As we navigate through the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, it’s essential to take note of the positive developments around us. One such significant development is the release of the 2023 salary survey by Dental Post. My friend and colleague, Tonya Lathier, and her team at Dental Post have put in a lot of effort to collect extensive data about current dental salaries, making this survey an essential resource for dental professionals.
Despite the staffing challenges that dental practices around the globe are facing, the pandemic has shed light on other critical issues, such as inefficiency in workflow, poor company cultures (especially prevalent in private practices), inadequate onboarding training, poor online social skills, poor budgeting, and poor recruiting skills. However, if dental practices can fully embrace technology and implement efficient training, many would have come out of the pandemic differently and even thrived. We must be willing to embrace new ideas and blend them with our existing values!
The dental industry is currently facing a shortage of team members, but there is an overabundance of doctors. Unfortunately, many areas will never receive dental care because doctors are unwilling to live in areas where there is a need nor take the time to train. We understand that the abundance of debt a dentist enters the dental field with us a huge factor in where they choose to practice. (This is primarily due to dental insurance reimbursement. While this is a topic for another day)
What is Retention?
Retention is a crucial aspect of running a dental practice. It refers to the ability of a company to retain its employees. Hiring and training employees can be time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it’s essential to create an environment that encourages employees to stay, grow with the company and care for your patients with the highest standards of care.
Building a Positive Company Culture
Creating a positive company culture is the first step towards achieving retention. It involves instilling a sense of community, providing open communication channels, and encouraging teamwork. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to remain loyal to their employer.
In addition to retention, it’s also important to focus on recruitment in 2023. Effective recruitment involves embracing technology, developing efficient training programs, and adopting better business practices. These measures will help to attract top talent to your dental practice and set it apart from others in the industry.
Final Thoughts
The release of the 2023 Dental Post Salary Survey is a significant development in the dental industry. However, as we move forward, it’s important to remember that there are many challenges that we need to overcome. Embracing technology, creating positive company cultures, and developing efficient training programs are essential steps towards achieving success and recruiting new people into their field. By focusing on retention and recruitment, we can build a stronger and more resilient dental industry.
