40% of dental offices have recently or are currently recruiting for dental assistants and dental hygienists.  Of those recruiting and having challenges finding dental hygienists, about 80% indicate the reason is that there are not enough applicants.  Dental service organizations (DSOs) had the lowest satisfaction rankings for dental assistants, hygienists and even dentists, even though DSOs offered much higher levels of benefits. Public health had the highest satisfaction rankings.  About 50% of dental offices had given raises to dental hygienists and dental assistants within the last year, the majority having a pay raise of between 1% and 3%.  Unhealthy workplace culture was reported frequently.  The most common reasons among dental hygienists for leaving the workforce were negative workplace culture, lack of growth opportunity, and inadequate benefits.  The most common reasons among dental assistants for leaving the workforce were insufficient pay, negative workplace culture, and feeling overworked. A 2022 survey by TELUSHealth (formerly LifeWorks) found that 55% of working Canadians value flexible work arrangements over career progression. The same survey found that one-third of respondents felt that providing greater flexibility was the most important action their employer took to support their mental health. Almost half of respondents (48%) said enjoying the work they do was the reason they stay with their employer, while 34% cited health and wellness benefits and 33% reported being well paid. “Flexibility now consistently ranks as one of the top recruitment and retention factors,” says Papadopoulos. “It’s challenging in the dental office, but there may be innovative ways to operate with greater flexibility.” Compensation and benefits are important. But it has become increasingly clear thatawell-managed,positive workplace that offers a good work-life balance can also make a real difference. 2022 American Dental Association survey on dental workforce shortages: 21 Issue 5 | 2023 | Issues and People
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