How Top Dental Practices Retain Happy Teams and Drive Growth

NexHealth surveyed over 500 practices to get a read on revenue performance, top hiring and staff retention strategies, and predictions for the future of the industry. In this guide, we'll explore:

• Why over 10% of staff are leaving their current practice
• Top stressors for staff and patients
• What practices with high staff retention do differently

The dental industry is experiencing positive momentum, with 62% of practices reporting revenue growth. However, staffing remains a critical challenge, with 74% expressing concerns about retention.

"As an industry, we just cannot seem to attract and retain talent." - Dr. Benjamin Turnwald, Owner and Dentist, Benjamin Turnwald Dentistry

Staffing Landscape and Challenges

• 82% of practices needed to hire new staff, with highest demand for Dental Assistants, Hygienists, and Office Managers
• Main reasons for staff turnover: salary (58%) and burnout (42%)
• Top office stressors: cancellations/no-shows (58%) and excessive paperwork (17%)

"Any medical field burns you out. It's so important to make your staff feel valued for their hard work." - Michelle Jackson, Office Administrator, Ravens Family Dental

What High-Retention Practices Do Differently

High-retention practices show 87% confidence in growth compared to 57% for practices struggling with turnover. Their success stems from several key strategies:

1. Technology Implementation and Training

• 90% utilize patient texting/emailing tools
• 77% use digital patient intake solutions
• 60% provide comprehensive technology training
• Focus on reducing manual workload and administrative burden

"Technology is crucial for our office staff. Switching from paper to digital forms saves me 15 minutes per patient, and data accuracy is up." - Jessica Foss, Office Manager, Papageorgiou Dental Associates

2. Staff Development and Culture

• 71% implement staff recognition programs
• 61% conduct regular performance reviews
• Prioritize career development and growth opportunities

"Staff recognition is very important, and the biggest thing is communication. Practices should help staff navigate their career, so they continue to improve and feel accomplished." - Hillary Smedley, VP of Operations, Genesis Dental Utah

3. Modern Hiring Approaches

Some practices find success hiring for personality over technical skills, particularly for front-office roles. This approach:

• Broadens the hiring pool
• Brings fresh perspectives from other service industries
• Allows for training in dental-specific skills

"We can hire someone with a great personality and customer service background, and we can teach them dental." - Rob Spears, VP of Information Technology, Smile Partners

Remote Work Evolution

30% of practices are considering transitioning to hybrid or remote front office operations. Digital tools enable:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Reduced overhead costs
• Maintained patient service quality

"Some patients don't like calling, and some can't call. Having them directly book online is amazing and the office staff no longer needs to call patients one by one." - Gabriella Bateman, Owner and Dentist, Half Moon Bay Family Dentistry

AI and Automation

39% of practices anticipate increased productivity from AI implementation, with focus areas including:

• Patient communications
• Scheduling automation
• Administrative task streamlining
• Insurance claim processing

Patient Experience Focus

The top patient complaint remains difficulty in scheduling appointments, followed by excessive paperwork. High-performing practices address these issues through digital solutions that benefit both patients and staff.

Key Success Strategies

1. Implement digital tools to reduce administrative burden
2. Invest in employee development and recognition
3. Consider flexible work arrangements
4. Maintain competitive compensation
5. Focus on building a positive, collaborative culture

"Hiring great people is the beginning, retaining great people is progress, and supporting each other is ultimately the success." - Rob Spears, VP of Information Technology, Smile Partners

Success in dental practice management increasingly depends on balancing technology adoption with strong team development. Practices that excel in staff retention demonstrate higher growth potential and better patient outcomes.