Avoid the Hiring Scramble: How Smart Practices Stay Fully Staffed Year-Round

The hiring landscape in dentistry has changed dramatically. A simple job post on Indeed is no longer enough to attract quality candidates, especially when it comes to one of the most essential roles in your office: the dental assistant. Whether you're expanding your practice or simply trying to replace someone who’s moved on, it's become clear that practices need a game plan to stay fully staffed and fully functional.

Why You Need a Hiring Strategy in 2025

Today’s job market is driven by expectations. The new generation of dental assistants entering the field are looking for more than a paycheck—they want purpose, flexibility, fair pay, work/life balance, and a culture that supports them as professionals and as people. And honestly? They deserve it.

If you’re not meeting those expectations, your competitors might be. That’s why having a strategic, ongoing approach to staffing isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Plus, let’s address the obvious: there’s a nationwide shortage of dental assistants. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 40% of dental offices report trouble filling DA roles. The longer it takes to fill those positions, the more strain it puts on your existing staff—and your patients feel it too.

So how do smart practices stay ahead of the hiring scramble?Here are three proven strategies you can begin implementing today:

1. Build Your Employer Brand
Today’s candidates are researching you before they ever hit "apply." What will they find?

• Make sure your social media and website reflect the culture and values of your practice.
• Show off your team, your CE perks, your vibe—whatever makes your office a great place to work.
• Encourage happy staff to leave reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed. Word of mouth matters.

Quick Action Item: Audit your online presence from a potential hire's perspective—what would they think?

2. Interview Before You’re Hiring
This may sound backward, but it’s a smart move. Create a shortlist of potential assistants even when you're fully staffed. Invite strong candidates to tour your office or shadow for an hour. Stay in touch so that when you do have a need, you’re not starting from scratch.

• Consider creating an interest form on your website or social media for future job seekers.
• Offer paid working interviews or externships.

Quick Action Item: Reach out to a local dental assisting school and ask to speak to their current class or offer a lunch & learn.

3. Host a Dental Assisting School in Your Office
Want to take full control of your hiring pipeline? Become the pipeline. Hosting a dental assisting program like Accelerated Academy in your practice allows you to:

• Train future dental assistants inside your real, working office
• Preview and mentor students before they graduate
• Hire directly from your own training pool
• Generate passive income by utilizing your space on weekends
• Boost your community reputation as a place that gives back and builds careers

This strategy isn’t just smart—it’s sustainable. It turns your practice into a destination for both patients and professionals.

Looking Ahead:Dental assisting is a critical role—and it deserves intentional hiring. The good news? The practices that plan ahead, invest in their staff, and create opportunities for growth will always attract the best talent.

Don’t wait until you’re understaffed and overwhelmed. Start building your hiring strategy today—and consider how Accelerated Academy can help.

Ready to get started?

1. Audit your employer brand online.
2. Reach out to Accelerated Academy about hosting a program inside your office.

Your team—and your future hires—will thank you.

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