How Dental Practices in Puget Sound Are Solving the Staffing Shortage
If you’re running a dental practice anywhere in the Puget Sound region, you’ve likely felt the ripple effects of today’s dental staffing shortage. Whether you’re in Tacoma, Everett, Bremerton, or somewhere in between, finding reliable, qualified dental professionals has become one of the biggest operational challenges for local practices.
So how do dental offices keep up with patient demand when their team is stretched thin?
For many practices in the Puget Sound area, the answer is partnering with a trusted dental staffing agency like Dental Professionals.
What’s Fueling the Dental Staffing Shortage in Puget Sound?
You’re not imagining it—it really is harder to hire right now. Across Washington and the Puget Sound area, practices are struggling to fill roles such as:
- Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs)
- Dental Assistants (DAs and EFDAs)
- Front Office Coordinators
- Treatment Planners
- Office Managers
Here’s what’s driving the shortage:
- Many dental professionals left the workforce during the pandemic
- Fewer new graduates are entering the field each year
- Competition from corporate practices and DSOs is heating up
- Puget Sound’s rising cost of living encourages job-hopping for better pay or benefits
If your practice is short-staffed, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. That’s where we come in.
How a Dental Staffing Agency Can Help Puget Sound Practices Thrive
At Dental Professionals, we’ve been helping Washington dental offices find, hire, and retain top talent for over 40 years. We specialize in the Puget Sound region and understand the nuances of each local market.
Here’s what we offer:
✔️ Direct Hire Placements
Need a permanent hygienist or assistant? We’ll match you with pre-screened candidates who fit your clinical needs and office culture.
✔️ Temp-To-Hire Staffing
Test out a team member before committing—ideal for reducing turnover and ensuring the right fit.
✔️ Temporary Coverage
Last-minute call-out? Maternity leave coming up? We can often provide same-day or next-day coverage to keep your schedule running smoothly.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Dental Staff in Puget Sound?
One of the most common questions we hear from dental practices is: “What’s it going to cost to hire staff through an agency?” And the answer is: it depends—on the role, duration, and type of placement.
Here’s what affects staffing costs:
- Role type: Dental hygienists typically have a higher hourly rate than dental assistants or front office staff
- Placement type: Temporary roles are billed hourly, while permanent hires may involve a one-time placement fee
- Experience level: More experienced professionals usually command higher rates, but may need less training
- Urgency and duration: Last-minute or extended placements may have different pricing structures
While there are fees involved, using an agency often results in cost savings by speeding up hiring, reducing turnover, and improving retention.
Temp vs. Temp-to-Hire vs. Direct Hire: What’s Best for Your Dental Practice?
Each practice is different, and so is every hiring scenario. Whether you’re covering a sick day, expanding your team, or looking to reduce turnover, choosing the right hiring model matters.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Staffing Type | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
Temporary (Temp) | Last-minute coverage, seasonal demand | Fast placement, no long-term commitment | May require more orientation time |
Temp-to-Hire | Testing candidates before offering a permanent role | Reduces turnover, ensures fit | Slightly longer decision timeline |
Direct Hire | Permanent full-time roles | Long-term team building, higher commitment | Upfront investment, slower process |
Why Puget Sound Dental Practices Choose Local Expertise
There’s no substitute for local knowledge. Puget Sound isn’t just one city—it’s a diverse region with unique challenges, demographics, and expectations. From Bellingham to Olympia, we know:
- Where to find qualified candidates in each subregion
- What drives hiring competition in your local area
- How to match professionals to practice culture and pace
And we’re not a general staffing agency—we’re 100% focused on dental.
Common Hiring Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
We’ve seen firsthand how even experienced practices can run into trouble when hiring. Here are a few red flags to avoid:
- Hiring without checking references
- Waiting too long to start the hiring process
- Not considering temp-to-hire as an option
- Ignoring candidate fit in favor of speed
Working with a partner like Dental Professionals helps you avoid rushed decisions and costly mis-hires.
FAQ: Dental Staffing in the Puget Sound Area
How fast can I hire dental staff in Puget Sound?
Many of our clients are matched with temp or temp-to-hire professionals within 24 hours. For permanent placements, the process typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your specific requirements.
Do you only work with dental hygienists?
Not at all—we staff dental assistants, front office professionals, office managers, and more. Our extensive network includes a variety of dental professionals to meet your practice’s unique needs.
What areas around Puget Sound do you serve?
We serve the entire Puget Sound region, including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, Bremerton, and surrounding communities. Our reach extends throughout Western Washington, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your staffing needs.
What types of dental positions can I fill through a staffing agency?
Staffing agencies can help fill a range of positions, including dental hygienists, dental assistants, front office staff, office managers, and even dentists. Whether you’re looking for temporary coverage or permanent hires, agencies provide access to qualified professionals across various roles.
How do dental staffing agencies vet candidates?
Reputable dental staffing agencies conduct thorough vetting processes, which may include verifying licenses and certifications, checking references, assessing clinical skills, and ensuring cultural fit with your practice. This comprehensive screening helps ensure you receive competent and reliable staff.
Can I hire temporary staff for just one day?
Yes, many dental staffing agencies offer flexible solutions, including single-day assignments. This is particularly useful for covering unexpected absences or peak periods without committing to long-term contracts.
What are the benefits of using a dental staffing agency over hiring independently?
Utilizing a dental staffing agency can save time and resources by providing pre-screened candidates, reducing the risk of bad hires, and offering flexible staffing options. Agencies handle the recruitment process, allowing you to focus on patient care and practice management.
Are there costs associated with using a dental staffing agency?
While there are fees for staffing services, these are often offset by the time saved in recruitment and the reduced risk of turnover. Agencies typically offer transparent pricing structures, and the investment can lead to improved efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Whether you’re managing one clinic in Tacoma or a network of practices across the Puget Sound, Dental Professionals can help you build the team you need—without the hiring headaches.
