There’s no doubt that dentist jobs are in demand. And all jobs in dentistry are likely to remain a growth field considering our society’s rise in focus on keeping our original pearly whites and having straight white teeth and healthy gums, whatever the cost. Also, the spate of studies that have found a closer link between dental health and overall physical health virtually guarantees that careers in dentistry are a good bet. But the demands for some jobs in dentistry, such as hygienists, may be outstripping supply, particularly in some parts of the country. That’s why it’s important for employers to follow trends in dentistry salaries and training to make good lasting hires. Employers who are hiring for jobs in dentistry need to:
1. Fill dentist jobs with professionals to suit the demographics of your area, such as hiring prosthetic specialists for areas with high concentrations of retirees.
2. Evaluate the distribution of dental employment needs and supply in your region before setting a salary benchmark.
3. Anticipate trends in dentistry salaries along with increasing specialization and lab work.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Post dentist jobs online
Dental employment used to be a low-tech word-of-mouth proposition. But now if you’re looking to hire a hygienist, a lab technician or a dentist, career sites that specialize in the field can help.
I recommend: Target your audience as much as possible by using specialized dentist job boards, such as
DentalWorkers.com, which has relationships with professional associations of dental assistants, Hispanic dentists, women dentists and other groups, or
IHireDental.com. Or advertise in
Dental Economics or
Successful Dentist. Another possibility for employers is to consult the directory of
dental jobs boards at Business.com.
Write clear descriptions of your dental employment opportunities
When recruiting for dentist jobs as well as for dental hygienists, assistants or lab technicians, good job descriptions will improve your chances of attracting the right people.
I recommend: Purchase
customizable job descriptions for a variety of jobs in dentistry at AllBusiness.com for a minimal fee. Some of the sources found in the Business.com directory of
dental practice management may be able to help with job descriptions as well as other aspects of your hiring needs.
Know the paying field for dentistry salaries
Dentistry salaries average in the $130,000 range, although orthodontists average more than $160,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other jobs in dentistry, such as hygienists, come in at about $60,000. Dental assistants typically earn about $14-$17 per hour, with certified assistants coming in at the top of that scale.
I recommend: The
American Dental Association Web site answers a lot of general questions about income and other issues for dentists. Download the Dental Assisting National Board’s
2006 salary survey for dental assistants. To find compensation rates for hygienists, lab technicians and others, check the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or
Dental Economics.
Hire recent grads that are starting their dentist career
Most dental school grads start their dentist career by going to work for another dentist rather than starting their own practice. That’s why dental schools can be a good source to find energetic young associates for your dentist jobs.
I recommend: Check out the
American Dental Association for a list of all accredited dental schools. The site also offers a wealth of other information about the profession and the latest trends. Consider posting your dental employment jobs in school career centers or take part in a local school’s career day.
Keep interviews focused on dental employment
When interviewing applicants who are looking for a career in dentistry, ask questions that pertain specifically to dentist jobs.
I recommend: Dental Hiring and Retention offers a number of resources to help you sharpen your interviewing and hiring skills.
Hiring a dentist? Career experience and degrees need to be verified
Don’t take a résumé at face value. Check prior dental employment and verify dental school degrees with the relevant institution. Applicants for other types of careers in dentistry may also need state licensing that can easily be checked.
I recommend: Go to the
American Dental Association site to find licensing requirements, listings of state and county dental associations and distribution of dentists by state. Or check the listing of
state licensing boards for dentists at Business.com.
Screen Now Employment performs comprehensive background checks that include searches for healthcare sanctions on candidates for dentist jobs.
Related Resources from Business.com
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