A large number of dental employees have either recently changed jobs or are considering changing jobs in search of higher pay and more benefits. But rising labor costs are putting a strain on dental practice owners already struggling with financial challenges.
About two-thirds of dental hygienists, dental assistants and associate dentists are unhappy with their compensation, and nearly 60% of respondents have not received a pay raise in the past year, according to a survey conducted by GoTu, a dental staffing marketplace.
Dentalpost recently reported that dental assistants are the likeliest dental professionals to be seeking new opportunities, with 47% considering changing jobs within the next two years. Among those considering changing jobs, 84% cite higher pay as a primary motivation, followed by better benefits and seeking a more appreciative employer. Dentalpost concluded that while there is a positive influx of dental assistants entering the field, improvements in compensation, culture and workload are needed for stable retention.