Hiring Outside the Box
When the pandemic hit, we all got hit hard. Staffing shortages were at an all-time high, and hiring dental assistants became even more competitive.
As a manager hiring dental assistants, we were all in the same predicament. Where were all the dental assistants? Indeed, I didn’t have them. Dental Post was scarce. People were scared, leaving the field or just staying home.
It was time for me to get creative. After hiring all the wait staff with excellent people skills, multi-tasking abilities, and a willingness to learn, I knew I needed to do something truly outside the box.
Go to the Schools
I contacted the local high school, asking to speak with juniors and seniors who didn’t know what career path they wanted to pursue. I brought some of my team with me to talk with students about what we do and the opportunities in the field.
I spoke with students interested in dentistry but didn’t know how to get started. We formed an after-school work program, giving them hands-on experience of what it’s like in a dental office. Students would come in after school to work with our seasoned dental assistants, where they got a real feel for the environment.
While this was a great way to start planting the seed for these young students, it didn’t solve our immediate issue. I needed chairside assistants, and I needed them now.
Partnering with a Dental School
That’s when I went to the local dental school, and everything changed.
When I started this program, it began as word of mouth. A colleague referred me to my first student hire. He had just graduated from undergrad and was studying for his DAT while applying to dental school. That experience sparked an idea: Why not hire more students like him?
I’m fortunate to have a local dental school a few miles from our main office. I reached out to the school’s career advisor, who connected me with the pre-health advisor to share ideas and explain our staffing needs. He introduced me to the pre-dental club, and I arranged a time to meet with the students.
I spoke to them about the job and what we were looking for. I quickly found two exceptional pre-dental students eager for hands-on experience.
Recruiting Pre-Dental Students
I began recruiting pre-dental students. They are smart, driven young adults working towards dental school, but lack hands-on, clinical experience. Most didn’t know much about endodontics, but what they lacked in experience, they made up for in passion, curiosity, and the desire to learn.
These students have been some of the best dental assistants we have worked with. They are dependable, enthusiastic, and engaged. They didn’t show up just to do a job. They showed up to soak up everything they could.
They ask questions. They want to know why we do things a certain way. They are genuinely interested in patient care, technique, and practice systems. They are becoming stronger candidates for dental school while contributing as meaningful support within our practice.
Rewards of Thinking Beyond Traditional Hiring
This hiring outside-the-box approach has been one of the most rewarding plans I’ve implemented. Not only did I fill a critical need in my practice, but we were able to mentor future dentists. Our patients love them, and they are strong members of our team. They will leave our practice better prepared for their future as dental students and dentists.
Look beyond the resume and the job ads. Look for someone eager to learn, with a great attitude, and a strong work ethic. The hands-on can be taught. Create opportunities for mentorship, plant seeds early, and build long-lasting relationships.
Why Taking the Leap Is Worth It
When I needed to look beyond the ordinary to find dental assistants, I took a chance. And it paid off. Hiring pre-dental students wasn’t on my radar, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.
By thinking outside the box, I hired some amazing people who will no doubt become amazing dental professionals.
I always tell my husband, “You don’t know what is behind the milk if you don’t move it.” The same applies to hiring. You have to look deeper to find what’s really there.
One of my first student hires has been accepted to dental school. Another is on her way to hygiene school. While I am losing two great team members, I know they will do amazing things. I’m proud to have played a part in their journey.
Take the leap, hire outside the box.
About the Author
Christine Auger, MAADOM
Christine is the Practice Manager for Endodontic Associates, P.A., bringing over 20 years of experience in the dental field. Starting as a dental assistant, she transitioned into management in 2017, and joined Endodontic Associates in 2020.
Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and earned her Mastership from the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). An active member of the Maine Dental Leadership Coalition (MDLC), she remains committed to advancing dental practice management and fostering leadership in the field.
