Getting the right people on board is one of the top challenges for dental practice owners. Using careful interview processes and waiting to hire until you find a candidate that reflects your practice’s core values makes the job much easier.
When sourcing talent, shift your focus from searching job-listing sites to seeking candidates that are personable, friendly, and aligned with the values of your practice.
Reputation
The ability to attract great candidates largely depends on the reputation of your dental practice. When hiring dental professionals, having a stellar reputation will raise your business’s profile in the field and make it simpler to locate fantastic prospects.
A dentist’s strong work ethic and desire to learn new skills are essential. It is crucial, as dentistry is a constantly evolving profession. Successful practitioners will embrace opportunities to improve their practice by attending professional development courses, networking events, and conferences.
Many people are scared to visit the dentist, so you want a team member who can connect with them and put them at ease. Good interpersonal communication skills will help your patients feel comfortable during their appointments and will ensure that they return to you in the future.
Dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front desk employees will be in close contact with patients daily. They must be comfortable with this and have a pleasant demeanor that will make patients smile.
Experience
Dental professionals must often have extensive experience, especially in their specific areas of expertise. It is one of the primary things seasoned dental professionals suggest you look for when hiring. When interviewing candidates, ask them about their previous experiences and how long they’ve been in the industry. It will help narrow your list of qualified professionals and ensure you hire the right one for your practice.
Another vital quality to look for in a dental professional is their ability to empathize with patients. Many people are nervous or afraid about visiting the dentist, and your dental team needs to be able to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable during their appointments and treatments.
It’s also crucial that dental professionals have strong attention to detail. They work in a small space and must avoid making mistakes when performing procedures or handling patient information. One way to evaluate this is by asking them about past projects and observing their work habits in the workplace.
Communication Skills
Strong interpersonal and soft skills are just as crucial for dentists and other dental professionals as clinical expertise. These skills help to improve patient care and foster a positive work environment. In addition to communication skills, empathy, time management, adaptability, and problem-solving are other critical soft skills for dental employees.
Empathy is the innate capability to comprehend and relate to the emotions of another individual. For dental workers, this can be particularly crucial for patients who are anxious or fearful during their appointments. Empathy helps ease this discomfort and make patients feel comfortable throughout their visit.
Dental assistants must be able to communicate with patients and provide them with information about their health, status, or treatments. They need to listen carefully and convey summaries of what they hear efficiently so that the dentist can make quick decisions about treatment options. Moreover, they must be able to read non-verbal cues from their clients, like body language, which can indicate disinterest or fear. It requires excellent listening abilities and the capacity to improvise when necessary.
Flexibility
Dental professionals must be flexible to deal with unexpected events that arise in the office. They also need flexibility to learn new skills and treatments that might benefit patients.
Many dental practices look for potential employees by posting jobs on general job boards. However, a more efficient way to find the right fit is by searching for candidates on sites dedicated to the dental industry. Some of these sites allow you to conduct a working interview with potential candidates so you can assess their abilities before making a hiring decision.
Another effective way to find the right candidate is by asking your current team members for referrals. Some DSOs report that half of their associate hires come from existing staff recommendations. You can also use social media to post jobs in groups to reach a wider audience of potential employees.
Teamwork
When a dental team works well together, everyone has a positive experience. This quality relates to the cohesiveness of a group and how they work together towards common goals. Teamwork includes the ability to communicate effectively, be supportive and respect the contributions of others.
For example, dentists must be able to comfort patients afraid or anxious about their appointments. It requires a calm demeanor that puts them at ease and allows them to perform procedures effectively.
Strong attention to detail is also essential for a dental professional. They must be able to notice errors in paperwork or a missing piece of information that could impact a patient’s treatment plan. They must also be able to complete the required tasks on time and efficiently, as they have a tight schedule of appointments with each patient.
A great way to find quality candidates for a dental position is through internships and externships, which are a fantastic training ground for future dental professionals. It is a great way to nurture talent and ensure they work with a practice that shares their values and ethics. Read more interesting articles on ebeak
