The data doesn\u2019t lie! So, let\u2019s get the initial dose of it out of the way and address the dental hygienist shortage. Then we\u2019ll let reality point you in the direction of what dentists can do to attract talent.<\/p>\n
It would appear out-of-touch to not place the general malaise across dentistry on the shoulders of 2020\u2019s COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, hygiene departments across the U.S. are facing a shortage of registered dental hygienists.<\/p>\n
Following are a few statistical realities to put this whole shortage deal in perspective.<\/p>\n
First, it\u2019s not merely \u201cnew-news.\u201d Today\u2019s RDH<\/a> reports on the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics information going back to 2019.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026as of 2019,\u2026there are 226,400 dental hygiene jobs in the U.S., with a projected increase in demand of 13,300 by 2029.\u201d [1]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n Now, about the pandemic\u2019s impact\u2026<\/p>\n Today\u2019s RDH reveals that,<\/p>\n \u201dThe pandemic has reduced the number of hygienists who are willing to seek employment. Since the onset of the pandemic, numerous surveys conducted through the Health Policy Institute (HPI) have analyzed the impact that COVID-19 has had on dentists and dental practices (a few have focused on the specific impact on dental hygienists).\u201d [2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n The HPI survey drills-down a bit deeper. Here\u2019s the scoop as covered by Today\u2019s RDH:<\/p>\n \u201dThe HPI survey points to a voluntary reduction according to 59.1% of hygienists. Today\u2019s RDH posted results of their COVID-19 survey revealing that 9% of hygienists left the field for the following reasons:<\/p>\n The data states the facts clearly: COVID-19 revealed what have perhaps been some weaknesses in practice cultures. Whether yours has experienced them or not, it\u2019s a good time to do some evaluation and take a broad look at how you can attract the right talent to your dental practice or dental organization.<\/p>\n Your dental practice leaves clues about what it\u2019s like to work there. If you\u2019re giving the impression that times are tough – and your practice appears that way – guess what?<\/p>\n Putting your best foot forward isn\u2019t about \u201csmoke-and-mirrors.\u201d But it IS about being realistic and building a culture around integrity and\u2026trust!<\/p>\n Team pay and package benefits can drift into the mundane. Attracting quality team members requires hitting \u201crefresh\u201d on your compensation and employee benefits.<\/p>\n Evaluate every aspect of \u201cworking for you.\u201d From pay to role descriptions to performance reviews to schedule flexibility to workplace perks to adequate and updated equipment to communication.<\/p>\n If you want the best to inquire you\u2019ll need to up-your-game around the benefits of them investing their training and skills with you and your team.<\/p>\n Some interviewing and hiring protocols are dated. Others are awkward and leave candidates feeling uninformed.<\/p>\n If they feel that way in the interview process how will they feel about being part of the team? It\u2019s vital to create solid footing for them to walk around and get to know you as you get to know them.<\/p>\n Clearly spelling out the expectations and overall experience of being a team member makes the transition much smoother from the outset.<\/p>\n Hiring is a series of very strategic conversations. Each are designed to uncover the best person for the role.<\/p>\n Help your dental hygienists succeed with the following resources:<\/p>\n Set Your Dental Hygienists Up for Success<\/a><\/p>\n The Productive Power of a Synchronized Dental Back-Office Workflow<\/a><\/p>\n Building a Resilient Practice: How You Can Prevent Burnout for Dental Office Employees<\/a><\/p>\n Planet DDS has experience with the ins-and-outs of how to run a successful dental office. Our dental practice management software<\/a>, Denticon, provides a streamlined system for the success strategies we just shared.<\/p>\n Denticon is the proven cloud-based Dental Practice Management Software<\/a> in today\u2019s market among solo private practices, private group practices, and top DSOs.<\/p>\n Contact us for more information<\/a> about how Denticon can streamline your workflow systems and operational tasks that can help you (and your dental hygienists) stay productive and successful.<\/p>\n [1]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/sup>Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dental Hygienists. (2021, February 18). S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/dental-hygienists.htm<\/p>\n [2]<\/sup><\/a> https:\/\/www.todaysrdh.com\/dentistrys-job-market-hey-doctor-where-did-all-the-hygienists-go\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Now that you know at least a portion of the problem\u2026let\u2019s focus on attracting talent<\/h2>\n
Start with \u201cYou\u201d and \u201cYour\u201d practice<\/h3>\n
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Stoke your benefits<\/h3>\n
Shore-up your hiring process<\/h3>\n
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Attracting talent (like dental hygienists) is supported by attractive resources that help drive your practice success<\/h2>\n