How to Hire a Dental Hygienist
Selecting the right dental hygienist is a critical decision for any dental practice, as this professional plays a pivotal role in ensuring the oral health and well-being of patients. From defining the job requirements to conducting thorough interviews and reference checks, each step is crucial in identifying a candidate who not only possesses the necessary clinical skills but also aligns with the values and culture of the dental practice.
In this guide, we will explore the key steps and qualities on how to hire a dental hygienist, providing a comprehensive roadmap for dental professionals seeking to build a skilled and cohesive team.
Table of Contents
Step by Step Guide on How to Hire a Dental Hygienist
The hiring process involves a careful consideration of both technical expertise and interpersonal qualities. Increase the chances of attracting candidates who not only meet the technical requirements but also resonate with the values and environment of your dental practice.
Here are the steps on how to hire a dental hygienist for your practice.
- Define what characteristics make up the perfect dental hygienist for your practice.
- Create a detailed job posting that outlines the required skills and certifications needed for a successful hire. Being upfront and honest will help weed out any potential candidates that may not be the right fit.
- Prepare for your interview prior to meeting your potential candidates.
- Thoroughly screen through all candidates and include your office manager or HR representative in the process.
- Reach out to all interviewed candidates to thank them for their time and deliver your decision. Do not communicate this through text message.
Qualities When Hiring a Dental Hygienist
By evaluating candidates based on these qualities, you can identify individuals who not only possess the necessary technical skills but also contribute positively to the overall patient experience and the functioning of your dental practice.
When wondering how to hire a dental hygienist, it’s essential to look for a combination of technical skills, interpersonal qualities, and professionalism. Here are some key qualities to consider when wondering how to hire a dental hygienist.
- Education and Licensure: Ensure the candidate has completed an accredited dental hygiene program and holds a valid license in the state where your practice is located.
- Technical Competence: Assess their proficiency in performing dental cleanings, taking X-rays, and other clinical procedures. Look for knowledge of current dental hygiene practices, infection control, and familiarity with relevant technologies.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication skills are crucial for explaining oral health concepts to patients with diverse backgrounds and ages while collaborating with the dental team.
- Compassion and Empathy: Assess their ability to make patients feel comfortable and supported during dental procedures.
- Attention to Detail: Look for candidates who exhibit meticulousness in their work, ensuring thorough cleanings and accurate record-keeping.
- Adaptability: Dental hygienists should be adaptable to new technologies, procedures, and changes in the dental field.
- Professionalism: Evaluate their punctuality, reliability, and commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.
- Teamwork: Look for candidates who can collaborate effectively within a team. Assess their ability to communicate and coordinate patient care with other dental professionals.
Creating the Ideal Job Posting
How to hire a dental hygienist starts with creating the job posting. Tailoring your job posting is crucial to attract the right dental hygienist candidates. By providing clear and appealing information, you can increase the likelihood of attracting qualified professionals who align with your practice’s needs and culture.
- Create an Engaging Title: Craft a title that is not only descriptive but also enticing. Use keywords like “skilled,” “experienced,” or “passionate” to attract candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding position.
- Highlight Unique Aspects of Your Practice: Showcase what sets your dental practice apart. Whether it’s a focus on patient care, cutting-edge technology, a supportive team environment, or specific benefits, emphasizing unique aspects can attract candidates who align with your practice values.
- Clearly Outline Responsibilities: Provide a detailed list of the specific responsibilities and duties the dental hygienist will be expected to perform. This helps candidates assess if their skills match the requirements of the position.
- Specify Qualifications and Requirements: Be specific about the skills and certifications needed, such as proficiency in using certain dental software, familiarity with specific procedures, or any specialized training.
- Emphasize Opportunities for Professional Growth: Highlight any opportunities for professional development or advancement within your practice.
- Promote a Positive Work Culture: Use language that reflects a positive and inclusive work culture. Mention team-building activities, a collaborative environment, and any employee perks or benefits to create an appealing workplace image.
- Use Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion to create an inviting atmosphere for applicants from various backgrounds.
- Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Clearly state the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, and benefits. If your practice offers competitive pay, flexible schedules, or unique perks, make sure to mention them.
- Encourage Personalized Responses: Include a prompt in your job posting that encourages candidates to share specific experiences or aspects of their work that make them stand out.
Platforms for Dental Hygiene Job Postings
Several websites and online platforms specialize in dental job postings, making them suitable for hiring dental hygienists. Additionally, consider networking within the dental community and reaching out to local dental schools for potential candidates.
- Indeed: Indeed is a widely used job board that allows you to post dental hygienist job openings and reach a large pool of job seekers.
- DentalPost: DentalPost is a niche job board specifically designed for dental professionals.
- Dental Jobs: Dental Jobs is a dedicated platform for dental professionals, featuring job listings for dental hygienists, dentists, dental assistants, and more.
- Monster: Monster is a general job board that covers a wide range of industries, including healthcare.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can post job openings and connect with potential candidates.
- American Dental Hygienist Association CareerCenter (ADHA): The ADHA CareerCenter is a resource provided by the American Dental Hygienist Association, featuring job listings in the dental field.
- ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter is a job posting and recruiting platform that allows you to reach a broad audience.
- Glassdoor: Glassdoor is known for company reviews and insights, but it also has a job board where you can post dental hygienist positions.
Providing a Successful Interview
How to hire a dental hygienist includes preforming a successful interview. Conducting a proper interview is essential to assess a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and fit for the dental hygienist position.
Before the Interview
- Review the Candidate’s Resume: Familiarize yourself with the candidate’s education, work experience, and relevant skills. Identify areas you want to explore further during the interview.
- Prepare Questions: Develop a list of structured and situational questions that assess technical competence, interpersonal skills, and alignment with your practice values. Consider asking about specific experiences in previous roles.
- Coordinate with the Interview Panel: If multiple team members will be involved in the interview process, ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the interview format, questions, and evaluation criteria.
During the Interview
Begin the interview with a warm welcome to help the candidate feel at ease. Briefly explain the interview process and provide an overview of the practice.
- Ask About Education and Experience: Start with questions about the candidate’s education, training, and work experience. Explore their familiarity with specific dental procedures, technologies, and any specialized training.
- Explore Problem-Solving Skills: Present hypothetical situations or real challenges encountered in dental settings and ask how the candidate would handle them. Assess their problem-solving abilities and ability to adapt to unexpected scenarios.
- Discuss Patient Interaction: Inquire about the candidate’s approach to patient care and building rapport. Assess their ability to handle patients with dental anxiety or special needs and create a positive and comfortable environment.
- Evaluate Teamwork and Collaboration: Ask about the candidate’s experience working in a dental team. Explore how they collaborate with dentists, dental assistants, and other team members to ensure coordinated patient care.
- Inquire About Professional Development: Discuss the candidate’s commitment to professional growth. Inquire about any continuing education courses, certifications, or memberships in dental associations.
- Clarify Expectations and Address Questions: Clearly explain the expectations for the role, including work hours, patient load, and any specific responsibilities. Encourage the candidate to ask questions about the practice and the position.
After the Interview
Concluding how to hire a dental hygienist ends with making your choice. Utilize your office manager or HR department to help pick the right candidate for your dental office.
- Debrief with the Interview Panel: Convene with other team members who participated in the interview to discuss observations, impressions, and evaluations. Ensure alignment on the candidate’s fit for the position.
- Check References: If the interview is successful, check the candidate’s references to verify their work history, skills, and professionalism.
- Extend the Offer: Once references are satisfactory, extend a job offer to the chosen candidate. Clearly communicate the terms of employment, including compensation, benefits, and start date.
Resources for Interviewing Dental Hygienists
Searching for the perfect dental office can be intimidating. Dental hygienists can always offer to do a working interview, where you either shadow or see patients for the day. This can help you get an accurate feel for how the office flows and if it is the correct fit for you.
Check out our articles below for more support.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Certain products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
