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Howard Speaks: Conducting Success by Dr. Howard Farran, DDS, MBA

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Howard Speaks: Conducting Success 

by Howard Farran, DDS, MBA, publisher, Dentaltown magazine

As the founder and CEO of Farran Media, I see my role as a symphony conductor. Running a dental practice or any business means uniting skilled individuals to create harmony. A dental office isn’t a solo act, even in a solo practice—it’s an ensemble, and your job as the leader isn’t to play every instrument—it’s to guide the orchestra.


Finding the right musicians
Think of recruitment as assembling the perfect symphony. Your instruments— your team—must sound great on their own and blend to create a cohesive sound. This starts with careful selection. A poorly hired front desk coordinator is like a musician out of tune—no matter how good the rest of the team is, the result is chaos. Write clear job descriptions (sheet music), conduct insightful interviews (auditions) and be damn sure everyone understands the part they’ll play.


Some people just can’t play
Not every musician will belong in your orchestra. Sometimes, despite coaching or second chances, an employee continues to hit the wrong notes. Keeping a consistently underperforming team member is like allowing an out-of-tune trombone to disrupt the entire symphony—it diminishes the experience for everyone, especially patients.

Remember, the music you’re creating for your patients and your team is more important than the discomfort of a few difficult conversations.


Maintaining harmony
Once you’ve assembled your orchestra, the next step is striking harmony. Discord among staff is the equivalent of a violinist playing out of sync with the strings section—it’s jarring and noticeable. Regular team meetings and one-on-one discussions are your baton, keeping everyone on the same tempo. When conflict arises—and it will—address it swiftly and decisively. Better to tune an instrument mid-performance than not at all.


Fine-tuning the performance
The best musicians still practice, and so should your team. Practice does not make perfect—perfect practice makes perfect. Continuous training is like a rehearsal—it refines skills and keeps everyone at the top of their game. Your clinical skills are not the only skills that need continual sharpening. Find opportunities to help your team help themselves be better and the whole office will benefit.


Seeing the whole score
As the conductor, you don’t play an instrument. Your job is to see the entire score, anticipate changes and guide the performance toward its crescendo. This means stepping back from the day-to-day tasks and focusing on business strategy. Are you setting the tempo for your team? Are you watching for when certain sections— like hygiene or billing—need more attention? A great conductor knows when to let the orchestra take center stage and when to step in to correct its rhythm.


Preparing for a new conductor
One day, another conductor—a new associate dentist or eventual practice buyer—might step onto the podium to lead your symphony. When that happens, the group you’ve assembled should be so well-trained, harmonious and cohesive that the transition feels seamless. Think of your team as a world-class orchestra ready to impress any maestro. When another conductor takes over and marvels at the smooth operation you’ve left behind, it’s a testament to your leadership.


Building a legacy
A great symphony isn’t about one flawless note—it’s about how all the instruments come together to create something unforgettable. Your dental practice is no different. Patients won’t remember the small details of their visit, but they will remember how your team made them feel, how smoothly everything flowed and the results you delivered. That’s the crescendo: the shared success of everyone performing at their best. When your office plays in unison, the result isn’t just a successful business—it’s a masterpiece.
See Howard Live!

Dentaltown founder Dr. Howard Farran, known for engaging dentists worldwide through his columns and podcasts, is now taking his presentations on the road. He will speak live on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Waukesha County Dental Society in Wisconsin.

To book Howard for your event, contact Rebecca Wheeler at 480-341-9777 or rebecca@farranmedia.com.

Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
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