Recruit smarter, not harder, with industry insight that will help hire and maintain top talent.
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While the COVID-19 pandemic can partly be blamed for the dental staffing shortages in recent years, it’s not entirely responsible for up to a third of all U.S. practices actively recruiting. Economic and educational challenges, regulatory changes, and burnout have also contributed to widespread staff shortages in dentistry. This issue can wreak havoc on a dental practice, decreasing productivity, increasing appointment wait times, hurting office morale, and even leading to patient dissatisfaction.
Understanding obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them. By taking a positive, proactive approach to recruiting and hiring, you can keep your team strong and your patients happy.
RAMP has compiled the streamlined list below as a quick reference for understanding the main points of the hiring process.
1. Craft a Clear Job Description
It’s important to provide clear job requirements and relevant details for any position you’re filling. Document exactly what skills, certifications, and experience you need for each role – from dental assistants to hygienists to front office staff. Include technical skills, communication strength, and teamwork abilities.
2. Make a Great First Impression
The hiring process is a two-way street. Your practice should make a good impression in person and online to attract quality candidates. An outdated website, a dreary waiting room, or negative reviews won’t inspire confidence in potential employees or patients.
3. Feature Careers Front and Center
Add a careers page to your website's menu. This step makes it easy for candidates to find openings and lets you highlight your team and workplace culture. Include staff testimonials and ensure the application process is simple and user-friendly.
4. Leverage the Right Tools
Use dental-specific job boards, professional networks, and local dental school connections to source talent. State dental associations, industry staffing websites, and hiring apps can help streamline candidate searches and vetting processes.
5. Verify Credentials and References
Confirm licenses, certifications, and insurance requirements with your State Board of Dental Examiners to ensure candidates are in good standing. Due diligence also includes contacting past employers for references to gain insight into their work history and character.
6. Seek More Than Qualifications
Modern dental practices rely heavily on practice management software, digital imaging, and other technologies. Ensure candidates are comfortable with your systems and equipment or can learn quickly. Strong patient communication is also crucial in dentistry. During interviews, assess their ability to explain procedures, show empathy, and handle difficult conversations.
7. Assess For a Good Fit
Technical skills and compatibility with your practice's culture are important. Arrange for candidates to meet your team or interview with department leaders to gauge how well they'll fit into your existing environment.
8. Offer Competitive Compensation
Research market rates for dental positions in your area. Including benefits like continuing education support, flexible scheduling, or performance bonuses may further attract top talent. Be transparent about compensation during the hiring process.
9. Streamline Onboarding
Create a structured orientation program covering clinical protocols, office procedures, technology systems, and practice policies for a smoother and more successful onboarding process. Assign mentors to new hires and schedule regular check-ins during their first few months.
10. Build a Talent Pipeline
Don’t wait until positions are vacant to start recruiting. Maintain relationships with dental schools, attend industry events, and keep a database of promising candidates. Consider implementing internships or job shadowing and offer referral incentives to current team members.
It's no surprise that a strong, cohesive staff will contribute significantly to a successful dental practice. Once that's in place, RAMP can help showcase your team and services to attract more high-quality patients. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary strategy session!
