In the dental industry, your practice’s success depends on more than just your dental skills – it’s also about having an amazing team! Attracting and holding onto top talent is key to providing exceptional patient care, building a positive work culture, and ensuring long-term growth and success for your practice.
By bringing together a team of talented people who share your passion for dentistry and support your practice’s values, you create a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation, excellence, and a commitment to the well-being of your patients.Â
When you have the right team, you can confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of dentistry and provide the quality of care that your patients deserve.
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4 ways to attract top talent for your dental practiceÂ
Try using these four strategies to appeal to top job candidates.
Build a strong employer brand
Your practice’s reputation isn’t just important to patients; it’s crucial for potential employees, too. A study by LinkedIn found that more than 75% of job seekers consider an employer’s brand before even applying for a job.Â
Develop an employer brand that showcases your dedication to employee growth, work-life balance, and fostering a positive work environment. You can also leverage your website and social media platforms to showcase your team’s accomplishments and gather testimonials from your employees. By doing so, you will attract professionals who share your values.
Offer competitive compensation and benefits
To attract the best, you need to offer the best! This doesn’t just mean competitive salaries but also comprehensive benefits packages that could include health insurance, retirement plans, continuing education allowances, and opportunities for profit sharing. A survey by Glassdoor revealed that about 60% of people report that benefits and perks are a major factor in considering whether to accept a job offer. Remember, non-monetary benefits like flexible scheduling can also be highly attractive.
Utilize industry-specific job boards
While general job boards can yield a wide audience, industry-specific job boards for dental professionals can help you target your search more effectively. Sites like the American Dental Association’s job board can connect you with professionals actively seeking opportunities in the dental field.
Focus on professional development opportunities
High-caliber candidates often look for roles that offer growth and learning opportunities. Highlight how your practice supports professional development, such as funding for continuing education, attending conferences, or clear pathways for career advancement within your organization.
👉 Learn more: Read our complete guide to getting the new patients you need to keep your top talent busy.
Try these 6 strategies to keep your current hygienists, associates, and front desk team happyÂ
Hiring great people isn’t enough unless you can keep them around too. Here are some strategies to help you do it.
Implement a structured onboarding process
A well-structured onboarding process helps new hires feel welcomed and valued from day one. According to the Brandon Hall Group, organizations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. For dental practices, this means providing detailed introductions to the team, thorough training on practice procedures, and clear communication of job expectations.
Foster a positive work environment
Retention starts with a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and respected. According to a survey by Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is important to business success. Regular team-building activities, an open-door policy for feedback and suggestions, and recognizing individual and team achievements can all contribute to a more satisfied and loyal workforce.
Provide clear career pathways
Employees are more likely to stay with your practice if they see a future there. Outline clear career progression opportunities and support their journey with mentorship programs, leadership training, and regular performance evaluations that offer constructive feedback and set personalized goals.
Encourage work-life balance
Dental professionals often face burnout due to the demanding nature of their work. Encourage a healthy work-life balance through flexible scheduling, part-time positions, or offering time off for personal matters. This not only helps retain employees but also attracts talent who value such flexibility.
Invest in technology and tools
Investing in the latest dental technology and tools not only improves patient care but also makes the work environment more appealing for top talent. Professionals prefer to work in practices that stay at the forefront of dental advancements, as it allows them to hone their skills on cutting-edge equipment and procedures.
Create a feedback culture
Establish a culture where feedback is regularly sought and valued, both from employees and patients. This shows that you are committed to improvement and value the opinions of your team. Regular check-ins and surveys can help gather insights and make necessary adjustments to policies or practices.
👉 Learn more: Want more full-arch or implant patients? Read our guide to hiring a great treatment coordinator to close those cases.
Get help achieving your dental practice’s growth goals
Attracting and retaining top talent in your dental practice requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on competitive compensation, professional development, and a positive workplace culture. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your practice not only attracts but also retains the skilled professionals necessary to thrive in the competitive dental industry.Â
While we know this sounds like a lot, you don’t have to do it alone! At SMC, we are more than a marketing company. We are a growth partner, and part of our job is to support your operational initiatives and ensure your business is set up to GROW!Â
If you’re ready to grow your practice, start with a consultation and get a free marketing plan from our team. We’re ready when you are!
