Interviewer: Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS
Interviewee: Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
Edited By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, who shares her experiences and insights on building a successful dental team.
In this episode about teams, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz emphasizes the importance of finding team members who are skilled and share the same passion and energy for dentistry.
Let’s explore Dr. Maragliano-Muniz’s journey and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.
Leveraging Networks and Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Dr. Maragliano-Muniz acknowledges the advantage of having a network of dental professionals when building a team:
“I’ve been in the dental industry for a while. I taught at Tufts, and I went to Tufts. So, I feel like you have a network of people when you’re still in the city or in the vicinity of where you went to school and where you taught.”
She leveraged this network to find her office manager, who also had experience as a dental assistant:
“She was doing double duty. She was assisting me, and she was doing all the things…”
The Power of Word-of-Mouth in Hiring
Dr. Maragliano-Muniz emphasizes the effectiveness of word-of-mouth referrals in finding the right team members:
“So I contacted a hygienist that I know, and I said, all right, help me find a hygienist. And she was like, hold on, I have friends. Let me help you.”
This approach led her to hire a fantastic hygienist who has been a game-changer for her practice:
“She’s been just a huge practice changer, and I love her as a person, and I love her as a team member.”
Creating a High-Energy Practice Culture
Dr. Maragliano-Muniz wanted her practice to exude energy and positivity, and she took deliberate steps to achieve this:
“So I put up wallpaper that’s high energy! My hygiene chairs are hot pink… I want this place to be… I want us to have a lot of energy.”
By infusing her practice with vibrant colors and a lively atmosphere, she created an environment that reflects her vision and attracts team members who embrace it.
In fact, she explains that the team she has now is highly protective of the vision and the culture, and the current team is very selective with newcomers.
The Importance of Clearly Communicating the Practice’s Vision
Dr. Maragliano-Muniz realized the significance of clearly articulating her mission and vision to her team:
“I literally laid my heart onto a piece of paper. I had to say what my mission was and what my vision was. And I brought it in, and I showed it to my team… Because this is me. This is what is important to me and what I want my practice to be about.”
Sharing this vision with her team helped her identify those genuinely aligned with her goals and aspirations.
The Role of Culture in Team Building
Dr. Maragliano-Muniz highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment:
“What’s beautiful about that is when you do show who you are and you do share what you want and what is going to be the vision and how you want to lead and you surround yourself and those people with those people, your job becomes so much easier because now they’re an extension of you.”
By fostering a culture of happiness and fulfillment, she has attracted team members who are skilled and genuinely enjoy their work.
Thought Leadership Summary: Conclusion and Future Outlook
Building a strong dental team requires careful consideration and deliberate action. Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz’s journey is a valuable guide for dental professionals seeking to create a cohesive, high-performing team.
By leveraging personal networks, embracing word-of-mouth referrals, and fostering a positive practice culture, dental professionals can attract team members who possess the necessary skills and share the same passion and energy for dentistry.
Clear communication of the practice’s mission and vision is essential in ensuring that team members are aligned with the practice’s goals. As the dental industry continues to evolve, the lessons shared by Dr. Maragliano-Muniz will remain relevant and valuable for dental professionals striving to build successful and fulfilling practices.
Until next time, keep learning, keep exploring, and fuel your dental dreams with knowledge!
