1086: What Dental Practices Need Before Hiring an Office Manager - Lorie Streeter
The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt · Aug 14, 2026 · 39:59
The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt · Aug 14, 2026 · 39:59
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Hiring an office manager can add leadership and structure to a dental practice, but the title alone will not solve problems with communication, accountability, or culture. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with Lorie Streeter, a longtime dental office management advocate and MaxAssist team member, about what practices need to have in place before adding an office manager.
They discuss when the role becomes necessary, the leadership qualities to look for, how to define decision-making authority, why regular communication matters, and how dentists can protect strong managers from burnout. To better understand what makes the dentist-office manager relationship work, listen to Episode 1086 of The Best Practices Show!
Main Takeaways:
Episode Chapters:
00:00 What dental practices should know before hiring an office manager.
01:37 Lorie Streeter's background in dental office management.
05:19 AADOM and Office Manager Support
07:00 Why an office manager will not automatically solve practice problems.
11:20 Indicators that a practice may need an office manager.
13:08 Leadership skills and responsibilities of an effective office manager.
16:13 Office manager workload and the risk of burnout.
19:07 Communication rhythms between dentists and office managers.
21:52 Defining decision-making authority and responsibilities.
24:23 Managing communication in multi-doctor practices.
27:13 Balancing trust with appropriate oversight.
31:00 Qualities to consider in a prospective office manager.
31:04 Transitioning from clinical roles into practice administration.
35:00 How MaxAssist supports practice teams and tracks team activity.
38:00 Final guidance for dentists and office managers.
Guest Bio:
With nearly three decades in the dental industry, Lorie blends deep field experience with a passion for growth and connection. As a former dental office manager and past Vice President of The American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM), she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities practices face. Her focus at MaxAssist is to expand impact through relationship-driven strategy, smart technology, and a heart for office managers.
Episode Resources:
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Episodes: The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
