Hiring Hard to Manage Easy

In the busy world of dentistry, where every second counts and patient care is paramount, it can be tempting to opt for the quickest solution when hiring new team members. It’s not uncommon for dental practices to settle for a warm body to fill a vacant position. After all, hiring is hard, and the pressure to keep the practice running smoothly can lead to hasty hiring decisions.

The phrase “hire hard to manage easy” holds an important lesson for the dental industry. Hiring the right person isn’t just about filling a seat; it’s about finding someone who will not only contribute to your team but also enhance your practice’s overall success. 

The Rush to Fill a Void

It’s no secret that dental practices are busy places. Appointments are scheduled back-to-back, and patient expectations are high. When a staff member leaves or a new role opens up, the temptation to quickly hire the first available candidate can be strong. After all, an empty chair or an unanswered phone can lead to inefficiencies and stress for the remaining team members.

Making hasty hiring decisions can have far-reaching consequences. A wrong hire can disrupt the harmony of your practice, leading to reduced productivity, unhappy team members, and dissatisfied patients. In the long run, it can cost your practice not only in terms of time and resources but also in its reputation.

The True Cost of the Wrong Hire

While hiring quickly is a time-saving solution, the actual cost of a bad hire can be substantial. It’s not just about the financial investment in training and onboarding; it’s about the potential damage to your practice’s culture and patient experience.

Research shows that, on average, it can cost between $7,000 to $10,000 to hire the wrong individual for an entry or mid-level position. If you end up hiring a poor manager, the costs can skyrocket to over $40,000! And a Gallup Poll has shown that the wrong hire can cost you as much as two times that individual’s salary in both tangible and intangible costs, like the impact on the team and production schedule. These numbers are not to be taken lightly, but the real impact of a bad hire goes far beyond the financial realm.

Imagine the tension and friction that a wrong fit can introduce into your team. A disengaged or incompetent team member can create a work environment where days drag on, and morale plummets. In the worst-case scenario, this negative energy can ripple through to your patients, affecting their experience and, ultimately, your practice’s success.

Hiring Hard to Manage Easy

The phrase “hire hard to manage easy” encapsulates a timeless truth in the realm of recruitment. Investing time and effort in the hiring process, while challenging, pays off handsomely in the long run. By carefully selecting candidates who truly align with your practice’s values and goals, you’ll be managing your team with ease, efficiency, and effectiveness.

So, what can dental practices do to hire hard and manage easy?

• Thorough Screening: Take the time to screen candidates thoroughly. Look beyond their qualifications and experience. Seek individuals who not only have the necessary skills but also share your practice’s values and vision. 
• Behavioral Styles: Conduct a personality and emotional intelligence assessment to gain insights into how they will fit into your office dynamic. This approach helps you gauge their natural tendencies, teamwork, and attitude.  
• Reference Checks: Don’t skip the reference checks. Speaking with former employers or colleagues can provide valuable information about a candidate’s work ethic, character, and compatibility.
• Cultural Fit: Assess how well a candidate aligns with your practice’s culture. Consider their communication style, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. A great candidate on paper may not be the right fit culturally.

DentalPost offers free assessments to help you look at workplace skills, culture, values, personality, and emotional intelligence.  

The Ripple Effect of Good Hires

When dental practices invest the time and effort to hire the right people, the benefits are far-reaching. A harmonious team that shares your vision and values is more likely to work cohesively, provide excellent patient care, and contribute to the practice’s growth.

A positive work environment attracts and retains top talent. Dental professionals want to work in places where they feel valued and can thrive. By building a team of the right individuals, you not only improve the patient experience but also become an employer of choice in the industry.

Hiring the right person in dentistry is not just about filling a vacant position—it’s about finding a team member who fits seamlessly into your practice’s culture and contributes to its success. Taking the time to hire hard can be challenging, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial effort. Remember, “hire hard to manage easy” should be the guiding principle when making recruitment decisions in your dental practice.