4 Actions to Boost Dental Team Retention and Satisfaction

Is your dental practice experiencing high staff turnover, or have you built a committed team ready to grow together in their dental careers? With over 30% of dental employees looking to switch jobs – some even outside the industry – employers must establish a foundation that supports and motivates staff to reduce turnover. While fostering a positive work environment is essential, let’s explore how you can ensure your team members are content, healthy, and committed to their roles in your practice.

1. Consider Your Employee Benefits 

According to DentalPost’s 2023 Dental Salary Report, employee benefits are of great importance to the majority of dental office staff. Front-office employees, registered dental hygienists, dental assistants and associate dentists alike expressed the significant impact of their benefits package on their overall job satisfaction. Notably, only 38.75% of dental assistants surveyed reported they felt satisfied with their employment package, which included benefits, compensation, and bonuses. Making improvements in any of these areas could lead to a significant increase in their satisfaction.

Which benefits can you offer your employees that will be impactful and improve their job satisfaction? 

When considering which benefits to offer your employees, it’s important to think beyond the basics. While paid holidays, vacation, retirement plans, and health insurance are essential, they are also expected in most workplaces. To set your dental practice apart, consider the following:

• Offering recognition-based benefits, such as Employee of the Month or an incentive for achieving practice goals
• Planning team-building days, practice outings, or catered lunches to foster team camaraderie
• Celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries to show your employees that you value them as individuals

Often overlooked is the importance of friendship in the office. Studies show that if an employee has a close work friend, they are less likely to quit and experience burnout and more likely to be happier and more productive. This is why rooting out toxic employees and encouraging team bonding is critical to retention and job satisfaction.

Additionally, providing flexibility in work hours and days can significantly improve job satisfaction for your team. Perhaps you can offer a compressed workweek or occasionally allow non-clinical employees the flexibility to work from home. Paid maternal or paternal leave is another benefit that can greatly improve employee morale and loyalty.

Finally, consider offering education and training opportunities for your employees. Payments for continuing education courses or other certifications can empower your team and provide greater value to your workplace in the long run. Investing in your employees’ growth and development demonstrates your commitment to their success and shows that you value them as professionals.

Together, these benefits will position your dental practice as a place where employees want to build their careers and stay for the long haul.

2. Boost Your Team’s Training and Education

Providing opportunities for growth and advancement within your dental practice can significantly impact your team’s job satisfaction and retention rates. Consider implementing a training and education program that allows employees to progress in their careers and take on new responsibilities.

For instance:

• Offer courses and certifications to help dental assistants become registered dental hygienists
• Provide leadership training for hygienists to become hygiene team leaders
• Introduce a career path for front office assistants to become practice managers

These growth possibilities motivate employees to work toward a career goal that betters your practice. Additionally, offering career development opportunities fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment among team members and reduces turnover rates in your dental practice.

3. Include Your Team in Your Growth Plan

When creating a clear vision with your team, outline your business goals and values, and provide them with a clear action plan about their role in your practice’s success. Doing so can create a sense of purpose and direction that motivates your team to achieve a common goal.

In addition to outlining your financial objectives, it’s also crucial to factor in your team’s mental health and well-being. Providing incentives for accomplishing or exceeding business goals can be a great way to boost morale and encourage productivity.

One way to ensure your team works efficiently is by implementing an excellent time-management system. Using time-management techniques, your employees can prioritize tasks, reduce stress, and improve overall business efficiency. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, coaching, or online tools and resources.

A clear action plan detailing their role in your practice’s success promotes employee buy-in and retention within your dental practice.

4. Check In With Each Team Member

Regular check-ins and stay interviews with your team members are powerful tools to maintain a positive and productive work environment. These one-on-one meetings provide a valuable opportunity to give your employees undivided attention. They show that you value their work and input and want to understand their needs and concerns better. Creating a safe and comfortable space for employees to air grievances or express struggles is important to find solutions. Providing them with solutions gives them more options to improve their satisfaction than quitting altogether.

Moreover, regular check-ins enable you to gauge how your employees feel about their work and if they need additional support. Additionally, you can provide feedback to help them grow and develop in their roles. Dedicating individual time to your dental staff will demonstrate your commitment to their success and well-being. Fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration will benefit your practice for years to come.