Poll Results: What Dental Practices Think About Direct Hire Services vs. Temporary Staffing
The dental industry in the Pacific Northwest is constantly evolving, and staffing strategies are at the heart of these changes. To gain insights into the current trends and preferences among dental practices in Washington and Oregon, We at Dental Professionals recently conducted a poll on the topic of direct hire versus temporary staffing. Let’s delve into the findings and see what dental professionals are thinking.
Key Findings:
Direct Hire on the Rise: A clear majority (68%) of respondents expressed a preference for direct hire services over temporary staffing, signaling a growing trend towards building stable, long-term teams. This aligns with national trends, where a 2023 study by the American Staffing Association found that 75% of employers favored direct hire for critical roles requiring specialized skills and cultural alignment. [Source: American Staffing Association – Direct Hire Staffing Trends]
Stability and Continuity Reign Supreme: When asked about their primary reasons for favoring direct hire, respondents emphasized the importance of reducing turnover, enhancing team cohesion, and improving the overall patient experience. This underscores the value of investing in long-term employees who are committed to the practice’s success and fostering a positive work environment.
Flexibility Still Holds Value: While direct hire was the clear frontrunner, 32% of practices acknowledged the benefits of temporary staffing, especially for addressing short-term needs like covering vacations, sick leave, or unexpected vacancies. This highlights the need for a balanced approach to staffing that combines the stability of direct hire with the flexibility of temporary solutions.
Cost Considerations Play a Role: Cost-effectiveness was a significant factor in the decision-making process for many practices. While direct hire may involve higher upfront costs, many respondents recognized the long-term savings associated with reduced turnover and increased productivity.
Specialized Skills in High Demand: Access to a wider pool of talent with specialized skills was also a key motivator for choosing direct hire services. This reflects the growing trend towards specialization in dentistry and the need for practices to stay ahead of the curve.
Client Testimonials: Real-World Experiences with Dental Professionals
From a Practice Manager:
“I have worked with Dental Professionals for many years and through many changes. They have helped me staff private practices and DSOs when unexpected call outs happen or even change in staff. They have provided support with qualified temp and permanent staffing; sometimes with very short notice! With their diligence to fill requests it has saved loss of revenue but more importantly we can still take care of the patient. I appreciate that if I do have feedback that they listen! I highly recommend them for all staffing needs. They truly are “Dental Professionals” – Joy S. (Google Review)
From a Dental Hygienist:
“When asked by fellow dental hygienists about which dental agency I like to work with in the Greater Seattle Area, I always recommend Dental Professionals. I have had the pleasure of being able to work as a temporary dental hygienist for Dental Professionals ever since I graduated in 2002. They have always been responsive and supportive to me with my employment needs over the years. I have used them to find permanent part and full-time employers as well. Communication is easy these days and just a text away. I love that they are responsible for the payroll now as it makes tax time a lot easier on me. They have evolved their services over the years and have a great staff to work with. Shout out to Kim, Katy, Alyssa, and Lolly for their hard work! Thanks Ladies!” – Kata T. (Google Review)
From a Long-Term Dental Professional Employee:
“I have been an employee of Dental Professionals since 2004. They have worked very hard to keep me busy and have a sincere desire to help me with permanent work. If you are looking for a temp agency for your dental needs look no further. This is the place. Thank you Dental Professionals for always looking out for me. It’s been an honor to serve with you.” – Janet H. (Google Review)
The Voice of Dental Professionals:
These poll results echo the conversations we have with our clients every day. Dental practices in the Pacific Northwest are increasingly recognizing the value of building a strong, stable team through direct hire, while also appreciating the flexibility that temporary staffing can provide in certain situations.
Expert Analysis
The poll findings highlight the importance of a tailored approach to dental staffing. While direct hire is gaining traction for its long-term benefits, temporary staffing still holds value for addressing short-term needs. By partnering with a specialized staffing agency like Dental Professionals, dental practices can access the expertise and resources they need to develop a comprehensive staffing strategy that supports their growth and success.
Conclusion
The dental staffing landscape is evolving, with a growing emphasis on direct hire solutions for long-term stability and growth. By understanding the benefits and limitations of both direct hire and temporary staffing, and leveraging the expertise of a trusted partner like Dental Professionals, you can build a thriving team that delivers exceptional patient care and propels your practice to new heights in the competitive Pacific Northwest market.
