An estimated 50% of general dentists and periodontists currently need to hire one or more hygienists to be fully staffed. Unfortunately, demographic factors show that this labor shortage (the worst in over 30 years) won’t be resolved anytime soon. Below, hygiene consultant Rachel Wall, RDH* outlines 10 ways to effectively deal with this hygiene staffing crisis.

In consulting with hundreds of general dentists across the country, Rachel Wall has seen what works and what doesn’t in recruiting hygienists. She offers the following recommendations to boost your chances for success:

1. Optimize your want ad – She recommends avoiding these three “Don’ts” in constructing your ad: don’t include a boring list of duties, since hygienists know what’s expected; don’t go into too much detail regarding hours and pay since you need to be flexible to attract the best talent available; and don’t set it and forget it. Be sure to check back to see how the ad is performing.

In addition, she has three “Must Dos.” First, include photos/videos of the practice, staff, and doctor. Second, highlight what makes your practice