“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23
In today’s hiring climate, dental practice owners and managers are asking the same question: Where did all the good employees go?
At Bryant Consultants, we believe the better question is: How can we grow good employees again?
The answer may not be in a new job board or higher pay rate — but in an old-school, heart-driven model that used to shape communities: high school co-op programs.
The Co-Op Comeback: A Memory Worth Reviving
Do you remember when high school seniors would spend half their day in class and the other half at a local business? They’d show up in scrubs, eager to answer phones, sterilize instruments, or just soak in the atmosphere of a real-world dental practice.
It wasn’t just a job. It was a launchpad.
Back then, practices weren’t just hiring — they were investing. And those seeds often grew into loyal, skilled, and culture-aligned team members.
Let’s bring that back — with a modern twist.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time for Co-Ops in Dentistry
In a world where team member retention is a constant struggle, co-op programs offer a win-win solution:
- Students gain hands-on experience and confidence in a professional setting.
- Practices gain early access to future team members who are already trained in your systems.
- Communities are strengthened by businesses that invest in local youth.
By creating space for students to learn and grow within your practice, you’re doing more than filling a role — you’re building legacy.
How to Start a Dental Co-Op Program at Your Practice
Ready to plant the seeds? Here’s how to get started:
Connect with Local High Schools
Reach out to the Career & Technical Education (CTE) coordinator or guidance office at your local high school. Let them know you’re interested in partnering for a co-op placement — especially for students in health science or business tracks.
Tip: Emphasize that you’re a healthcare provider willing to mentor students and equip them with professional, transferable skills.
Write a Clear Job Description
Outline what the student will do and what they’ll learn. Include:
- Expected hours (usually 10–15/week)
- Primary tasks (e.g., sterilization, scanning, shadowing)
- Skills gained (OSHA, CPR, communication, scheduling)
- Any certifications or training provide
Review Legal & Insurance Requirements
Most schools carry insurance for student workers, but confirm this with both the school and your malpractice carrier. You may also need a parental release or non-disclosure agreement for confidentiality.
Appoint a Team Mentor
Choose someone patient and enthusiastic to mentor the student. This not only empowers your team but helps the student feel seen, supported, and valued.
Treat Them Like a True Hire
Give them an orientation, introduce them to the team, provide name badges or scrubs, and walk them through your mission and values. When students feel like part of the team, they rise to the expectation.
Benefits of Training from the Ground Up
One of the greatest values of a co-op program is the ability to develop an employee your way — without unlearning habits from other offices or battling misaligned values.
With co-op students, you gain:
- Teachable attitudes
- Early loyalty
- Customized training in your technology and systems
- An internal leadership pipeline
They learn from you, which means they grow to reflect your standards, excellence, and culture.
What Roles Are Best for Co-Op Students?
Don’t limit your thinking! Today’s high school students are digital natives with fresh eyes and fast learning curves. Here are just a few roles that co-op students are perfectly suited to fill — and grow into:
Sterilization Technician
Great for detail-oriented students interested in structure and safety.
- Learn sterilization processes
- Prep operatories between patients
- Stock supplies and manage flow
Administrative Assistant
Ideal for students with strong communication skills or an interest in business and marketing.
- Answer phones and greet patients
- Assist with appointment confirmations
- Help with social media or marketing tasks
Dental Assistant
For students considering a career in clinical care.
- Shadow during procedures
- Help with room setup and breakdown
- Assist with impressions or digital scans (with training)
In-House Lab Technician
This is where innovation meets opportunity.
- Train in intraoral scanning (Trios, PrimeScan, iTero)
- Learn Exocad, 3Shape, or other CAD software
- Assist with 3D printing workflows
- Design digital wax-ups or night guards
With a few years of mentorship, you can grow your own custom lab tech — fully aligned with your clinical vision and in-house efficiency.
Real-Life Success Story
One of our Bryant Consultants client practices launched a co-op program 2 years ago. They brought in a senior named Carolyn, who started by sterilizing instruments.
Fast forward to today: Carolyn is now a full-time registered dental assistant and managing the office’s in-house 3D printing workflow. She’s also mentoring their newest co-op student.
She wasn’t hired. She was grown.
Bonus Benefit: Staff Morale & Leadership Growth
Having a co-op student isn’t just good for the student — it’s uplifting for your team. Mentoring reminds seasoned team members of their purpose. It brings fresh energy to the office. And it builds a healthy leadership mindset within your practice culture.
You’ll watch your team come alive when they’re asked to invest in someone else’s future.
Let Bryant Consultants Help You Build Your Dream Team
You don’t have to wait around for the right resumes anymore.
At Bryant Consultants, we specialize in helping dental practices think outside the box when it comes to hiring, training, and building cohesive teams. We’ll help you design a custom co-op program, develop job roles, train mentors, and map out an onboarding pathway — all tailored to your practice culture and goals.
Whether you’re a solo doc looking to grow your first assistant or a multi-location practice ready to build an in-house lab team, we’re here to help you dream, plan, and grow good people again.
Ready to Bring Co-Ops Back?
We’re cheering for you — and we’re ready to help.
Contact Bryant Consultants today for your Creative Employment Strategy Session.
Let’s design your ideal co-op program, build your future dream team, and invest in the next generation of dental professionals — right from your hometown.
Visit www.bryantconsultants.com
Or email info@bryantconsultants.com
Or call (877) 768-4799 to speak with a consultant today.
Together, we can grow something beautiful.
Hollie Bryant-Foust
CEO & Founder
