There’s no doubt that salary is an important factor when dentists look for a new job. However, pay is not their only consideration, they’re also looking for a healthy work/life balance at a supportive and modern practice. When a practice manager wants to hire a new dentist, what are the five factors they need to keep in mind?
A supportive work culture values the contributions of both seasoned professionals and recent graduates, and understands the importance of making a new dentist feel supported when they’re hired. To increase staff retention, each new dentist can be paired up with a senior employee, providing them with a go-to person and mentor to make the on-boarding process easier.
Dental practices require team work to run smoothly and efficiently. A sense of team work is important for staff to feel like they have a purpose within the business, and can encourage practitioner collaboration which ensures patient care is always the number one priority.
Practice managers should remember that a little fun in the workplace can also go a long way. Consider a catered lunch, after-hours activities (get to know your team a little better), and keep the pantry stocked with healthy snacks.
No one wants to feel chained to their chair or job. A flexible schedule allows dentists to be with their family and pursue interests outside of their job.
Employers may have to be creative when filling certain roles. This can include splitting one full-time position between two part-time employees, or looking at options for casual staffing. Dentists with family commitments may agree to shorter workdays during the week in exchange for working on the weekend. Being flexible and understanding their needs can have a significant impact on the way the employee feels about working for you, and can also lead to better job satisfaction and engagement.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities not only allow dentists to stay at the forefront of improving industry expertise, they are a requirement of the AHPRA Dental Board. The board states that dental practitioners are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of CPD activities over a three-year cycle. Some dentists may choose to complete more than 60 hours to further improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence within the field.
Employers can make it easier for dentists to obtain their CPD hours by allowing adequate time off to attend training events, and assist with costs related to the training such as travel expenses or the cost of the training event itself.
Recent graduates have been trained on the newest technology and are eager to put into practice what they’ve learned, which is why working in an up to date practice is a must. More experienced job seekers also value new technology and equipment because patients may compare the presentation of a practice to the quality of the service they offer. Dentists want to work for a practice that has a reputation for being modern and welcoming for patients, as well as other dentist referrals. The bottom line is, all dentists want to be able to provide their patients with the best service and experience possible.
Each job seeker has their own criteria for the "perfect" location. Some are already established, own their house and have no desire to relocate. For those people, finding a job close to home is usually critical. People also naturally want to be close to social and cultural activities, so suburbs with great amenities, close to the city, usually sell themselves. In saying this, some dentists may be willing to move for the right job.
Regardless of where they choose to work, there are other factors that they may take into consideration such as is the job in a good neighbourhood, making relocation a possibility? How close is the job to local schools? Are there nearby amenities, such as stores and restaurants? Flexible start times – either starting before or after rush hour – can make commuting long distances more appealing.
In rural areas, dentists with families could be concerned with the quality of schools in the area, as well as potential job opportunities for their partners. The burden of recruiting dentists and other health professionals lies not only on the practice but the entire community. Rural areas must make themselves welcoming to new residents. For some dentists, the promise of a quieter lifestyle, more affordable housing, and a stress-free commute make a rural practice appealing. For those interested in migrating to Australia for work, the 482 visa allows eligible foreign dentists the opportunity to work in regional areas.
It goes without saying that dentists also value the connections they have with their patients. They take pride in relieving pain, providing preventative care, and making it possible for people to smile again.
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