Have you ever had a patient leave your dental practice because you don’t take their insurance, only to have them return for their next recall, realizing that all offices are not the same? I think there’s a lesson in there for employees to consider before accepting a new job down the street for a few more dollars an hour.
Social media forums are full of hygienists weighing out job opportunities. They compare commute, hours, type of office, and certainly, pay. One common complaint I see is a new hire making the same hourly rate as someone who has been in the office for a while (or the job is advertised for even more).
The 2024 salary survey from DentalPost reported that 45% of all respondents are considering a job change this year. While the reasons for change ranged from better work environment and location to career advancement, higher pay landed in all positions’ top three reasons for change. And while money talks, if you’re thinking of moving on, you need to really think about what you’re getting in your current position.
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How are your benefits?
Benefits vary considerably from office to office. However, the DentalPost salary survey reports that 85% of offices offer some benefits, up 19% from 2022! Take note of what benefits your office is providing before jumping ship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that benefits cost an employer an average of $13.58 an hour. So you might end up making less by accepting a few dollars more an hour if the benefits don’t line up.
Think about the culture
Back to that patient who left and came back … if you’re happy in your current situation, think long and hard before you go. There could be a reason one office is paying significantly higher than another. Ask questions about why the position is open and how long the other employees have been at the practice. A revolving door of employees could be a huge red flag about the office's culture, and no amount of money is worth your sanity.
Do they offer flexibility?
When my kids were little and my husband deployed to Iraq, life got hard. Between their schedules, my work, and the sheer stress of life, I was ready to quit. When I went to resign, my office manager asked what I needed to stay. After a great heart-to-heart, they agreed to change my hours, and I ended my day at 3:00 so I could pick up the kids. I had been at the practice for 10 years, and that meant a lot to the office and the patients. Having that long-term relationship opened up the conversation for flexibility.
Is it progressive?
Burnout is a common reality in the workplace right now. Before you jump ship, ensure your move isn’t pushing you backward. We’ve all seen the office that still has carpet in the operatories and a dip tank for x-rays (or at least we’ve heard stories). Innovation and progressive technology could be just the things that keep you excited about dentistry.
Thinking of leaving? Speak up
If more money really is a make or break for you, talk to your current employer. There might be some wiggle room in their budget. But if there isn’t, consider other ways to increase your compensation. Look into bonus systems or production-based pay. Perhaps the office can add some benefits such as paid continuing education or reimbursement for membership dues.
Sometimes we do need a change of scenery. But keep in mind the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
