The dental industry must take an active role in combating the staffing shortage and make long-term investments that will shape the size and quality of the labor pool, Forbes reported Feb. 15.
Here are three steps dental industry leaders should take to address the staffing crisis:
1. Recognize the specialized and highly technical work done by professionals in the industry who aren't necessarily dental experts, such as those with revenue cycle management experience. Formalize dental practice administrative functions and recognize those roles as professions unto themselves to shape more direct and effective recruitment measures.
2. Pioneer professional development opportunities in areas that are lacking. Education is increasingly critical as technology advances, and a practice's survival and profitability depend on keeping pace.
3. Ask experienced professionals to teach best practices and update skills. Areas that lack formal training present an opportunity to cultivate new talent.
"It's not enough to wait for trade organizations or educational institutions to take the lead," according to Forbes. "Members of the industry need to step forward and initiate proactive steps."