A thriving dental practice relies heavily on its team members, as they play a crucial role in providing excellent patient care and ensuring smooth operations. Hiring the right individuals for your dental practice is essential to foster a positive work environment and deliver top-notch service. We can guide you through the process of hiring new team members, covering everything from writing effective job ads to conducting interviews, checking references, and finding the perfect fit for your practice.

How to Write the Ad:

Crafting a compelling job advertisement is the first step in attracting qualified candidates to your dental practice. Begin by clearly outlining the position and its requirements. Describe the practice’s values, mission, and workplace culture, emphasizing what sets your practice apart. Highlight the benefits of working with your team, such as ongoing professional development, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for growth. Be sure to include contact information and instructions on how to apply.  If you are asking for a cover letter with information on it, make sure they complete that.  I am finding now more than ever, be clear on what the job is and the range you are willing to pay them, based on experience.  It can be fun to post an ad from your team on social media, a picture of the team encouraging those to apply to be a part of this amazing team. Example, a picture of the team saying “we love working at Fields Family Dentistry, if you want to be a part of a great patient focused practice, apply to join our team!”

Interviewing:

Once you receive applications from interested candidates, it’s time to move on to the interviewing phase. Start by reviewing the resumes and cover letters to shortlist the most promising applicants. Conduct initial phone screenings to assess their communication skills and gauge their interest in the position. This step helps narrow down the candidate pool before scheduling in-person interviews. These phone conversations are meant to get to the point, especially about the job duties and the pay.  Can they do the job (according to them) and will they do it for what you are offering?  When that part goes well, get them in to meet you and the team.  Once you find the right one, always have an offer letter with the details and agreements made to send to the applicant for them to sign and return.

We believe in hiring slow and firing fast!  What that means is take your time to find the right person.  Include the team in the process. For each position you are hiring for allow the others in that department have a chance to meet the potential new hire.  Your team knows YOU and can be a good guide in finding the right person. 

Interview Questions:

During the in-person interviews, focus on asking questions that provide insight into the candidate’s skills, experience, and suitability for the role. During the interview be sure to include an office tour.  Share your vision/mission statement with them.  Show them your team agreements (if you have them) and let them know this is how our team shows up!  Ask, does this align with you?

Checking References:

Once you have identified potential candidates after the interviews, it’s crucial to check their references to gain additional insight into their work ethic and professionalism. Reach out to their previous employers or supervisors and ask about their reliability, interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a team. These references can offer valuable perspectives on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed hiring decision. You may not get much from other employers, always ask “Would Angela be eligible for rehire?”  If yes, great!  If no, there may be a red flag you need to follow up on.

If you find yourself in need of assistance with hiring new team members for your dental practice, we are here to help. Book a time to chat with us today by visiting [https://calendly.com/angeladavissullivan10/30min], and we will work together to find the perfect individuals who will contribute to the success of your practice. Building a strong team is vital, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve that goal.

Hiring new team members for your dental practice requires careful consideration and a well-structured approach. From writing an appealing job ad to conducting interviews and checking references, each step plays a crucial role in finding the right fit for your practice. By following these guidelines and seeking professional assistance if needed, you can assemble a team that shares your practice’s values and commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Remember, the right team can elevate your dental practice to new heights, fostering success and patient satisfaction along the way.