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 from the Poll:
1. Direct Hire on the Rise
A significant majority—68% of respondents—expressed a preference for direct hire services over temporary staffing. This growing trend reflects a nationwide shift, as a 2023 study by the American Staffing Association found that 75% of employers favor direct hire for critical roles requiring specialized skills and cultural alignment.
Learn more about our Direct Hire Services and how they can benefit your practice.
2. Stability and Continuity Reign Supreme
When asked why they favored direct hire, dental practices highlighted the importance of:
- Reducing turnover
- Enhancing team cohesion
- Improving the overall patient experience
Long-term employees who are committed to the success of the practice not only foster a positive work environment but also help build trust with patients.
3. Temporary Staffing Offers Vital Flexibility
While direct hire emerged as the frontrunner, 32% of respondents acknowledged the benefits of temporary staffing. It remains an essential tool for addressing short-term needs, such as:
- Covering staff vacations or sick leave
- Filling unexpected vacancies
- Supporting seasonal patient demand
This balanced approach demonstrates the value of integrating both staffing models into a comprehensive strategy. Explore our Temporary Staffing and Temp-to-Hire solutions for your short-term needs.
4. Cost Considerations Influence Decisions
Cost-effectiveness played a critical role in the decision-making process for many practices. While direct hire often involves higher upfront costs, respondents recognized the long-term savings associated with reduced turnover and increased productivity. Temporary staffing, on the other hand, offers a more affordable solution for short-term requirements.
5. Demand for Specialized Skills
Access to a wider talent pool with specialized skills was another key factor driving the preference for direct hire. As dentistry becomes increasingly specialized, having the right experts on your team can set your practice apart. Discover how we support different Practice Types such as DSOs, Orthodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry.
Direct Hire vs. Temporary Staffing: A Quick Comparison
Feature | Direct Hire | Temporary Staffing |
Employment Duration | Long-term | Short-term |
Cost | Higher upfront costs, potential long-term savings | Lower upfront costs, potentially higher long-term costs |
Commitment | High | Low |
Control over hiring process | More control | Less control |
Ideal for | Building a stable team, filling critical roles long-term | Addressing short-term needs, covering absences, trying out candidates |
Benefits | Increased stability, reduced turnover, improved team cohesion | Increased flexibility, access to specialized skills on demand, reduced administrative burden |
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)
How to Choose the Right Staffing Strategy
Selecting the right staffing model depends on your practice’s unique needs. Here are a few considerations to help you decide:
- Practice Size: Larger practices may benefit from the stability of direct hire, while smaller practices may need the flexibility of temporary staffing.
- Budget: If upfront costs are a concern, temporary staffing offers a cost-effective solution. However, direct hire often yields long-term savings through reduced turnover.
- Hiring Goals: For specialized skills or leadership roles, direct hire ensures cultural alignment and long-term commitment.
By combining the stability of direct hire with the flexibility of temporary staffing, your practice can achieve a balanced approach that supports both immediate and long-term needs. Learn about our service areas, including Greater Seattle, Puget Sound, and Oregon and the Greater Portland Area.
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.
