Maintaining a happy and productive staff has become a major challenge for dental practice owners. According to the ADA’s Health Policy Institute, in 2023 more than half of practicing dentists indicated that they would like to add staff to their office and over 90% found this to be extremely difficult. After the COVID pandemic, many dental assistants and hygienists chose not to return to the dental workforce. Additionally, the ADA’s Health Policy Institute found that over one third of existing dental assistants and hygienists are planning on retiring in the next five years. Data also shows that this problem is not restricted to one area of the country, but is truly widespread throughout the United States.
Dentists are needing to get somewhat more creative in attracting new office members and needing to dedicate more time and energy into maintaining a happy team.
In order to combat this problem, dentists are needing to get somewhat more creative in attracting new office members and needing to dedicate more time and energy into maintaining a happy team. In order to attract new staff, some dentists are raising pay rates, adding in health care benefits, paid time off, sick leave, or offering signing bonuses. These new benefits have a significant impact on the bottom line of practices, however having a fully staffed office allows for the most patients to be seen at once. Maximizing the number of patients seen is crucial to improving the overall monetary success of the office. Therefore, a critical cost benefit analysis needs to be conducted to determine which benefits may be offered to potential new staff members while still allowing for a profitable business.
By being a part of Dental CoNexus, you have the ability to discuss common problems such as staffing shortages and brainstorm with other dentists about possible solutions for staffing challenges.
Contact us today to join the Dental CoNexus circle.
