Effective Employee Onboarding: A StoryBrand Approach for Dentists

April 3, 2025

Owning a private dental practice means your goal is clear, deliver excellent dental care and cultivate loyal, satisfied patients.

But what if the key to achieving this goal isn't just in patient interactions but begins from the first day a new employee steps into your practice?

Here, we discuss Donald Miller's StoryBrand framework and explore how effective employee onboarding cultivates exceptional team members in alignment with your practice's vision.

Why Onboarding Matters

Your employees are searching for a meaningful story to be part of where they feel valued, clear about their responsibilities, and motivated to contribute to the practice's success. An exceptional onboarding experience isn't solely task-oriented. It immerses new employees in your practice culture, clarifies expectations, and positions them to actively participate in your shared success.

Clarify Your Practice's Message

Within the StoryBrand framework, your practice acts as the "guide," empowering employees to become "heroes" in their professional stories. From day one, clearly communicate how your practice will support their journey.

For example:

• Define success clearly: Explain explicitly what success looks like in their specific role.
  
  
• Connect their role to patient care: Highlight how their tasks directly improve patient outcomes.
  
  
• Outline growth opportunities: Provide clear pathways for professional development within your practice.
  
  

Understand the External and Internal Challenges

Recognize both external and internal challenges. External challenges include technical challenges such as learning new processes, mastering new technologies, and understanding clinical procedures. Internal challenges are more ingrained on the individual level, such as anxiety about fitting into the team, fear of making mistakes, and desire for professional growth. During onboarding, actively address these challenges.

For example:

• Provide structured training with clear instructions and resources.
  
  
• Set clear, attainable goals that foster confidence.
  
  
• Create an environment where questions are welcomed and encouraged.
  
  

Provide a Clear Plan

Simplify your onboarding process with clearly defined actionable steps:

• Welcome and Integrate: Set clear expectations about your practice's values, vision, and culture from the start.
  
  
• Structured Learning: Offer systematic training in clinical protocols, administrative duties, and patient interactions.
  
  
• Consistent Support: Schedule regular check-ins for feedback, address questions, and adjust the training pace as needed.
  
  
• Empower Autonomy: Once foundational knowledge is established, encourage autonomy to foster trust and confidence.
  
  

Encourage Proactive Participation

Motivate new employees to embrace their roles as vital contributors from day one. Clearly communicate that their input, questions, and ideas are valued.

For example, state explicitly:

"Your growth matters to us. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and seek mentorship. We're committed to your success."

Clearly Define Success and Avoid Pitfalls

Clearly outline common pitfalls, such as miscommunications, procedural errors, and patient dissatisfaction. Discuss proactive ways to avoid these through clear communication and teamwork. Paint a vivid picture of success, such as satisfied patients, cohesive teamwork, fulfilling professional growth, and ongoing practice success.

Implementing the StoryBrand strategies in your onboarding process could significantly enhance your practice's efficiency, patient satisfaction, and employee retention. When your team thrives, your patients benefit, and your practice grows.

Not sure where to start? Contact us today!

References

Miller, Donald. (2017). Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen. HarperCollins Leadership.