The High Performing Dental Team

Dayna Johnson
  • 4.9 (11)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hey there, I’m Dayna Johnson . . . dental practice management expert, certified Dentrix trainer and founder of Novonee, revolutionizing the dental industry through innovation and strategic leadership. It wasn’t long ago that I lived in your shoes navigating the daily challenges of managing a dental practice with the hopes and dreams of having a productive schedule, money in the bank, and getting home on time to my sweet daughter. After 25 years working in the dental practice and 17 years as a certified Dentrix trainer, I found my life’s work helping dental teams 1:1 optimizing their systems and software. If you are looking to create the thriving dental practice you have always dreamed of and empower your high performing dental team, you are in the right place. Let’s get started!

  1. #196 Interview with Claire Dickinson - Software transition tips for success

    6D AGO

    #196 Interview with Claire Dickinson - Software transition tips for success

    Claire Dickinson, Operations & Professional Relationships Director Claire has over 22 years of experience in dentistry and a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a master's in Organizational Management and Leadership 🚨 Thinking about switching your dental software? Don’t do it without a plan. In this episode, Dayna Johnson and Claire Dickinson break down the realities—both the challenges and opportunities—of transitioning dental software in a busy dental practice. They explain why change management, team engagement, and tailored training are the keys to preventing frustration, lost productivity, and failed implementations. Claire shares her firsthand experience working with Dentrix Ascend, while Dayna outlines the step-by-step approach practices should take before, during, and after a software transition. From workflow analysis to building a safe learning environment, this episode gives dental leaders a practical roadmap for adopting new technology the right way. ✅ Key Takeaways: -Getting your team on board is the first step in any software transition -Understanding the “why” behind the change drives team engagement -Training must be customized to your practice’s workflows -Analyze your current systems before switching software -Ongoing support and reinforcement prevent backsliding -Team collaboration enhances training and adoption -Creating a safe space for questions improves confidence -Effective change management reduces the risk of failure -Comfort with uncertainty is essential in today’s tech landscape -Regular meetings and updates keep everyone aligned ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Software Transition in Dental Practices 02:41 Understanding Change Management and Team Engagement 05:24 Training Strategies for Successful Software Adoption 08:20 The Importance of Workflow Analysis 11:08 Reinforcement and Continuous Support 13:55 The Role of Team Collaboration in Software Transition 16:41 Preparing for Future Changes in Dental Technology 📲 Want help optimizing your software transition? Book a discovery call with Dayna: https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call

    25 min
  2. #195 The trickle down effect of preparation

    FEB 16

    #195 The trickle down effect of preparation

    💰 Are insurance claim denials quietly draining your dental practice’s profitability? In this episode, Dayna Johnson explains why a pre-visit checklist is one of the most powerful systems your dental office can implement. From verifying insurance eligibility to confirming accurate patient information, these small but critical steps can dramatically improve efficiency, reduce accounts receivable, and increase patient trust. Dayna walks through how proper insurance eligibility checks, accurate treatment estimates, and day-of-service collections protect your practice from financial setbacks. She also discusses how tools like Dentrix can streamline insurance workflows and how hygienists play a vital role in communicating fees clearly to patients. When your systems are tight, your claims are cleaner, your AR is controlled, and your team morale improves. ✅ Key Takeaways: -Why a pre-visit checklist is essential for dental practice success -How insurance eligibility checks reduce claim denials -The connection between accurate treatment estimates and patient trust -Why collecting payments at the time of service matters -How efficient systems improve team morale and incentives -Using Dentrix to streamline insurance and billing workflows -The role hygienists play in fee communication -Why insurance information must be updated regularly -How profitability allows investment in team growth and resources ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Understanding the Pre-Visit Checklist 11:28 The Impact of Insurance Eligibility on Practice Efficiency 📲 Want help improving your insurance workflows and profitability? Book a free discovery call with Dayna → https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call

    15 min
  3. #194 Pre-Visit Checklist

    FEB 9

    #194 Pre-Visit Checklist

    🦷 Are patient appointments running smoothly in your practice—or does it feel like your team is always scrambling? In this episode, Dayna Johnson explains why clarity in daily workflows is the foundation of a high-performing dental practice. From insurance verification to electronic forms, she breaks down exactly what needs to happen before a patient walks through the door to ensure a seamless visit. Dayna shares practical strategies for building a pre-visit checklist, improving communication through morning huddles, and using technology wisely to keep patient information accurate and accessible. These simple but powerful habits help eliminate chaos, reduce stress, and create a more consistent patient experience. ✅ Key Takeaways: -Clarity is essential for smooth and efficient daily workflows -Preparation before patient visits prevents surprises and delays -Insurance verification should always be done ahead of time -Electronic forms improve data accuracy and patient convenience -A structured pre-visit checklist keeps the team aligned -SOPs ensure consistency across all team members -Technology supports better patient information management -Updated patient records lead to safer, more accurate care -Morning huddles strengthen communication and readiness -Continuous learning improves team performance and adaptability ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Clarity in Daily Workflow 02:45 Preparing for Patient Appointments 05:54 Utilizing Technology for Patient Information 08:33 Creating a Pre-Visit Checklist 11:13 Conclusion and Resources for Improvement 📲 Want help building clearer workflows and higher-performing systems? Book a free discovery call with Dayna at https://calendly.com/dayna-johnson/discovery-call

    15 min
  4. #193 Interview with Laura Johnston with MyDentalSOP

    FEB 2

    #193 Interview with Laura Johnston with MyDentalSOP

    Laura Johnston is the founder of My Dental SOP, the software solution that helps dental practices create operational clarity, consistency, and confident teams through proven systems. She specializes in turning everyday chaos into streamlined workflows so practices don’t just run, they thrive. If you want to check out MyDentalSOP and their getting-started resources, go to www.mydentalsop.com/resource-library 🦷 Are unclear systems holding your dental practice back? In this episode, Dayna Johnson interviews Laura Johnston, founder of MyDentalSOP, to uncover why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are one of the most powerful tools a dental practice can put in place. Laura shares how clear, digital SOPs streamline operations, improve patient experience, support compliance, and create confidence throughout the team. Dayna and Laura break down how SOPs reduce confusion, strengthen communication, and make onboarding far easier by giving teams a repeatable “recipe” for consistent results. Whether you're building systems from scratch or leveling up what you already have, this conversation gives you the roadmap for creating clarity, accountability, and trust inside your practice. ✅ Key Takeaways: Clarity is foundational for strong practice management SOPs act as a “recipe” for predictable, consistent outcomes Documented processes reduce confusion and prevent mistakes Training paths help onboard new team members faster Consistent communication builds patient trust and satisfaction Digitizing SOPs keeps them accessible and easy to update SOPs can be built in small, manageable steps Templates and resources make SOP creation easier Team involvement strengthens accountability and buy-in SOPs protect the practice from compliance and legal risks ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Clarity in Dental Practices 02:38 Understanding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 05:22 Creating Effective SOPs for Patient Experience 07:53 Digitizing and Organizing SOPs 10:46 The Importance of Training Paths 13:35 Consistency in Patient Communication 16:27 Resources for Getting Started with SOPs 19:07 The Role of SOPs in Compliance and Team Trust 22:05 Conclusion and Resources 📲 Ready to build clarity and stronger systems in your dental practice? Book a free discovery call with Dayna → https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/membership-offers

    26 min
  5. #192 Clarity with where to make notes

    JAN 26

    #192 Clarity with where to make notes

    📝 Is unclear documentation slowing down your dental practice—and confusing your team? In this episode, Dayna Johnson breaks down why clarity in instructions and documentation is one of the most important systems a dental practice can master. Without clear workflows, teams struggle, miscommunication increases, and patients feel the impact. Dayna explains how well-defined documentation habits lead to more consistent results, better patient communication, and improved team performance. She also shares practical tips on using Dentrix for organizing patient information, documenting interactions, and maintaining accurate health history records—key elements for building trust and delivering high-quality care. Whether you’re a dental assistant, hygienist, office manager, or practice owner, this episode gives you the tools to streamline your systems and support your team with clarity and confidence. ✅ Key Takeaways: -Clear instructions produce consistent, predictable results -Strong documentation improves practice efficiency -Every team member must know exactly where and how to document -Dentrix can streamline communication and patient management -Accurate health history documentation is critical for patient safety -Trust is built through clear, proactive communication -Systematic documentation reduces wasted time and confusion -Clarity in processes boosts team performance and accountability -Ongoing training keeps documentation practices consistent -Tip sheets and resources help reinforce best practices ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Clear Instructions 02:31 Documenting Patient Interactions Effectively 05:11 Organizing Patient Information in Dentrix 10:52 Health History Management and Documentation Download my free Notes & Documentation Tip Sheet here: 👉 https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/notes_and_documentation 📲 Ready to improve your team’s documentation systems? Book a free discovery call with Dayna → https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/membership-offers

    16 min
  6. #191 Clarity with primary job roles

    JAN 19

    #191 Clarity with primary job roles

    🦷 Is your dental team overwhelmed, confused, or stepping on each other’s toes? It might be a job role problem — not a people problem. In this episode, Dayna Johnson uncovers why clarity in job roles is one of the most powerful tools for building a high-performing dental team. When responsibilities are clearly defined, team members feel more confident, more accountable, and far less overwhelmed. Dayna explains how aligning roles with team members’ strengths, leveraging personality types, and implementing proper onboarding can create a more productive, efficient, and harmonious work environment. Whether you're hiring new team members or refining existing roles, this episode offers practical steps any dental practice can implement immediately. ✅ Key Takeaways: Clear job roles increase accountability and reduce overwhelm Team members should understand their primary responsibilities Aligning strengths and personality types improves role fit Proper onboarding is essential for new team success Regular check-ins strengthen performance and communication Cross-training enhances flexibility and team support Ownership of roles boosts job satisfaction and engagement Feedback and clarity foster a healthier team dynamic ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Setting Intentions for 2026 02:30 The Importance of Clarity in Job Roles 05:05 Defining Primary Roles in Dental Practices 08:06 Streamlining Responsibilities for Efficiency 10:45 Understanding Personality Types in Team Roles 13:19 Onboarding and Training for Success Download my free Notes & Documentation Tip Sheet here: 👉 https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/notes_and_documentation 📲 Want help defining job roles and building a high-performing dental team? Book a free discovery call with Dayna at https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/membership-offers

    18 min
  7. #190 Kickoff 2026 with Claire Dickinson

    JAN 12

    #190 Kickoff 2026 with Claire Dickinson

    Claire Dickinson, Operations & Professional Relationships Director Claire has over 22 years of experience in dentistry and a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a master's in Organizational Management and Leadership 🔍 If your dental practice isn’t crystal clear on where it’s going in 2026, now is the time to fix that. In this episode, Dayna Johnson and Claire Dickinson break down why clarity, intentional planning, and aligned goals are the foundation of success for dental practices heading into 2026. They discuss the importance of revisiting annual plans, aligning the entire team around shared outcomes, and understanding the personal “why” behind professional decisions. The conversation also explores how AI and new technologies can support practice efficiency when implemented with focus and purpose, not distraction. This episode is ideal for dentists, office managers, and team leaders who want to move into 2026 with confidence, direction, and a clear plan for success. ✅ Key Takeaways: Why clarity is essential for effective planning and execution How revisiting annual plans keeps practices on track The role AI can play in improving efficiency when used intentionally Why identifying clear outcomes matters more than vague goals How team alignment drives accountability and results Using visual tools to keep goals front and center How daily check-ins reinforce focus and momentum Why understanding your personal “why” supports better decisions How adaptability helps practices thrive in changing environments ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Kickoff to 2026: Embracing Clarity 02:32 Navigating Post-COVID Challenges 05:12 Annual Planning: Revisiting Goals 07:59 The Importance of Clarity in Execution 10:43 Identifying Clear Outcomes for Success 13:31 Visual Tools for Team Alignment 16:12 Staying Focused on Goals 18:53 Understanding Your Why 21:29 Recap: Key Takeaways for 2026 📲 Ready to build clarity and alignment in your practice? Book a free discovery call with Dayna at https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/membership-offers

    27 min
  8. #189 Interview with Dr. Eric Block "The Stress Free Dentist"

    JAN 5

    #189 Interview with Dr. Eric Block "The Stress Free Dentist"

    Dr. Eric Block is a practicing dentist, educator, speaker, and author focused on helping dental professionals reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build more fulfilling careers. He is the author of The Stress-Free Dentist and Stress-Free Dental Implants, with his work centered on wellness, leadership, and practice growth in dentistry. 👉 Check out Dr. Block’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Block/author/B0BZQ13DX9?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8c59e614-ca18-4907-bf51-204c1ce035c1 🧠 Dentistry doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, exhausting, or isolating. In this episode, Dayna Johnson sits down with Dr. Eric Block to discuss burnout in dentistry, mental health awareness, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, stress-free dental career. Eric shares his personal journey from a struggling dentist dealing with anxiety and burnout to becoming the author of The Stress-Free Dentist and the founder of the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches. Together, they explore why mental health is often overlooked in dentistry, how therapy helped Eric rediscover his passion, and why leadership training and standard operating procedures are essential for healthier practices. This conversation is a must-watch for dentists, practice owners, and leaders who want to improve team culture, reduce stress, and build systems that support long-term success. ✅ Key Takeaways: Why burnout and anxiety are so common in dentistry How Eric Block found his way into dentistry and through burnout The role mental health plays in sustainable dental careers Why The Stress-Free Dentist was created How the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches supports dentists The impact of standard operating procedures on practice efficiency Why leadership training matters for dentists managing teams Practical advice for reducing stress and improving well-being ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Eric Block 02:39 Journey into Dentistry and Overcoming Burnout 05:10 The Birth of The Stress-Free Dentist 07:54 Creating the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches 10:36 Innovations in Dental Practice Management 13:31 The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures 16:19 Advice for Reducing Stress in Dentistry 📲 Need support building systems or reducing stress in your practice? Book a free discovery call with Dayna at https://novoneecommunity.mykajabi.com/membership-offers

    23 min
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4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Hey there, I’m Dayna Johnson . . . dental practice management expert, certified Dentrix trainer and founder of Novonee, revolutionizing the dental industry through innovation and strategic leadership. It wasn’t long ago that I lived in your shoes navigating the daily challenges of managing a dental practice with the hopes and dreams of having a productive schedule, money in the bank, and getting home on time to my sweet daughter. After 25 years working in the dental practice and 17 years as a certified Dentrix trainer, I found my life’s work helping dental teams 1:1 optimizing their systems and software. If you are looking to create the thriving dental practice you have always dreamed of and empower your high performing dental team, you are in the right place. Let’s get started!

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