{"id":11099,"date":"2024-06-13T07:47:33","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T14:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?p=11099"},"modified":"2024-08-16T14:00:46","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T21:00:46","slug":"overcoming-dental-staffing-shortages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/overcoming-dental-staffing-shortages\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming Dental Staffing Shortages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the dental industry\u2019s biggest challenges is finding and retaining talented individuals for all positions.\u202f According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/-\/media\/project\/ada-organization\/ada\/ada-org\/files\/resources\/research\/hpi\/nov2023_hpi_economic_outlook_dentistry_slides.pdf?rev=fcbdbe319d6b4c88b4ab04b32a68e5ab&amp;hash=0C50B5D3758A8CB970DF970A45BADAC5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">American Dental Association Health Policy Institute<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, more than a third of dentists said they are actively recruiting hygienists and\/or dental assistants. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many dental practices and dental service organizations (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/dentists-dso-executives-share-technology-must-haves-for-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DSOs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) struggle with staff shortages in other positions. By the year 2032, it is estimated that the United States could be down by more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beckersdental.com\/staffing-issues\/42056-the-us-could-be-short-more-than-36-000-dental-workers-by-2031.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">36,000<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> dental workers, which could heavily impact staff productivity and the patient experience. So why the uptick in dental staffing shortages? <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dental Staffing Shortages: Feeling the Burn <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/burnout\/art-20046642\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> defines job burnout as a type of work-related stress that leads people to feel worn out physically or emotionally. In 2023, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dentistry.co.uk\/2023\/01\/30\/more-than-eight-in-10-in-dentistry-say-they-experience-burnout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">one out of ten dentists<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in the United States admitted to struggling with burnout on the job. Individuals with this level of exhaustion may experience:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Self-doubt in their skills or abilities\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lack of energy\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty focusing\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trouble sleeping\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Less patience with colleagues and patients\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When people feel like they are not important, it creates a poor culture, more burnout, increased turnover, and lower production.\u202f\u201cMany employees feel undervalued, overworked, and underpaid,\u201d said Ian Prendergast, co-founder and CEO of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toothio.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Toothio<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a dental staffing agency that specializes in finding qualified dental professionals. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Creative Solutions to the Dental Staffing Challenges\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During the pandemic, people quickly figured out how to work remotely, but this often did not apply to the dental industry. In fact, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jdh.adha.org\/content\/jdenthyg\/96\/1\/27.full.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">7,500<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> hygienists left the dentistry practice during this time. Dentists are now saying that recruiting hygienists is even more challenging now than pre-pandemic, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jdh.adha.org\/content\/96\/1\/27\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Journal of Dental Hygiene<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And this applies to other dental positions as well. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing a disturbing trend where in the next five years,\u201d said Prendergast. \u201cWe need to get more efficient in how we operate our practices and get creative about how we\u2019re recruiting the staff to support the practices.\u201d\u202f This means finding thoughtful <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/dso-leaders-predict-hiring-and-staffing-trends-for-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">dental staffing solutions<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to support and maintain a full staff, including:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Job sharing\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hiring temp and part-time hygienists and dental assistants\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Implementing technology to reduce manual tasks\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Outsourcing remote work opportunities\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Creating their own dental assisting schools\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWere in the middle of an evolution in the labor force right now,\u201d said Prendergast. \u201cIt\u2019s happening across multiple verticals, not just dental. People are prioritizing a new way to work, a new work-life balance. They want to be able to make money, they want to be able to take vacations with their families, they want to be able to watch their kids, and still engage in the industry that they love.\u201d\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Leveraging Dental Technology and Tools\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A great way to help reduce employee burnout and shortages is by utilizing dental technology and tools that already exist in your dental practice. Using cloud-based systems also enables teams in multiple locations to access patient files and information. This provides the flexibility that helps dental groups overcome staffing challenges.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cStart by doing a workplace assessment to see how teams are using the systems today,\u201d said Jill Nesbitt, founder and CEO of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.optimizedent.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Optimize Dental Consulting<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a company that optimizes technology for dental group practices.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cThey may not even realize there are built-in tools that will save them time and make them more efficient,\u201d said Nesbitt. \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Denticon<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, in particular, has a really strong functionality that can help streamline online scheduling, collections, insurance claim processing, and posting payments.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Developing Efficient Dental Processes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With effective dental technology in place, dental groups and practices should next identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and processes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Discuss with the team what will have the greatest impact.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Determine the key metrics you will measure to evaluate success.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Update documents and standard operating procedures (SOPs).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Establish a deadline for full adoption of the updated SOPs.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conduct ongoing team training.\u202f<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Track key metrics and report on success.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another way to leverage technology is to train new team members.\u202f <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some dental groups have even created their own dental assisting schools to attract new people and will pay them during the training process.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Enhancing the Dental Patient Experience\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Having modern technology can help attract high-quality talent and streamline tasks to save time and energy. But why else should you invest in innovative technology? Your\u202fdental patients expect you to have it<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and your team will love you for it.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From online scheduling to electronic appointment reminders to automated text-to-pay messages, your patients prioritize convenience and time-saving tools that let them manage their healthcare appointments and bills efficiently.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition, online scheduling has proven particularly useful, with target millennials and zoomers preferring online booking (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/info.pressganey.com\/press-ganey-blog-healthcare-experience-insights\/millennials-and-zoomers-vs-boomers-how-different-generations-seek-out-and-choose-healthcare-providers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">73%<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) to phone calls, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a significant way that saves valuable time for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWe want to make your job easier,\u201d said Nesbitt. \u201cWe want you to enjoy what you are doing and feel like how you spend your time is meaningful and efficient. We have invested in tools and technology that can do a lot of the work we used to do manually and want to make sure we\u2019re using it to free up your time to focus on patients as much as possible.\u201d\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dental Staffing the Right Way<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhen we have great team members aligned with the vision, who live our core values, who have clear expectations and see a path for growth within our organization, they are going to be happier, they are going to be more productive, and they are going to refer their friends to come work for you,\u201d\u202fsaid Josalyn Sewell, founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/joyfull-people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">joyFULL People<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a registered dental hygienist (RDH) culture and confidence coach.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sewell specializes in setting up systems that create cohesive teams and well-run workplaces, where people want to join and want to stay.\u202f She speaks about the core values that are essential guiding principles to hiring the right person:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heart:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Excited to have the position\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Head:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Right knowledge base\u202f<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hands:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Right skills for the job\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, if the core value is being growth-oriented, you may want to ask a potential candidate: \u201cTell me about a time when you took on a responsibility that helped you grow professionally.\u201d \u202fIt\u2019s also important to use the first ninety days to confirm the person is the right fit for your company.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Retaining Your Dental Team<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In a competitive job market, how do you keep your talented team members? A successful method is to replace your traditional annual reviews with a shorter feedback cycle. This process may include:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interview\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Onboard<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Train<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Engage\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monthly feedback\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Quarterly reviews\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Several dental practices and groups have started \u201cstay\u201d interviews in addition to exit interviews, a method of checking in and keeping your dental team happy, the perfect way to unlock their potential and energy<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014and keep them there for the long haul.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For more tips, read the full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/overcoming-staff-shortages-ebook\/?utm_campaign=WC-2024-06-PDDS-overcoming-staffing-shortages&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_source=organic-web&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_cta=cta&amp;utm_content=pdds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Overcoming Staffing Shortages e-book<\/strong><\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or check out our <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/webinars\/overcoming-staffing-shortages-in-dental-implementing-the-right-processes-technologies-and-solutions\/?utm_campaign=WC-2024-06-PDDS-overcoming-staffing-shortages&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_source=organic-web&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_cta=cta&amp;utm_content=pdds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on-demand webinar<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> about implementing the right processes, technologies, and solutions to alleviate these shortages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the dental industry\u2019s biggest challenges is finding and retaining talented individuals for all positions.\u202f According to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, more than a third of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12167,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[379,1416,307,146,1417,138],"tags":[27,467,42,687,1387,1388,109,13,14,43,198,136],"class_list":["post-11099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-denticon","category-growth","category-patients","category-practice-management","category-technology","category-trends","tag-dental-practice","tag-dental-practice-management-software","tag-dental-practices","tag-dental-service-organization","tag-dental-staff","tag-dental-staffing","tag-dentist","tag-dentistry","tag-dentists","tag-dso","tag-staff","tag-staffing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11099"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11099\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}