Abstract
This paper will explore research around the qualities and traits of a good leader and if those leadership skills can be taught to others. The theories of situational and leaderful leadership form the basis of discussion of leadership in practice. Many articles have identified several traits of great leaders but they disagree if the traits all are similar. A specific application of this research will be used in identifying the leadership traits of existing dental leaders within the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA). Dental exam leaders may have a similar leadership style to each other. In conclusion, key qualities of great leaders include: self-awareness, assertiveness, communication and self-regulation. Leadership skills can be developed once the willing leader knows themselves, their strengths and weaknesses. However, effective leadership training needs to include an interactive approach with role play and required practice. Dental exam leaders surveyed at CDCA were found to have predominate leadership traits of being rules orientated, stabile, traditional, detail orientated, dependable and often threatened by change. Recommendations will include leadership training for CDCA’s leadership based on the outcomes of the True Colors Assessment of CDCA’s leaders.
