Locked into Rigid Routines? Your Dental Team Might Walk

Employee says: “I am looking for a position that can offer me flexibility”

Employer says: “Oh! You are looking for flexibility in your role?”

Employer thinks: “ How do I offer flexibility when I have patients booked 8.30am – 5.30pm, 5 days per week and everyone needs flexibility?

It is a complex problem with no easy solution

Attracting and maintaining a motivated and productive dental team is vital for any successful practice. And, when 6/10 workers want more flexibility over how they structure their working time (ADP Research Institute’s People at Work 2022: A Global Workforce View), we have a unique challenge to overcome in the dental practice.

While the benefits of offering flexibility to employees are widely recognised, implementing such measures in a dental practice presents, undeniably unique challenges. Lets begin exploring the importance of workplace flexibility and the obstacles dental practices face in achieving it, along with practical strategies to make flexibility more attainable. In turn this may help with attracting new ideal team members to your practice.,

The Importance of Flexibility

Flexibility in the workplace is more than just a post 2020 trend – it’s a crucial component of a healthy work environment. Here’s why:

• Enhanced Employee Well-being
  Flexibility allows employees to better balance their professional and personal lives, leading to improved mental and physical health. This is particularly important in high-stress environments like dental practices, where burnout is a common issue.

• Increased Job Satisfaction
  Employees who feel they have control over their schedules are generally happier and more satisfied with their jobs. This satisfaction translates into higher levels of engagement and productivity, which benefits the entire practice.

• Attracting Ideal Team Members
  Offering flexibility is a significant draw for jobseekers. In a competitive job market, flexible work arrangements can set a dental practice apart from others, making it an attractive option for skilled professionals, and part of your employer brand.

• Reduced Turnover
  Flexible working conditions can reduce turnover rates by addressing one of the primary reasons employees leave their jobs – lack of balance between being at work and personal life. This stability is crucial for maintaining continuity in patient care and team dynamics.

Common Flexibility Scenarios in Dental Practices

Flexibility in dental practices can take many forms. Here are some scenarios that dental teams might encounter:

• Staggered Start Times
  Some team members may prefer to start their workday earlier or later than the standard hours. For example, a dental hygienist might start at 7am to finish earlier in the afternoon, while another might prefer to start at 10am to avoid rush-hour traffic and accommodate personal commitments.

• Part-Time Schedules
  Offering part-time positions can be beneficial for team members who need reduced hours. For instance, a dental assistant or dentist might work part-time to pursue further education or care for a child.

• Compressed Workweeks
  A compressed workweek allows employees to work longer hours over fewer days. For example, a dental receptionist might work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days, providing an extra day off each week.

• Remote Administrative Work
  While clinical roles require physical presence, administrative tasks such as billing, scheduling, and patient follow-ups can often be done remotely. A practice manager might work from home one or two days a week to handle these tasks without interruption.

• Flexible Lunch Breaks Allowing flexible lunch breaks can help team members manage their day more effectively. For example, an oral health therapist may schedule patients to take a longer lunch break to attend a personal appointment and make up the time later in the day.

• Job Sharing
  Job sharing involves two employees sharing the responsibilities of one full-time position. This can be an excellent option for roles like dental receptionists or treatment coordinators. Each employee might work two to three days a week, ensuring that the position is covered full-time.

• Emergency Flexibility
  Life is unpredictable, and emergencies happen. Allowing team members to take unexpected time off for emergencies without penalty can foster a supportive work environment. For instance, a dental assistant might need to leave early to handle a family emergency, with the assurance that their job is secure.

Challenges in Implementing Flexibility in Dental Practices

Despite its benefits, implementing flexibility in a dental practice can have unique challenges. Here are some of the key obstacles:

• Patient-Centric Nature of the Job
  Dental practices revolve around patient appointments and care, which require the physical presence of the dental team. Unlike other professions where remote work is feasible, dentistry necessitates in-person interactions, making flexible scheduling more complicated.

• Appointment Scheduling and Consistency
  Consistent and reliable scheduling is vital for both patients and the practice. Offering flexible hours can disrupt the flow of appointments and lead to scheduling conflicts, potentially affecting patient satisfaction and practice efficiency.

• Team Coordination
  A dental practice relies on seamless teamwork between dentists, hygienists, oral health therapists, assistants, dental technicians and administrative staff. Flexibility in individual schedules can complicate coordination and communication, making it harder to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

• Resource Management Managing resources, including equipment and space, becomes more challenging with flexible work arrangements. Ensuring that all necessary tools and spaces are available when needed requires meticulous planning and can be a logistical nightmare.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Here are some strategies dental practices can adopt to offer flexibility:

• Staggered Shifts
  Implementing staggered shifts allows for extended hours without overburdening individual employees. This approach ensures that patient care continues smoothly while providing team members with more flexible working hours.

• Part-Time and Job Sharing Options
  Offering part-time positions or job-sharing arrangements can attract professionals who need more flexibility. This can help maintain a full roster of staff while accommodating different needs.

• Advanced Scheduling Systems
  Investing in advanced scheduling software can help manage appointments more effectively, allowing for better coordination and flexibility. These systems can predict and accommodate fluctuating schedules, reducing conflicts.

• Clear Communication Channels
  Establishing clear communication channels and protocols ensures that everyone stays informed, even when working flexible hours. Regular meetings and updates can help maintain team cohesion and effectiveness.

• Emphasising Life Balance
  Promoting a culture that values life balance can encourage employees to take advantage of flexible options without guilt. This includes leading by example and recognising the importance of personal time.

Flexibility in the workplace is essential for the well-being and satisfaction of employees. While dental practices face unique challenges in offering flexibility, with thoughtful strategies and a commitment to fostering a supportive work environment, these challenges can be overcome. Embracing flexibility not only benefits the dental team but also enhances the overall efficiency and patient experience in the practice. By prioritising flexibility, dental practices can create a more resilient, motivated, and harmonious workplace.