Welcome to the Jungle: My Funny Guide to Hiring the Right Dental Dream Team (Avoiding Clowns)
Alright! Let’s do this!
Fellow Dental Fam, as a trusty Dental Office Manager, I’m here to spill the tea on how to snatch up those employees who not only will show up on time but might actually enjoy assisting a juicy extraction or suctioning up calculus. Hiring the right folks is less about finding someone who can perfectly pronounce “acetaminophen “ and more about building a team that doesn’t make you want to hide in the lab.
When putting job ads out, I like to ditch the boring job descriptions that sound like it’s written by a robot who’s had one too many root canals. Let the personality shine!
Use Humor to Attract Applicants Who Fit Your Office’s Vibe
Instead of “Seeking highly motivated individual with strong communication skills,’ I like to ask, “Do you have the charm of a thousand toothbrushes and the organization of a squirrel burying nuts for the winter? If so, our awesome dental gang wants YOU!
I believe making humor not only makes our ad stand out but also subtly weeds out the overly stiff applicants who might not have that swag to fit with our office’s vibe.
Look Beyond Credentials
Now, the resume pile. Trying to find ya lost needle in the haystack. Used to be a high stack, but no one wants to work lately.
I try not to look for the fanciest degrees or longest list of acronyms. I like hints of actual human-ness. Like do they do volunteer work? Do they have hobbies? These little things can tell you more about their personality than bunch of dental jargon.
Also, if their resume has more typos than teeth in a gummy, I politely hit delete. It’s the little details.
Use Conversational, Creative Interviews to Reveal True Fit
Where does the real magic take place? The interview process.
I don’t like being too formal. I like having a casual chat, assessing if they’re going to be a team player or the office clown. Asking quirky questions helps me to reveal their true colors.
For instance, instead of asking basic questions like “Tell me a time you faced a challenge,” I’ll ask them something like, “Imagine a patient comes in convinced they have ‘tooth fairies’ causing their cavities. How do you handle it without bursting into laughter?”
Their answer should tell volumes about their problem-solving skills and their ability to keep a straight face in the face of dental hallucination.
Don’t be afraid to throw in a little “office culture” test. Like, if your office has pizza parties on Fridays or holiday parties, I casually mention it. I like to see if their eyes light up or if they look like you just grew a third molar.
A good cultural fit is like perfectly aligned teeth; it just feels right.
Make Reference Checks Your Secret Weapon
My secret weapon, reference check, making sure I’m not hiring a dental gremlin in disguise.
I don’t just ask the standard “Were they reliable?” Got to dig deeper. I ask things like, “Did they ever bring in baked goods for the office? (Sign of team player), or “What was their go-to excuse for being late?” Consistently blaming alien abduction for tardiness is a red flag.
And for Pete’s sake, actually call the references. An email is as insightful as a panoramic X-ray of a brick wall.
Use a Trial Period to Confirm Fit and Build a Strong Dental Team
When I finally narrow it down, I like to do a trial period. See if they’re truly the dental superhero. I’m looking for someone who looks good in a scrub. I look to focus on how they interact with patients, their bedside manner. How they collaborate with the team (are they a team player or a lone wolf with sharp teeth?), and also see how they grasps things, will I find myself repeating instructions.
The hiring process to me isn’t exactly science; it’s more like an experiment with occasional explosions. Got to trust your gut, embrace the weirdness, and remember that a little laughter goes a long way in building a fantastic dental team.
And if all fails, there’s always the option of hiring that overly enthusiastic dental school student who’s just happy to be there.
About the Author
Nancy Ford, MAADOM
I am a dedicated dental professional with a passion for helping people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. With over 15 years of experience, I have honed my skills in both the clinical and administrative aspects of dentistry, from assisting a dentist to managing the day-to-day operations of a dental practice, The Philadelphia Dentist.
My commitment lies in providing exceptional patient care and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for every individual.
