Team Training and Business Growth

Introduction

In this week’s episode of Hey Docs!, Jill Allen sits down with Cary Smith, co-founder and CEO of Done Desk. Done Desk is the all-in-one training, compliance, and HR platform built for dental and orthodontic teams. Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked growth levers in any practice: a well-trained, well-supported team.

When your systems make sense, and your people feel confident in their roles, everything else gets easier. Your culture, your patient experience, and yes, your bottom line.

A Smarter, Proactive Approach to Team Training

With a background in clinical risk management, Cary brings a refreshing perspective: compliance and training should not feel like punishment. They should feel like progress.

Instead of thinking of compliance as a checklist of rules, Cary reframes it as the backbone of a business that runs smoothly. When every team member understands how their daily actions map to the practice’s goals, you stop firefighting and start building momentum.

This is not about micromanaging. It is about creating clarity so your team can show up confidently every day.

The Power of Clear Roles and Strong Structure

Jill and Cary dig into a truth that every practice owner eventually faces: you cannot scale chaos.

Practices thrive when every role is defined, expectations are clear, and training is not a one-and-done event. Without structure, practices fall into patterns that drain time, frustrate teams, and take focus away from patient care.

When responsibilities are shared equitably and everyone knows what “great” looks like, your culture shifts. Team members feel supported rather than stretched thin, and they are more likely to grow with the practice instead of quietly burning out.

Clear structure leads to better performance, stronger retention, and happier patients.

Risk Management Starts with Team Empowerment

Cary also shines a light on two of the biggest risks facing orthodontic and dental practices today: cybersecurity and employment-related liabilities.

His approach is simple but powerful. Involve your team. When employees understand why certain safeguards matter and feel empowered to take ownership, risk goes down and accountability goes up.

Cary also encourages practices to rethink traditional hierarchies. Leadership is not a title. It is a behavior. When you build leaders at every level, the practice becomes more resilient and more collaborative.

What Successful Practices Have in Common

Throughout the conversation, several recurring themes rise to the surface. These are the habits that show up time and time again in strong, growth-minded practices.

• Set clear roles and reinforce expectations consistently.

• Treat training like an investment, not an inconvenience.

• Use software intentionally, not as a band-aid.

• Reimagine compliance as an opportunity to strengthen systems and culture.

• Move from reactive fixes to proactive leadership to reduce stress and surprises.

Small and consistent improvements each week compound into meaningful change.

Final Thoughts

Cary leaves listeners with a reminder that practice owners have more control than they think. The path to a thriving practice is not built on massive overhauls. It is built on intentional actions, supported teams, and steady leadership.

Jill closes the episode with an invitation to learn more. If you are ready to strengthen your systems or explore what Done Desk can do for your practice, you can connect with Cary at DoneDesk.com or continue the conversation with Jill and the JA&A team.

This episode delivers practical insight for doctors at every stage, whether you are building your foundation or leveling up an already established practice. It is a must-listen for anyone who wants to run a smoother and more growth-oriented business.