Your dental staff are the ones who turn a routine visit into a positive experience and keep patients coming back time and time again. Each of them needs to fulfill certain requirements, such as being competent, good under pressure, communicative, and kind.
However, gone are the days when a charming demeanor or a laundry list of qualifications guaranteed success. If you’re hiring, you’ll notice most of the candidates walk in with an impressive resume, which makes assembling a team more complicated than ever.
Find out which common pitfalls to avoid while recruiting new staff and how our dental consulting services in West Palm Beach can help you find the perfect candidates.
While experience certainly has its place, it shouldn't be the sole determining factor in your hiring decisions. Instead, consider the broader skill set and qualities that a candidate brings to the table.
Focusing on experience alone may also make you overlook a candidate’s potential. Someone with fewer years in the field can possess a hunger for knowledge and a willingness to learn that can be invaluable to your practice. They may be more open to adopting new techniques and technologies and bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your team.
Furthermore, candidates with less experience often demonstrate great flexibility and adaptability. They're not set in their ways and are more open to feedback and guidance, making them easier to mold and integrate into your practice culture.
Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, are becoming more important in the hiring process, particularly in fields like dentistry, where patient interaction is a must.
Here are some soft skills you should look for in candidates:
Your staff needs to be ready to communicate in a clear and confident way, both verbally and non-verbally. Good communicators can explain complex procedures in simple terms, put patients at ease, and ensure everyone on the team is on the same page.
Dental procedures can be anxiety-inducing for many people. Therefore, you need to have staff members who can empathize with their concerns and provide compassionate care. Seek out candidates who show kindness and consideration toward patients, alleviating their fears and anxieties during their dental visits.
In a fast-paced environment like a dental practice, things can change in an instant. Your dental staff should be adaptable and flexible, able to handle unexpected challenges with grace and composure.
Dentistry is a team effort, which is why successful practices thrive on effective teamwork and collaboration. Members of your team must be able to work with their colleagues, share responsibilities, and support each other to achieve common goals.
Team players are willing to put the needs of the team above their own, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
When drafting job descriptions, always distinguish between essential qualifications and preferences. Avoid imposing unnecessary requirements that may exclude qualified candidates or perpetuate biases, such as:
Instead, focus on core skills and abilities that are truly necessary for the role. For instance, if you're looking for a hygienist, prioritize her dental cleaning techniques, knowledge of oral health procedures, and patient communication skills.
The temptation to quickly fill a vacant position may be strong, but you need to take the time to conduct a thorough and deliberate hiring process to find the right candidates for your practice.
An effective hiring campaign has the following steps:
First and foremost, you need to define the role and identify the specific skills and qualities you're looking for in a candidate. This part involves drafting a comprehensive job description that outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the position.
Next, you’ll cast a wide net and seek out potential candidates through various recruitment channels. You can post your job openings on online job boards, reach out to professional networks and associations, and even leverage social media platforms to attract talent.
Once you've received applications and resumes, take the time to review them carefully and select a pool of candidates for further consideration. You may need to conduct initial phone screenings or video interviews to assess their suitability for the role.
From there, schedule in-person interviews with the most promising candidates. During these instances, take the opportunity to delve deeper into their qualifications, experience, and soft skills, as well as assess their cultural fit with your practice.
Consider conducting second interviews or even trial periods to assess their abilities to a greater extent and ensure they're the right fit for your team.
Looking for guidance in building a high-performing dental team? Our coach, Brian Houlahan, has years of experience helping dental practices thrive. Don't hesitate to reach out to us today!
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