Help Wanted: How the Labor Shortage Impacts Your Team and Strategies to Overcome It

Introduction: Understanding the Current Labor Shortage in the Dental Industry

I don’t know about you, but when scrolling through social media, almost every other post involves a dental team leader either posting a plea for help in filling a position in their practice or throwing up their arms in frustration because they are so stretched in their current role. No doubt, you know that the dental industry, like many other sectors, is grappling with a significant labor shortage. This painful shortage has created an array of challenges for dentists, practice managers and team members. The demand for skilled professionals has far outweighed supply, leading to increased workloads, longer hours, and heightened stress levels among existing staff. This blog post aims to explore the impact of the labor shortage on dental practices and offer strategies for attracting and retaining top talent.

Impact Analysis: How the Labor Shortage Affects Dental Teams and Practices

Increased Workload and Burnout

As I shared previously, one of the most palpable effects of the labor shortage is the increased workload placed on existing team members. Dental practices are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their usual standards of care with fewer hands on deck. Hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff are often stretched thin, leading to higher levels of stress and burnout (check out my blog post specifically on the symptoms of burnout.) Burnout has caused many to abandon their positions and look to new industries, virtual roles, and other ventures for greener pastures.

Compromised Patient Care

With reduced staff, patient care quality can decline. Calls might occasionally go unanswered, patients may feel neglected, preventive care could be forgotten without proper reminders, and follow-up communication delayed. Systems may be outsourced to virtual companies that do not necessarily provide the customer service that patients might have experienced in the past. New faces, no matter how qualified, can also cause patients to leave your practice to seek care elsewhere. These issues not only affect patient satisfaction but can also tarnish the practice’s reputation.

Financial Strain

The labor shortage can also put a financial strain on dental practices. The cost of overtime pay can add up quickly when existing team members are asked to work beyond their normal hours and the need to hire temporary staff can be expensive, if even available. High turnover rates create an environment where hiring expenses and training costs rise. Additionally, the administrative burden of managing a short-staffed practice can divert focus from revenue-generating activities, thus affecting your profitability and financial stability.

Employee Morale

Morale among existing staff can take a significant hit in a labor-short environment. The constant pressure to perform at high levels without adequate support can lead to frustration and disillusionment. I see so many heartbreaking posts on Facebook from managers, admin, and clinical team members being overstretched. Even worse, they are not recognized for their efforts to tie systems together with less time and resources. When key players abandon their jobs due to stress and burnout, it can further exacerbate this issue, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break. The field is suffering from this cycle in ways that create large gaps in patient care and practice systems. From my vantage point, morale even within the field has been significantly affected.

Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in a Competitive Market

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

One of the primary ways to attract and retain top talent is by offering competitive compensation packages. This includes salaries and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Dental practices that go above and beyond in this area are more likely to attract high-quality candidates. Practice owners, I get it. I can “hear” some of you as you read this. You are feeling the relentless heat in the rising costs of labor, some of which have risen so steeply that you are unable to pay yourselves in the same ways they have done in the past. This strategy does require balance and the way you achieve this balance is by paying attention to the next segment.

Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

In my opinion, this can be one of the best ways to offset some of the costs associated with high payroll. Many team members would opt for a work environment that is well-led and future focused. Why? Because workplace culture is a critical factor in employee satisfaction and retention. Practices that foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment will find it easier to keep their staff happy and engaged. This can be achieved through team-building activities, open communication channels, and recognition programs. Leadership training is key when creating this type of culture!

Professional Development Opportunities

Offering opportunities for professional growth and development can make your practice more attractive to potential employees. This can include continuing education courses, leadership training, and opportunities for career advancement within the practice. In my career, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work for dentists who value learning and growth. It has been a gamechanger! I must say though, that I never said “NO” to any course that was offered. And, it has truly led to a rewarding and successful career. Employees who are invested in their professional development will bring increased knowledge and skills to your practice, benefiting both the employee and the business.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexibility in scheduling can be a significant draw for dental professionals. Offering part-time positions, flexible hours, or remote work options (where applicable) can help attract candidates who might not be able to commit to a traditional full-time schedule. COVID19 was a huge disruptor in how most sectors do business. So, stay open to how some of your operations may be handled remotely by existing dedicated team members.

Work-Life Balance

One last strategy, please know that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for the well-being of employees. As mentioned earlier, offering paid time off can be attractive to potential candidates. But it’s also important for employers to encourage their staff to use that time for self-care and personal commitments outside of work. You might even want to build in off-site retreats for your staff to enjoy down time outside the practice. This can reduce burnout and increase overall job satisfaction among employees.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are various ways that dental practices can attract high-quality candidates and retain their current employees while managing labor costs. By focusing on creating a positive workplace culture, offering professional development opportunities, and promoting work-life balance, dental practices can build a strong team of dedicated professionals who will help drive the success of the business. Remember, happy employees lead to happy patients, so investing in your staff is a win-win situation for everyone involved. So don’t hesitate to implement some of these strategies in your practice and watch as your team flourishes! Never underestimate the value of creating an inviting workplace environment and offering opportunities for growth and development within the practice.