How can I find dental office staff members?

Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of dental staffing issues? Fear not! With a little creativity and a lot of determination, you can build a team that will knock your patients’ socks off. Here are some dental staffing solutions to help you get started.

Create a master plan

You can’t fix dental staffing issues without a plan. So, grab a coffee (or whatever beverage tickles your fancy) and start outlining the roles you need to fill.

How many staff should a dental office have?

Generally, dental office staff will vary based on the size of the practice. Below are some guidelines.

For start-up practices, 1-2 staff members is sufficient. If you plan on working with insurance companies, you will need someone who is an expert at filing claims and appeals. Outsourcing through a dental billing platform such as eAssist is the easiest way to find a dental billing specialist. You should also have a receptionist who can handle appointments and answer phone calls. Additionally, you may want to consider hiring a dental assistant who can assist you with procedures and help with

office tasks.

Small practices will likely need 4-5 dental office staff members. You will need to hire additional dental assistants and receptionists. At this stage, outsourcing your dental insurance billing functions can be a huge help due to the increased patient load. You’ll also want to consider hiring an office manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office.

For medium practices, 6-10 staff members should do the trick. In addition to a dedicated office manager, you will need two dentists, multiple assistants, and multiple receptionists. If you don’t have a dental billing team in place, you should outsource with a respectable platform.

Large practices will need a team of 10+ staff members. An office manager is a must. Additionally, you will need multiple dentists, dental assistants, and receptionists. An outsourced dental billing team can ensure the financial side of the practice is taken care of, so the in-office team can focus on patients. To really bring your practice to the next level, you should also consider hiring a marketing coordinator, IT specialist, and HR manager.

Craft the job description

Once you’ve outlined the roles you need to fill, it’s time to get specific. Create a list of everything that needs to get done in your practice. Use this list to craft job descriptions that detail the specific skills and experience you’re looking for in each role.

Post the job offer

Where to post dental jobs?

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start recruiting. 

Hit up job recruitment sites like Indeed and DentalPost, but don’t stop there. Get your social media channels in on the action by posting job listings on your personal and professional accounts. LinkedIn and dental-focused Facebook Groups are especially good for posting about dental jobs. Encourage your friends and followers to share any social media posts with their networks. You never know who might be the perfect fit for your team!

Think outside of the box and be open to non-traditional “recruiting” methods. If your list of needs includes things like posting EOBs, filing claims, and appealing denials, then you could use a dental billing outsourcing service. Often, you can actually increase your profit margin by outsourcing tasks such as dental billing and insurance verification. This is due to the high impact on revenue these services have.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth! Tell your friends, family members, and colleagues that you are looking to hire someone and ask if they know anybody who might be a good fit for your practice. Additionally, your current team members can also be a great resource for referrals.

Start the interview process

Once you’ve found some potential candidates, it’s time to get to know them better. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, so be sure to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 

What to know when interviewing dental staff?

When interviewing candidates, it’s important to remember that cultural fit and personality matter more than experience. Dental assistants and receptionists can be taught everything they need to know. Personality, however, is harder to teach. Look for candidates who have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

In addition to traditional interview questions, you should ask behavioral questions that can help you assess a candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. For example, you could ask a candidate to describe a time when they had to deal with a difficult patient and how they handled the situation. Or (if they haven’t worked in a dental office before) you could ask them hypothetically how they would handle the situation.

In conclusion

Finding the right staff for your dental office doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and a lot of determination, you can build a team that will make your practice shine. Remember to create job descriptions that outline specific responsibilities, use a variety of resources to find candidates, and prioritize cultural fit and personality when interviewing potential employees. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to solving your dental staffing issues and creating a successful practice.

Want more? Check out our post “Overcoming the dental staffing crisis.”