How to Hire the Right Dental Staff: A Complete Guide for Dental Practices in 2025

Over 60% of dental practices cite staffing shortages as their biggest challenge, according to the American Dental Association and it's Health Policy Institute. You can have state-of-the-art technology and the most comfortable chairs in town, but without the right people on your team, patients won’t stay. That’s why learning how to hire the right dental staff isn’t just an HR task, it’s a make-or-break factor for the long-term success of your practice.

Whether you’re a new dentist opening doors in Tennessee, or an established clinic looking to expand, the hiring process sets the tone for everything else. Let’s break it down.

Recruitment Tips for Finding the Right Dental Practice Staff

The hiring process begins long before the interview. Start with a clear job description that highlights the role, required skills, and expectations. Be specific, do you need a dental assistant with surgical experience, or is customer service the top priority for your front office staff?

Here are practical ways to attract the best candidates:

• Use social media and dental-specific job boards to connect with potential hires. Don’t just post a listing, create engaging graphics, short videos, and targeted ads so your message reaches the right audience.
• Highlight your office culture, candidates want to know if they’ll be part of a supportive team player environment.
• Consider referrals from colleagues in the dental industry. Often, the best hires come from word of mouth.
• Showcase career pathways by including growth opportunities in your job posts. Candidates are drawn to practices that invest in their future.
• Highlight the commitment of the practice  to inclusive hiring, it  signals a progressive and respectful workplace.

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How to Hire and Keep Great Dental Office Staff?

Finding the right person is half the job. Keeping them is the other. Staff turnover disrupts patient care, hurts morale, and costs you time and money. To hire and keep great staff, think about retention during the hiring process itself.

During the interview process, go beyond resumes. Ask about long term goals, problem-solving skills, and how they handle high-pressure moments. The goal is to identify people who want to grow with your practice, not just collect a paycheck.

• Keep in mind that the onboarding experience is the first experience in an employee’s journey with your organization. A structured onboarding plan with welcome kits, shadowing opportunities, and clear milestones builds trust from day one.
• Offer structured dental staff training programs.
• Provide opportunities for continuing education and certification.
• Curate a 60/90 days peer mentorship program for new hires with experienced staff to foster connection and accelerate learning.

Managing the Dental Team for Long-Term Success

Hiring is just the beginning. Transforming a group of individuals into a high-performing and a successful dental team takes strong, empathetic leadership. It’s empathy -not just expertise that fosters trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to patient care.

Here’s what effective management looks like:

• Clear communication: Make sure every team member understands their role and how it connects to patient care.
• Listening builds connection: When employee feedback is welcomed and acted upon, it fosters trust and belonging. Regular, anonymous pulse surveys help surface concerns early, catching burnout and guiding timely workflow adjustments.
• Accountability systems: Regular meetings and performance reviews help keep everyone aligned.

Best Practices for Hiring the Right Employee in Your Dental Office

Every dental office is unique, but certain hiring practices are universally effective.

• Screen thoroughly: Beyond technical skills, look for emotional intelligence and communication ability.
• Conduct a personal interview: This helps you spot the subtle signs of a good (or bad) fit.
• Behavioral interviews: Scenario-based questions like “Tell me about a time you calmed a nervous patient” uncover emotional intelligence and practical judgment.
• Cultural fit checks: Quick quizzes or team interactions help assess alignment with your practice’s values and working style.
• Trial periods: Some practices use short-term contracts before committing to full-time employment.

FAQs on Hiring Dental Staff in Tennessee

What’s the biggest mistake dental practices make when hiring?
Many rush the process. Hiring quickly often leads to choosing the wrong person. Taking time upfront saves you from higher turnover later.

How do I make my dental office more appealing to candidates?
Highlight what makes your practice stand out. Whether it’s flexible scheduling, continuing education opportunities, or a collaborative environment, show potential candidates that your practice is where they’ll thrive.

Is it better to hire experienced staff or train new ones?
It depends on your needs. Experienced staff can hit the ground running, while new hires may be more adaptable and open to your practice’s systems. Often, a mix of both works best.

The Bottom Line

Knowing how to hire the right dental staff comes down to preparation, clarity, and culture. From writing a strong job description to building a supportive workplace, every step shapes the kind of people you’ll attract, and keep.

If you’re running a dental practice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and want to focus more on patient care than the stresses of staffing, it helps to have expert guidance. At Dr. Nate Schott’s office, we understand that great dentistry is built on great teams. Visit us today to learn how our services can support your practice’s growth while ensuring patients get the best care possible.

Book your consultation at our Murfreesboro office:
1630 South Church Street, Suite 302 (3rd Floor)
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(629) 240-2209
info@drnateschott.com