Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 1

12 | 2020 | Issue 1 CDA at W ork The “working conditions” survey found that there was a split between assistants who believed they were compensated fairly and those who didn’t. As well, according to the “shortage” survey, only half of dentists indicated that their latest hires were looking for higher salaries, yet over 70% indicated the most important factor sought was a full-time position. Anecdotally, it has been reported that common practice for dental assistants is to work at multiple clinic locations in part-time or temporary positions. However, the “working conditions” survey indicates that the majority (71%) worked full-time in one practice. Although this appears positive, it also means that almost one-third of dental assistants are not employed to full-capacity. Indeed, 21% wish they would work more hours and 23% supplement their income with work outside the profession. “Clearly there is a complex issue at play with approximately one-third of the dental assisting workforce seeking full-time employment, and dentists’ perceptions of a shortage of dental assistants,” says Papadopoulos. “There is likely a perceptual gap if many dentists are seeking part-time workers and many dental assistants are seeking full-time work.” What’s the take-home message for dentists? Most importantly, create a healthy work environment that values all team members’ contributions to oral health care. Ensure a collegial and kind culture that supports staff and reduces stress. Find innovative ways to offer full-time hours and confirm that employees are remunerated at fair market rates. Longer term, it may be beneficial to dentists to find ways to help dental assistants come back to work after parental leave, such as providing parental leave benefits and/or childcare benefits. “The cost of staff turnover is high and shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Papadopoulos. “Now—and this will likely increase in the future dental marketplace—it is less expensive to invest in the employees that you already have, and encourage retention, compared to having to replace them.” a 152 91 397 181 343 379 Employment agency School I attended for DA training Word of mouth Social media Personal networking Other “Dental Assistant Shortage Survey” Questionswere answered by dentists Conducted by Canadian Dental Association Purpose: determining if there is a shortage of dental assistants and reasons for a shortage “WorkingConditions Survey” Questionswere answered by dental assistants Conducted by Canadian Dental Assistants Association Purpose: learning about the working conditions of dental assistants and factors that contribute to dental assistants staying in or leaving the profession Source: Factors,Realities,andExperiencesofEmploymentasaDentalAssistant inCanada: FinalReportonaNationalSurveyofCanadianDentalAssistants,2019. "How did you find your current dental assisting position?" Source 1. Hango D, Moyser M. Harassment in Canadian workplaces. S tatistics Canada - Insights on Canadian Society . December 17, 2018. Available: www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/ pub/75-006-x/2018001/article/54982-eng.htm (accessed 2019 Nov 13) *Responsewasedited for lengthandclarity.