Employee cynicism can quietly undermine DSO performance — weakening trust, reducing engagement and driving turnover. DSOs that align management promises with workplace realities are better positioned to retain staff and weather economic uncertainty, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Barry Lyon, DDS, director of provider recruiting and onboarding at Dental Care Alliance, recently spoke with Becker’s about how employee cynicism can affect DSO success and ways to help avoid it.
Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
Operating a DSO is often an employee balancing act. On one side of the fulcrum are the assurances and policies made by management. On the other side are the expectations of staff and doctors. When evenly balanced, harmony exists. When it is not, skepticism and then cynicism, weigh the employee side down. It then takes great effort to rebalance toward equilibrium.
Employee cynicism thwarts the efforts of management and weakens engagement, diminishes trust and lessens performance. Research suggests that cynicism often emerges when employees feel employer assurances and work-day realities are out of sync.
Cynicism is not inevitable. True clinical autonomy, solid employee support and genuine transparency are required to keep it at bay. It takes a well-devised strategy to overcome a new doctor’s preconceived notions about DSOs or inconsistent messages and expectations given to staff. The DSO that averts cynicism is positioned to better survive economic uncertainties and minimize employee turnover.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
