5 Proven Tactics to Hire the Best Dental Hygienist in the Pacific Northwest
Dental practices in the Pacific Northwest know that a skilled and dedicated dental hygienist is essential for providing top-notch patient care. But with the region’s unique dental landscape, how do you attract and hire the perfect hygienist to join your team? Here are five proven tactics to guide your search:
1. Look Beyond the License
- Licensing and Certifications: Ensure your candidate possesses a valid dental hygienist license for your state in the Pacific Northwest and any specialized certifications relevant to your practice’s needs.
- Experience: Seek out candidates with experience in various Pacific Northwest dental settings. This demonstrates their knowledge of the region’s patient base and potential adaptability to your practice style.
2. Prioritize Skills and Patient-Centered Approach
- Patient-First Philosophy: Prioritize hygienists who demonstrate exceptional empathy and communication skills. This is essential for building trust within the Pacific Northwest, especially with patients who may have dental anxiety.
- Clinical Expertise: While proficiency in standard dental hygiene procedures is a given, seek out candidates with specialized skills that complement your practice. (Ex: advanced periodontal therapy, experience with children).
- Educator Mindset: Hygienists passionate about preventive care education are invaluable. Look for candidates who empower patients to take ownership of their oral health.
3. Seek Alignment in Practice Fit and Value
- Team-Oriented: A hygienist who collaborates seamlessly with dentists and other team members is essential in the Pacific Northwest’s close-knit dental communities. Seek candidates who demonstrate proactive communication and a genuine willingness to support the overall flow of the practice.
- Workstyle and Availability: Determine the hygienist’s preferred workstyle (full-time or part-time), their flexibility, and ensure their availability aligns with your practice’s scheduling needs. This is crucial for maintaining a smooth workflow and meeting patient demand in the Pacific Northwest.
- Alignment with Practice Goals: Finding a hygienist who understands and shares your practice’s mission, philosophy, and its emphasis on preventive care translates into a more invested and long-term team member. Look for candidates who resonate with your vision and are eager to contribute to the practice’s growth.
4. Don't Overlook These Important Considerations
- Compensation expectations: Establish a realistic salary range based on experience level, competitive rates within the Pacific Northwest, and your practice’s budget. Openly discussing compensation early in the process can save time for both parties.
- Technology proficiency: With the increasing reliance on electronic health records and dental software, assess your candidate’s comfort level with the technologies you use in your practice. Tech-savvy hygienists will integrate more seamlessly into your workflow.
5. Partner with Dental Professionals for a Successful Hire
Hiring the right dental hygienist in the Pacific Northwest can be easier with the help of Dental Professionals, a trusted employment service in the region.
Deep Understanding of the Pacific Northwest Dental Landscape
Since 1981, Dental Professionals has built a strong understanding of the Pacific Northwest dental industry. We can leverage this knowledge to help you find the hygienist who best fits your practice’s needs.
Extensive Network Across the Region
We work extensively with dental practices in Puget Sound, Washington, Oregon, and other key locations in the Pacific Northwest. This allows us to connect you with a dedicated network of skilled dental hygienists with experience working in the region.
Streamlined Search Process
Dental Professionals offers a variety of services to streamline your search, including:
- Access to a network of qualified hygienists familiar with the Pacific Northwest
- Broader reach through job board postings
- Dedicated resources for direct hire placements within the region
Contact Dental Professionals Today
Let Dental Professionals take the stress out of your hiring process in the Pacific Northwest. Connect with our team by calling our office at 206-767-4851 to start your search for an exceptional dental hygienist. Begin Registration.
Join us in building exceptional dental teams across the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
