How coaching and fresh eyes reveal what dental practice numbers alone cannot.
by Rosie Yacone, Team Development Coach at Productive Dentist Academy
“You can’t read the label from inside the jar.” -Blair Enns
The above quote is one I come back to often, especially after years of being inside dental practices and now coaching them from the outside. I know how true it is. No matter how talented or committed a dental team is, it’s nearly impossible to see the full picture when you’re living in it every day. That’s one reason why dental practices turn to coaching. And if the word “coach” brings to mind someone shouting plays from the sidelines, well… good. Because right now, many practices don’t need another policy, they need a strategy. They need energy. They need a coach.
Coaching Isn’t a Luxury, It’s a Game Plan
One of the biggest myths I encounter is that coaching is only for struggling practices. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The highest-performing professionals in any industry–from elite athletes to world-class surgeons, even Fortune 500 execs–all rely on coaching to sharpen their skills, protect against blind spots, and sustain their edge. So, why should dentistry be any different?
The best dental coaches don’t walk in with a canned playbook (those rarely work, btw). We don’t point fingers or drop binders full of generic systems. We listen, observe, and co-create solutions that produce alignment with their goals and potential. In my career, I’ve learned that misalignment isn’t always loud. Most of the time misalignment hides in plain sight, and it’s incredibly costly.
Think Game Film, Not Guesswork
Think of a football coach reviewing game tape. Even when the team wins, the coach notices the late passes, missed blocks, and sloppy plays. That’s what I do with dental practices. I look beyond key performance indicators to uncover what’s really going on.
Your numbers might show treatment acceptance is down. But what I might find is that treatment wasn’t linked to why it matters to the patient in a way that connects to their long-term health. If hygiene production is dipping, I’m not just asking for numbers, I’m checking if every patient got their full comprehensive clinical experience.
In some cases, I’ve worked with teams who thought they were all on the same page. While they meant well, I found that they truly weren’t. One hygienist was having detailed conversations about risk factors and reviewing updated health histories, and another wasn’t. One front desk team member was verifying insurance; the other wasn’t. These tiny misalignments create friction points in the patient journey and inconsistent patient experiences.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “We’re already doing that,” only to discover they’re doing parts of it, but not consistently. One operatory is capturing IO photos, the next isn’t. Some patients get a complete handoff, others don’t. These might seem like small things, but left unchecked, they ripple through every part of the practice as they slow production, create gaps in care, and quietly drain both morale and profitability.
One of the most powerful things I get to do is help practices clean up those inconsistencies and then celebrate the transformation. As the coach, it’s my purpose to help teams see those gaps and close them together with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
Coaches Can’t Play the Game for You
I think one of the most important truths about dental coaching is this: Coaches can’t play the game for you. Coaches can help you see what’s possible, call out the blind spots, offer proven tools, and guide you along the way, but your team must do the reps.
Coaching isn’t passive by any means. It’s not “here’s a binder of recommendations, good luck.” It’s showing up, in real time, with real patients and real conversations. It’s being willing to stretch, grow, and sometimes hear hard truths. Sometimes practices get really hung up in these areas. It’s understandable, because it’s hard work.
But it’s also incredibly empowering. When I’m in-office with a team, there’s no pretending. It’s game day. That means we get to make changes in the moment and immediately see the results.
Real-World Results, Real Relationships
The most effective coaching relationships in dentistry are never “one-size-fits-all.” While there are proven systems and time-tested strategies that work across the profession, the way those strategies come to life must be shaped by the individual practice. That means understanding the doctor’s vision, the team’s strengths, and the culture that makes the practice unique.
When teams connect their daily work to a shared purpose, transformation happens. I’ve seen practices that once felt stuck find a new rhythm. I’ve seen teams re-ignite their sense of mission, and doctors rediscover the excitement that inspired them to open their doors in the first place. Team members gain confidence and clarity in how they show up for patients, and patients feel that difference. Often, these shifts lead to measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, and overall satisfaction, but more importantly, they restore a sense of meaning to the work.
Celebrating the Wins
Coaches don’t just fix what needs to be fixed, they illuminate what’s working well to help your team see it. I love returning to a practice months after an initial visit and saying, “Look at what you’ve accomplished”—it lands. Because growth feels good, and recognition fuels it.
Recognition is a powerful motivator. When people feel seen and valued, they stay engaged. Engaged teams don’t just stay. They strive to keep growing. And that’s where the real magic happens.
Coaching Is a Partnership
Coaching is not a transaction. It’s a partnership. It takes honesty. It takes commitment. And yes, it takes hustle. But if you’re ready to push past what you thought was possible, if you’re willing to look at what’s really happening in your practice, then there are dental coaches like me who are ready to walk beside you.
You can’t read the label from inside the jar, but a great coach can help you see it, and help you build the version of your practice you’ve always dreamed of.
The next play is yours. Step onto the field, commit to the work, and take the first step toward the practice you’ve always envisioned.
About the Author
Bringing nearly 2 decades of dental industry expertise, Productive Dentist Academy (PDA) Team Development Coach Rosie Yacone is dedicated to helping patients understand the value of their dental health. Rosie excels at helping dental teams align around their purpose, sharpen their communication, and deliver consistent, patient-centered care. Her passion lies in turning small adjustments into lasting transformation. With a background in office management, leadership development, team culture, SOP/LMS creation, and case presentation strategy, Rosie helps practices not only meet their goals but rediscover their momentum and meaning along the way. Rosie consistently drives dental practice success to ensure the best outcomes for patients and practices alike.
