeling can sometimes be more beneficial than a prolonged deliberation process.
Additionally, the struggle with team members who may not be fully aligned with the practice’s ethos taught me the importance of addressing issues head-on and not allowing subpar performances to drag down the team’s morale and effectiveness.
Growth Through Leadership
To any aspiring dental entrepreneurs, it’s imperative to not only focus on the clinical side but also embrace the leadership role. Prioritizing your team’s well-being, understanding their career aspirations, and integrating their goals into the practice’s vision can dramatically enhance practice productivity and morale.
In conclusion, my journey from a fledgling startup to a flourishing practice has been filled with invaluable lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience. I hope my experiences inspire you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with dental entrepreneurship.