Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Dental Staff

List Qualities You're Seeking

It's essential to hire based on attitude, initiative, and character—traits that can't be taught on the job. Most issues in dental practices stem from hiring individuals who aren't a good fit for the team or struggle to connect with patients and coworkers. Performance-related issues can often be addressed with proper training, but fundamental mismatches in values or personality cannot.

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To avoid these mistakes, make a list of qualities you seek in your ideal dental employee. Look for candidates who match the environment and culture you've created in your practice. A great hire should be eager to learn and adaptable, balancing fresh perspectives with expertise.

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Craft a Detailed Job Description

Ensure your job descriptions are specific and detailed. Include information such as:

• Daily duties

• Required experience and qualifications

• Practice location

• Salary range

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Providing a clear and comprehensive job description helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations from the start.

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Differentiate Between Experience and Proficiency

Experience doesn't always equate to proficiency. Sometimes, excellent candidates might not meet the years of experience requirement but still possess the right skills and attitude. Focus on hiring for capability and willingness to learn. Your interview questions should assess both skills and the candidate's attitude toward growth.

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Evaluate Behavioral and Work Style Fit

Roles in dental practices often require empathy, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Use behavioral and work style assessment tools to identify candidates who fit well with your practice's culture and possess the necessary interpersonal skills.

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Take Your Time Reviewing Applications

Carefully review each applicant's resume, focusing on education, skills, and employment history. Pay attention to gaps or vague details, as these can be red flags. A thorough review process ensures you select candidates with the right qualifications and reliability.

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Conduct Meaningful Interviews

Interviews should be a two-way conversation. While it's important to share your practice's goals and vision, you also need to ask specific questions to understand the candidate's skills and experience. For example, inquire about a time they dealt with a difficult patient and how they handled the situation. This provides insight into their problem-solving abilities and patient care approach.

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Hire for Professionalism, Not Just Personality

While it's important to like your team members, your hiring decisions should be based on their ability to contribute positively to the practice. Focus on how they will interact with patients and fit into your team, rather than just their personality.

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Involve Your Team in the Hiring Process

Include your dental staff in the hiring process. Their insights can help you identify the right candidates and foster a sense of ownership and teamwork. Brainstorm with your team to develop interview questions that reflect the skills and traits you're looking for.

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Avoid Biased Hiring Practices

Ensure your hiring decisions are based on the candidate's ability to do the job, their employment history, and work experience. Avoid letting unconscious biases influence your decisions.

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Make New Hires Feel Welcome from Day One

Introduce new hires to the team immediately and help them feel like part of the practice from day one. This helps integrate them smoothly and sets a positive tone for their future with your practice.

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Avoid Rushing the Onboarding Process

Properly onboarding new hires is crucial. Too much or too little delegation can impact their performance. Discuss with your current staff what worked well for them when they joined and use that information to create a balanced onboarding plan.

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Toothio Can Help

As the leading on-demand dental temp agency, Toothio understands the importance of hiring the right employees and setting them up for success. Our advanced staffing solutions can help you avoid common hiring mistakes and integrate new staff effectively, even if they're temporary. Contact us today to get started.