Dental Hiring Solutions: There’s an App for That!

Print & Go GuidanceBy Paige Anderson, CRDH

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), staffing shortages have left practices at a 10% reduced capacity or worse.

Everyone on a dental team is essential to keeping your practice running as smoothly as possible, and every gap in your team means longer waits for appointments, less production, and more chances for patients to go without essential care. It also means less potential to grow your patient pool and your practice.

So, what can dental practices do to keep running at full capacity and ensure your business thrives?

Just like most modern problems, there’s an app for that! Today’s advanced technology might offer an answer to dental staffing challenges.

How Has the Labor Shortage Affected Dentistry?

Staffing shortages aren’t unique to dentistry and are not a new phenomenon. But in the past several years, it’s become a critical problem, putting serious pressure on dental practices to maintain adequate quality of care for their patients.

How Do Staffing Shortages Affect Your Patients?

If you’ve ever walked into a short-staffed restaurant, you know the frustration of long wait times and unpleasant mistakes that can happen as a result.

But when a dental practice is short-staffed, those mistakes can be painful, expensive, and even compromise your patients’ long-term health.

A short-staffed dental practice means longer wait times, from consultations and routine cleanings to restorative treatments. In these situations, many patients fall through the cracks completely without getting the care they need.

Are Some Areas Getting Hit Worse Than Others?

There is plenty of data available about which states need more dentists. Unfortunately, there isn’t as much information available about where hygienists, assistants, and dental administrative staff are in the highest demand.

One thing is clear: where access to dental care is most needed, you’ll likely have a more difficult time finding staff to support your practice.

For example, you probably won’t find as many hygienists willing to commute to a rural practice as you would in a busy metropolitan area. On the other hand, states like Florida need dentists but appear to have less of a shortfall of support staff than other states.

Why Has the Staffing Shortage Gotten Worse for Dentistry?

It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what’s caused the problem to become so extreme in recent years, but it appears to be several factors working at once.

COVID very likely played a role in pushing some clinicians away from their careers for a variety of reasons.

Many people have also been experiencing extreme economic challenges since the pandemic. While it may seem like a no-brainer to pursue such an in-demand career as dental support staff, many people don’t have the time or money to invest in the education and training needed before they can start working in a dental practice.

Burnout is likely another significant reason for the shortage. Of course, the more understaffed dental practices are, the worse the risk of burnout for everyone in the office. Building a reputation as an enjoyable practice to work for might be a key strategy in keeping your team roster full.

Then there’s the issue of finding temporary help when a team member calls out sick. You might often only have a few hours to find a substitute or start canceling appointments.

Regardless of why this drought is happening, dentists need actionable strategies to help them solve the problem.

Are Dental Staffing Apps the Solution?

Overcoming dental staffing problems comes with more challenges than just finding enough applicants.

You need to vet the applicants, check their valid licenses and training, arrange interviews, get their W-2 paperwork sorted out, add them to your payroll software, and so on.

Many practices turn to dental staffing agencies to help them navigate these challenges, but they can be expensive. They also frequently come with contracts and restrictions that make them difficult to navigate for your practice and the talent you’re trying to attract.

The alternative? Dental staffing apps might be just what you’re looking for!

Staffing Apps, Specialized

Staffing apps have been around for years. General use apps like TempMe offer an excellent solution to issues like finding a substitute hygienist on short notice.

However, dental hiring has some specific challenges that need specialized solutions.

Hiring apps focused on the needs of dental offices have hit the market and made things a lot easier for dentists and hiring managers at dental practices. One such app made a splash, even earning an endorsement from the ADA. Stynt helps dentists manage everything from hiring to payroll, paid time off, and employee health benefits.

It’s not the only great option for dental staffing apps, though.

Most of these apps have a few advantages in common compared to staffing agencies or general-purpose hiring apps. Kwikly, Cloud, Quicdent, and DentalPost are other examples.

What to Look for in a Dental Staffing App

If you’re considering trying a dental staffing app, here are a few things you should consider:

1. Does the app vet candidates? Look for an app that will provide license and certification verification and background checks. You’ll still need due diligence, but this feature can handle much of the initial leg work.
2. Does the app include reviews? Many platforms provide opportunities to review employees, as well as for employees to review practices. This can give you great insight whether you’re hiring or looking for a job.
3. Does the app give hiring options on a temporary and permanent basis? Some apps are just for temping, and others cater more to long-term team members. Try to understand what people on the app are looking for.
4. Will you be able to negotiate pricing through the platform? Some apps include a way to negotiate an hourly rate in advance. This can be incredibly helpful in expediting the process if you’re looking for a substitute on short notice.

While dental hiring apps can make the process of finding quality help faster and easier, you’ll still need to be sure your hiring process is compliant with laws and regulations in your area, of course.

The likelihood is that this dental staffing shortage will end eventually, and the number of great candidates out there will start to climb back to normal levels. In the meantime, turning to technology might be a great way to minimize stress and keep your practice firing on all cylinders.

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Author: Paige Anderson is a certified registered dental hygienist with eight years of clinical experience and an English degree. She blends her two areas of expertise to create resources for dental providers so they can change lives by giving their patients the highest possible standard of care.