Due to their difficulty retaining workers, dental offices have been just as vulnerable to workforce shortages as other businesses, if not more so. In a study conducted by DentalPost in 2022 of more than 13,000 US professionals, it was discovered that 14% of dental hygienists, 27.5% of dental assistants, and 29% of employed dentists want to look for new employment over the next 12 months. 

The poll also reveals that dental front office team members are most at risk for team turnover in the upcoming year. According to the report, if administrative team members locate better-paying jobs, turnover could reach 30%. Many of these job seekers could transition to positions outside the dentistry sector since they have administrative expertise.

Dental leaders at dental offices should comprehend the total cost involved in replacing an office employee. Hiring and training new hires will cost the practice money. According to Heather Boushey and Sarah Jane Glynn of the American Center for Progress, turnover costs 16 percent of an employee’s yearly income for jobs paying less than $30,000 a year. Other findings from the American Dental Association survey performed in 2021 revealed that personnel shortages are the most common barrier to offices wanting to treat more patients.

Managing temporary and flexible dental temps is essential for successful dental practices everywhere. Dental leaders and team members must manage their work-life balance and adopt new clinical processes and virtual appointments while at work. In this article, you’ll find out how to effectively use flexible and temporary staffing techniques in your dental office.

Optimize Workflows

Workflow optimization boosts productivity and makes it easier for dental temps to adjust to a new setting. According to Mr. McKeiver, “Aligning your office’s culture with the appropriate technology will enhance staff retention.” Embracing current technology has several advantages, including lessening the workload on your team, optimizing processes, and boosting profitability. Patients and staff alike desire practical improvements to current workflows.

Avoid Your Dental Temps Professional Burnout

According to studies, taking breaks helps preserve performance and lowers stress levels. Although taking breaks to boost productivity may seem paradoxical, the additional mental advantages can aid and foster a sense of worth among employees. The mental and physical strain of dental and medical labor is great. It’s possible to stop losing workers to medical leaves by giving front-line office workers more time each day, significantly lowering their burnout risk.

Communicate With Your Dental Temps

So many dentist offices neglect to provide their workers with thorough procedures and training. Employees are left with many unanswered questions, which may result in a lack of contentment with their job. Communication is essential to keep the dental office working like a well-oiled machine. By establishing thorough and in-depth hiring and onboarding process for their newest employees and by outlining clear expectations and goals for the rest of the business, dental practices may prevent this.

The practice’s latest equipment, best practices, updated procedures, problems, solutions, etc., are all things that employees want to be aware of. If staff meetings are not an option, consider updating personnel through email or messenger. The experience will be better for everyone if you provide them with additional information. Clear communication also offers a comfortable environment for the temporary employee to ask questions as needed.

Invest in Your Temping Staff

According to studies, workplaces that offer training and continued education perks have greater employee retention and satisfaction rates. 41% of employees see career growth possibilities inside a company as being extremely significant to their job happiness. Additionally, training and continuing education opportunities allow your team members to show how much the dental practice values them and is concerned about their future. That type of reciprocity inspires better morale and less turnover. Pick the appropriate courses based on the demands of the profession and the roles your employees want to hold.

  • Provide them with a buddy: It will be easier for them to get to know one another if a permanent dental employee is assigned to work alongside the newly hired temporary employees. The practice will encourage staff members to continue honing their skills at work if it creates an environment that encourages their curiosity. 
  • Provide accommodating training: Ensure the right steps are taken to ensure that new or transitioning employees receive thorough training. This will enable them to fulfill expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and improve the onboarding process for all new health professionals. Making sure that both permanent and temporary employees follow a uniform process for doing this as it will make dental temps feel a sense of belonging and ownership.
  • Set Goals: Give your staff a chance to grow professionally by setting goals for them to achieve. Routines may get boring for some people. By rewarding your personnel for their efforts and providing incentives to advance their talents, you may persuade them to expand with your company.

As staffing in the dental profession remains stagnant, employee retention helps the practice since hiring and training new dental temps is costly and disruptive. A dental practice can maintain consistent, high-quality patient care across its network of dental offices by fusing this personal touch with practical services. 

TempStars has helped thousands of dental offices like yours. They trust and rely on TempStars to find the best candidate to join their team with a full-time support team. We’re here to ensure dental professionals find a suitable workplace for their flexible needs. Sign up today and learn more about our trusted services!