When I recently presented on Quality Assurance at Spectrum, I emphasized the importance of peer reviews as a tool to ensure that teams maintain high standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In a busy practice, it’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and overlook the incredible value of teamwork and open communication. Conducting a peer review can strengthen our bonds as a team and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Imagine if, instead of talking about each other behind our backs, we created a culture where we openly shared our strengths and worked together on our areas for improvement. I often encounter practices reaching out to share that a colleague might need help with sharpening, instrumentation, or other skills. They are hesitant to address it directly and hope that during our training sessions, we can support certain individuals without singling anyone out. Peer reviews provide this support by fostering open communication in a safe space. Many dental hygienists who may be struggling with specific hard or soft skills are already aware of it and would likely welcome the feedback and assistance. Too often, we work in silos, hesitant to be transparent with one another. But this shift in how we communicate isn’t just possible—it can transform the way we interact and grow together.
Step 1: Reflecting on Strengths and Areas for Growth
The first step in a meaningful peer review is self-reflection. Each team member can take a few moments to think about three things they believe they excel at and three areas where they would like to improve. These could be anything from patient/client interaction skills to clinical techniques or communication habits. Acknowledging our strengths builds confidence, while recognizing our growth areas opens up opportunities for improvement.
For example, at one of our laser courses, a dental hygienist, who was there for a refresher, shared that she wasn’t comfortable recommending laser treatment to her clients—she felt like she was selling. I encouraged her to reframe this perspective. If she genuinely believes that laser treatment can benefit her clients, it’s not about “selling” but about advocating for their health. We discussed ways to help her feel more confident and comfortable in her recommendations, transforming a challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Step 2: Calibration and Collaboration
Once each person has identified their strengths and growth areas, we can begin a structured conversation as a team. This isn’t about criticism—it’s about calibration and collaboration. By discussing these points with each other, team members gain new insights, learn from each other’s experiences, and receive constructive feedback. Working together to improve our skills reinforces trust and mutual respect within the team.
Creating a Positive Culture of Support
Too often, workplace culture can drift into judgment or gossip when concerns aren’t addressed openly. By establishing regular peer reviews, we are actively choosing to support each other in our professional journeys. This approach turns feedback into an empowering tool rather than something to be feared. Together, we can replace hesitation with openness and inspire each other to grow.
A Worksheet to Guide You
To make this process easier, I’ve created a worksheet to guide your reflections and facilitate these peer review conversations. It provides a structured way to document strengths and growth areas, ensuring that our discussions remain focused, supportive, and productive. This worksheet is a tool to help us all approach feedback with clarity and positivity and to help identify next steps for improvement.
To keep things fresh and targeted, consider creating a theme for each peer review session. For instance, one session could focus on communication, another on case acceptance (Are you effectively closing?), and others on skills like instrumentation or sharpening. By centering each review around a specific area, we can dive deeper into that topic, highlight shared challenges, and collaboratively work toward improvement.
Embracing Growth Together
As you start this process, remember that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about growing together. When we approach feedback with an open mind and the intention to help each other, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. Let’s embrace this opportunity to build each other up and work as a united, empowered team.
Try this approach with your team, and you may be surprised by how much stronger your bonds—and your practice—become.
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Have a great week!
Warm regards,
Kathleen
Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ President
