Pathway Dental Solutions

Jennifer Paxton
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Succeed where we have struggled. Join us for weekly chats about some of the tactical tools we have incorporated in our businesses and how you might be able to benefit from using them in yours.

  1. JAN 13

    Episode 63: Toolbox Tuesday - Your Assistants Are Messing Up... But It's Not Their Fault

    Book a Call: https://link.pathwaydentalsolutions.com/widget/bookings/pathwaysolutionscall Is the friction in your operatory slowing down production? In Episode 63 of Toolbox Tuesday, our COO Jennifer Paxton flies solo to tackle a "hot take" from a recent newsletter: Your assistants are messing it up, but it isn't their fault. When a "unicorn" hire starts to struggle by Day 126, it’s rarely due to a lack of effort. More often, it’s a breakdown in systems, lack of standardized "cheat sheets," or an onboarding process that was "set-it-and-forget-it." Jennifer discusses how to move past the blame game and create a training environment that supports your team—even in an industry where the average tenure is just 1.3 years. In this episode, we cover: Why placing judgment on assistants doesn't solve production delays. How to standardize setups for different doctors so your team can't fail. The First 400 Program: A look at how we jumpstart training during the first 8 weeks. Why you need a "plug-and-play" onboarding system in today’s hiring market. Why getting two great years out of an employee is a win. Connect with us: If you want to implement the "First 400" program or need help building cheat sheets for your practice, let’s talk! Website: pathwaydentalsolutions.com Email: connect@pathwaydentalsolutions.com

    9 min

  2. JAN 13

    Episode 62: Toolbox Tuesday - Team Loyalty in Dentistry

    Is your dental practice overly reliant on one long-tenured team member? In this solo episode, Jennifer tackles the complex topic of team loyalty and the vital importance of having robust systems to protect your business when key people inevitably move on. We all want "unicorn" team members who are motivated, successful, and loyal. But loyalty often lasts only as long as it works for that person, whether due to a spouse's transfer, a new baby, or pursuing dental/hygiene school. It's an inevitability your business must be prepared for. Jennifer shares: Why hoping for perpetual loyalty can be a fear-based mindset. The danger of high-salaried, long-tenured staff who "hold the keys to the kingdom" because systems are lacking. How life events (medical issues, accidents) can suddenly remove a key person, and why you need a contingency plan. The origin and benefit of their "First 400 Program". The value of performing a red teaming exercise to test your current systems against the worst-case scenario. Stop living in fear of losing your one key person. Learn how to safeguard your business by relying on systems over individuals, so that you can quickly onboard new team members and keep the wheels turning with minimal interruption. Connect with Us: Ready to implement proven systems like The First 400 Program in your practice? Email: connect@PathwayDentalsolutions.com Website: pathwaydentalsolutions.com Book a Call: https://link.pathwaydentalsolutions.c...

    7 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    Episode 61: Toolbox Tuesday - The Slow Dentist Myth

    Is your dental practice struggling with efficiency because your doctors are wearing long hours as a "badge of honor"? In this episode of Toolbox Tuesday, Sten Ericson and Jennifer Paxton conclude their series on Sten's recent return to clinical dentistry. They tackle the common challenge of coaching highly educated doctors—who are often "rugged individualists"—to shift from an employee's mindset (working hard) to an owner's mindset (being efficient and impactful). Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✅ Doctors confusing long hours (like spending an hour on notes after hours) with dedication. ✅ Why taking longer on a case does not equate to a better clinical result—it's just a worse patient experience. ✅ How the belief that "the longer you take, the better it is" impacts appointment times and productivity. ✅ A powerful lesson on why the best dentists are often the most efficient. ✅ Implementing hard stops to ensure your doctors wrap up their work and leave the office early. Are you ready to coach your associate dentists to be highly efficient, productive leaders? The doctor mentorship component discussed here is a huge part of our Doctor Success Program. ➡️ Connect with us to learn about our Private Client Program: connect@pathwaydentalsolutions.com Find us on social media!

    13 min
  4. Episode 60: Toolbox Tuesday - Stop Doing Non-Doctor Tasks

    11/11/2025

    Episode 60: Toolbox Tuesday - Stop Doing Non-Doctor Tasks

    Welcome back to Toolbox Tuesday! We continue our candid series where Dr. Sten Ericson shares his unexpected findings after returning to full-time clinical practice this past summer. Last week, we discussed doctor complaints about assistants. This week, we tackle the flip side: How doctors are actively enabling their teams to underperform and sabotaging their own efficiency. Dr. Ericson and Jennifer Paxton dive deep into the specific non-doctor tasks (like Slacking X-rays or emailing patients) that are stealing critical production time from associate doctors and why they hold onto this unnecessary control. The issue isn't a lack of team ability; it's a lack of doctor delegation. What We Discuss in This Episode: Why you should only be doing the tasks that require your license—and nothing else. How constantly taking over tasks (like sending lab cases or Slacking records) prevents your team from ever learning to do it properly. Why a doctor running late often correlates directly with the 20 minutes they spent doing non-clinical, administrative work. How rushing to do a non-doctor task at the end of the day (like post-processing a scan) actually lowers quality compared to a properly delegated task done by the team immediately. The "painful" reality of hearing doctors give excuses instead of simply letting go of control. Why the dental assistant should be the true "owner" of their op, and how doctors are just "invited guests" who need to be supported by their zone owner. Key Takeaway: When you expect more from your team and yourself, they rise up. When you enable the team, you hurt your production, your schedule, and their career growth. This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation! Join us next week for the final part as we discuss the pitfalls of the "rugged individualist" doctor mentality. Need Help Calibrating Your Team? If you're ready to stop making excuses and start building highly efficient systems, Pathway Dental Solutions can help you with leadership coaching, operational cheat sheets, and on-target tracking. Connect with Us: Reach out to us at: connected@pathwaydentalsolutions.com Find us on all social media platforms! Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss Part 3!

    13 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    Episode 59: Toolbox Tuesday - Doctor vs. Dental Assistant Drama

    Welcome back to Toolbox Tuesday! After a short hiatus, Jennifer and Sten are back to tackle a recurring pain point in dental practices: the relationship and perceived issues between doctors and their dental assistants. Sten recently spent time back in the clinical chair—something he hasn't done extensively in years—and gained a fresh perspective on the day-to-day operations and team performance that associate doctors have been complaining about. The recurring theme? "The assistants are always messing things up!" In this candid discussion, Sten shares his surprising observations and reveals where the real "slop and holes" in the system might actually lie. What We Discuss: The Intentional Hiatus: Why we took a break from Toolbox Tuesday. Red Teaming Your Practice: Proactively finding holes and inefficiencies before they become major problems. Doctor's Perception vs. Reality: Sten's on-the-ground experience working with the same team that our associate doctors have expressed frustration with. The Leadership Look in the Mirror: Why doctors—whether an owner or an associate—are the leaders in the operatory and need to set the standard. Unreasonable Expectations: When doctors expect the most from their assistants but not from themselves. The Supportable Model: Our non-dedicated assistant model and how it forces better training, standardized protocols, and prevents the "keys to the kingdom" problem. Owner vs. Associate Mindset: How the pressure of business ownership changes a doctor's approach to team accountability and efficiency. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation! Join us next week as we continue the discussion on coaching doctors, team victim mentality, and building a high-performing dental team. Want to tackle your own operational challenges, improve leadership, and set up effective on-target tracking for your doctors? Pathway Dental Solutions is accepting private clients! Connect with Us: Find out how we can help your team and practice at: PathwayDentalSolutions.com We're on all social media platforms!

    16 min

  6. 07/29/2025

    Episode 58: Toolbox Tuesday-Navigating Gaslighting in the Dental Practice Environment

    Join Jennifer from Pathway Dental Solutions for another enlightening episode of Toolbox Tuesday. This week, by popular demand, we delve into the complex issue of gaslighting within the workplace, specifically within dental practices. Discover how to recognize gaslighting behaviors, why they may inadvertently occur among high performers, and how leadership can effectively address these behaviors to maintain a positive and supportive practice culture. Jennifer shares insightful case studies, strategies, and tips on fostering improved communication and accountability that can benefit not only professional relationships but personal ones too. Tune in and learn how to enhance emotional intelligence within your practice for smoother operations and better team cohesion. Connect with Jennifer to explore further resources and support for your practice at Pathway Dental Solutions.

    26 min
  7. Episode 57-Moving to Group Practice-Jennifer's Origin Story Part 2

    05/20/2025

    Episode 57-Moving to Group Practice-Jennifer's Origin Story Part 2

    **Podcast Title: Toolbox Tuesday Podcast: Navigating the Shift from Solo to Group Dental Practice** **Episode Description:** Welcome back to the Toolbox Tuesday Podcast by Pathway Dental Solutions! In this second installment of our origin story series, Jennifer continues her journey, moving beyond her initial experiences to explore the dynamic world of group dental practice. In this episode, Jennifer shares her reasons for transitioning from a single-doctor environment to the bustling ecosystem of a group practice. Concerned about the sustainability of traditional single-doctor setups, she took a bold leap across the country to Boston, where she sought opportunities in a more collaborative and resource-rich setting. Jennifer discusses the challenges and benefits of working in a larger practice, stressing the importance of teamwork, flexibility, and being part of something bigger. From facing the initial trials of proving her worth in a new environment to actively contributing to business strategies, her story is an insightful roadmap for dental professionals considering similar transitions. This episode provides essential takeaways for owner doctors looking to attract and retain top talent by highlighting unique aspects and opportunities within group practices. Hear how Jennifer’s experiences shaped her current approach to mentorship and recruitment, offering fresh perspectives for building thriving dental teams. Don't miss this chance to learn how embracing change and collaboration can propel your practice forward. Tune in now and be inspired by Jennifer’s journey! For more information on team training and recruitment strategies, connect with us on social media, email us at connect@pathwaydentalsolutions.com, or visit our website at www.pathwaydentalsolutions.com. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we dive into applying these lessons to our own group practice!

    11 min
  8. Episode 56-Jennifer's Origin Story-Part 1-Finding Dentistry by Accident

    05/13/2025

    Episode 56-Jennifer's Origin Story-Part 1-Finding Dentistry by Accident

    Podcast Title: Toolbox Tuesday Podcast: From Humble Beginnings to Dental Leadership - Jennifer’s Journey Episode Description: Welcome to another enlightening episode of Toolbox Tuesday, brought to you by Pathway Dental Solutions! This week, we shine the spotlight on Jennifer, one of our esteemed team members, as she shares her captivating journey from accidental entry into the dental world to becoming a leader in the field. Join us as Jennifer candidly discusses her origins, starting as a front office assistant with no dental experience and unexpectedly transitioning to chairside assistance. Her story unveils the challenges and triumphs faced by those new to the dental profession, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and support in building successful careers. Discover how Jennifer's passion for helping others and her determination to expand her role led her to advance into dental management and operations. Learn valuable insights on how dental practices can effectively recruit, train, and develop their teams by showcasing potential career paths and nurturing talent from within. Whether you're an aspiring dental professional or a seasoned practitioner looking to enhance your practice's recruitment and training strategies, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the transformative power of guidance and growth in the dental industry. For further information on our training programs and private client coaching options, reach out to us on social media or email us at connect@pathwaydentalsolutions.com. Visit our website at www.pathwaydentalsolutions.com and stay tuned for more insightful episodes every Tuesday. Join us next week for more tips, tricks, and transformational stories in the world of dentistry. Until then, keep building those unicorns!

    9 min
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About

Succeed where we have struggled. Join us for weekly chats about some of the tactical tools we have incorporated in our businesses and how you might be able to benefit from using them in yours.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Paxton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Pathway Dental Solutions