As we turn into a new financial year, I have found myself reflecting on the roadblocks encountered by dental practices looking to secure candidates who perfectly align with their unique needs.

One of the most difficult roles to recruit is the Dental Assistant and we have seen a significant jump in the need for DAs this quarter which has not been matched by active DA candidates. This means that dental practices must set themselves apart in the market to attract the best talent, focusing on their employee value proposition.

There is a high level of staff turnover with Dental Assistants as hands-on learning, resilience, a strong work ethic and dedication are all imperative for success and these skills often lend themselves to employees who relish professional development and progression. According to the NDAS, the Dental Assistant is the only role that does not have need for accreditation. Despite this, the role requires a significant amount of patient contact, often dealing with confidentiality, infection control, financials, and most importantly, health and safety for all involved.

From the onset in the hiring process, practices must address professional development and encourage staff to develop their skills. Sharing with candidates that they will have the opportunity to complete a Cert III or Diploma in Dental Assisting is a worthy investment for the longevity of the candidate’s employment and the safety and credibility of the practice. Many of our Dental Assistant candidates have shared with us that they need to feel purpose in their role to shift it from a ‘job’ to a ‘career’; making this a priority within your practice could allow you to clinch the top talent in a candidate-short market.

At Practice Managers Australia, we support Practice Managers in both staff recruitment and retention and ensure that our service and advice is tailored to your specific goals to promote growth and flourishing.