Leading with Intention: Lessons in Leadership from the Dental Trenches
Leadership is a concept frequently discussed in dentistry, but rarely examined in depth. Jennifer Steadman has experienced leadership from multiple vantage points -— dental hygienist, director of hygiene operations, and founder of Jen SOS. Drawing from her recent appearance on Spilling the Teath, these reflections capture the top takeaways she shared on leading with intention in today’s dental practices.
Purpose is process — and people
Purpose-driven leadership is often tested when time is limited and pressure is high. While caring for patients and supporting teams remains the priority, strong processes are just as critical as empathy. In chaotic moments, effective leaders center their focus on people while relying on structured systems to stay grounded. Purpose becomes more than a guiding principle. It becomes a series of consistent actions that hold teams together when challenges arise.
The power of pause
In fast-paced dental environments, it’s easy to move quickly from one task to the next without pausing to connect. However, the most respected leaders make space for meaningful conversations and active listening. Prioritizing connection, even in a demanding schedule, is essential to maintaining strong relationships and effective leadership.
Quiet erosion
Misalignment within teams rarely happens suddenly; it develops gradually beneath the surface. The most effective leaders recognize that those closest to the work often have the clearest understanding of what needs improvement — and they actively seek out those perspectives.
Silence and whispers
Breakdowns in communication are often the earliest indicators of a struggling team. When conversations quiet down, concerns go unspoken, or team members hesitate to speak openly, it signals a deeper issue. Strong leaders cultivate environments where transparency is encouraged and feedback is welcomed. A quiet team is not a healthy team — it’s a team signaling the need for trust and open dialogue.
Checking in, not checking on
Simple, intentional questions like, “Is there something I can do to support you today?” can have a meaningful impact. Jennifer emphasizes that when leaders take the time to understand challenges and actively remove barriers, they not only improve team morale but also enhance patient care. Supportive leadership fosters engagement, trust, and long-term commitment.
Conversations for every voice
Inclusive leadership is not abstract — it’s practical and necessary. Creating an environment where every team member feels comfortable sharing input is essential to avoiding costly mistakes. Jennifer recalls a leadership team that implemented new cloud-based software without clinical input, ultimately adding significant time to patient visits and disrupting operations. The takeaway is clear: effective leaders listen before making decisions and prioritize input from those most affected.
Small steps to start this week
Leading with intention begins with curiosity and a willingness to ask meaningful questions. Questions like, “What can I do to support you today?” and “What can I do to make you want to stay here?” open the door to honest conversations. While these questions may invite uncomfortable answers, leaders who are willing to listen build stronger, more resilient teams.
When leadership is grounded in curiosity and humility, teams respond with alignment, engagement, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Listen to the full episode.