Hiring/Firing

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Alternative Workweek schedules and employee onboarding are the topics in the second quarter of 2024.

The shortage of dental assistants impacts the productivity of the total practice. CDA members benefit from easy-to-implement training programs and staffing support plus legislative advocacy pursued on behalf of California practices.

Seeking specialized advice from risk management experts is essential for addressing the complexities of running a dental practice and managing employee dynamics. Collaboration with TDIC’s Advice Line analysts contributes to the long-term viability, success and prosperity of the dental practice.

HIPAA does not prohibit the use of virtual assistants, including those who work outside of the U.S. However, as HIPAA-covered entities, dentists and the business associates they contract with are responsible for ensuring assistants are trained to safeguard patient information.

Local dental societies and dentists have successfully launched dental assistant training programs to provide effective, accelerated training to the labor force in their areas. Some of these utilize CDA’s Dental Assistant Training curriculum. Learn more about these local programs and CDA’s upcoming Smile Crew CA Dental Assistant Training Bootcamp. 

The four-part series explores the crucial stages of finding qualified candidates, successfully integrating new team members into the dental practice and retaining top talent.

A new state law will increase wage transparency for California job applicants and current employees beginning Jan. 1, 2023, with resulting new job-posting, pay scale disclosure and records-maintenance requirements for covered employers. 

In-office dental assistant training has arrived for the many CDA members who continue to have challenges finding and hiring qualified dental assistants for their practice. The curriculum provides 12 weeks of supportive online learning for use alongside in-office training.

Dental staffing shortages may make it tempting to offer a position to the first person who turns in an application, but a measured approach to hiring is recommended. Time and planning invested in your practice’s hiring process will save you money, maintain consistency and reduce risks of bad hires.

The current hiring market is very competitive, with a shortage of candidates to fill open positions. CDA Practice Support analysts offer their expert guidance to help guide dental practice owners through the process of recruiting, hiring and retaining employees.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 16 signed a bill that requires employers in certain industries statewide to rehire employees who were laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental practice owners who hire and employ an individual janitorial staff member to clean their dental office are considered covered employers and must comply with the new obligations. 

With an increasing demand for dental assistants throughout California, CDA is encouraging member dentists to consider transferable skills while recruiting and hiring. Smile Crew CA aims to create a pool of qualified candidates by targeting job seekers who have been displaced from service roles with adaptable skills that would make them a viable dental assistant.