What To Do When You Can’t Hire in Dentistry

It can be tough to hire in dentistry. Hygienists are in short supply, assistants come and go, and sometimes it feels like a dozen ads bring in zero responses.

On a recent Dental A Team Podcast, Kiera Dent sat down with consultant Kristy, also known as the “Truffle Hunter” for her ability to dig up hidden money and opportunities in practices. Together, they shared practical strategies for when hiring feels impossible but practices still need to keep running at full speed.

Step 1: Know Your Practice’s Capacity

Before posting another ad, doctors should ask:

• Do we have the time and skills to train a new team member?

• Or do we need someone experienced who can deliver results immediately?

For example, a brand-new practice may struggle to develop an office manager from scratch. But investing in an experienced hire can create a strong return right away.

Step 2: Get Clear on the Candidate Profile

Kristy recommends brainstorming with the entire team:

• What personality traits are a must-have?

• What skills are essential?

• What qualities define a great culture fit for this office?

Clarity in this step helps practices attract the right candidates instead of settling for whoever applies.

Step 3: Cast More Fishing Lines to Hire in Dentistry

If the only strategy is posting on Indeed and waiting, the talent pool stays limited. Kristy and Kiera suggest:

• Leverage team networks. Who do current employees know?

• Contact schools and alumni groups. Even experienced professionals stay connected.

• Scout the service industry. Many top schedulers and managers come from restaurants, salons, or banking.

• Ask vendor reps. They often know who in the area may be looking.

• Always be recruiting. A great server or bank teller might become the next star hire—hand them a business card.

Pro Tip: Test multiple ad titles. Sometimes wording alone determines how many quality candidates apply.

Step 4: Think Outside the Box

While searching for the perfect candidate, temporary solutions can bridge the gap:

• Use tools like Mr. Thirsty to reduce the need for extra hands.

• Bring in a virtual assistant for phones or billing.

• Cross-train current team members to cover new roles.

• Experiment with creative options, such as a virtual receptionist greeting patients via screen instead of leaving the front desk empty.

These aren’t permanent, but they prevent desperate hires while buying valuable time.

Step 5: Stay Patient and Strategic

Challenges to hire in dentistry often come in waves. Losing several team members in a short period can feel overwhelming, but rushing into the wrong hire only prolongs the problem. Resourcefulness, patience, and consistency in recruiting keep practices from settling for less than the right fit.

Team turnover is part of business ownership, and while it’s never easy, it is manageable. Clear expectations, creative recruiting, and temporary “until solutions” keep practices moving forward until the right people join the team.

Dental A Team consultants specialize in guiding practices through these exact situations; building strong systems, supporting hiring, and preventing desperate decisions.

Need our help? Schedule A Free Call today!

For more tips, check out our podcast.

Last updated: August 2025
Written by Jacintha Ham, Dental A Team