A New Way to Handle the Dental Staffing Shortage

If one good thing came out of the pandemic, it’s that innovative ways were dreamed up to create remote work. Yes, teledentistry had its moment, but even now, dental professionals are finding ways to fill the gaps during the ongoing staffing shortage, one of the most notable fallouts that has even forced some dentists to consider selling their practices at an earlier age. Enter remote dental assistants. Here’s how hiring from outside your geographic area can open a new world of talent at your dental practice.

How we got here

Like the rest of the health care industry, dentists are still playing catchup after being forced to shut down for months on end. That time also led to an increase in dental services for an aging demographic and population growth, along with a greater focus on preventative care and treatment that couldn’t be delayed. What’s more, the Great Resignation gave space for professionals to reconsider their career choices. And for those looking to get into the dental field, they are faced with the education and training requirements, not to mention a competitive job market required to attract and retain skilled professionals. This has all led to increased wait time for patients and stress on current staff.

What can be done

An innovative way to solve this problem is to hire a virtual dental assistant who is skilled to handle a variety of tasks remotely. This includes answering the office phone, scheduling appointments, answering patient questions, coordinating insurance and patient treatment needs, and providing administrative support. All of this can be done from anywhere, anytime with the help of cloud-based dental practice management software and without the need for overtime pay or benefits associated with a full-time employee.

How this helps

The benefit of hiring a remote dental assistant can be a win-win since it opens up a pool of talent beyond your local area. You will also save on the costs associated with an on-site employee, such as office space, equipment and supplies. This level of efficiency means your dental practice will be able to see more patients in a shorter amount of time. In turn, your dental staff will be relieved of the stress associated with these managerial responsibilities and be able to provide higher-quality patient care and an overall better patient experience.

What’s next?

Finding ways to save time, money and stress while improving efficiency and accessibility can be a tough balancing act for dental professionals. Contact the experts at Professional Transition Strategies to learn more ways to keep your staff and patients happy and healthy.