Are you still cleaning teeth because you can’t find a hygienist, or because you’re nervous to make the hire?
I get it. Hygienists are expensive. If your schedule is busy and new patients are waiting, though, doing hygiene yourself isn’t saving money. It’s costing you same-day treatment, new patient exams, and time to lead.
Here’s how to know it’s time to hire:
- You’re booked out four weeks or more.
No hygienist and a four-week wait? It’s time. Already have one but booking recalls over new patient blocks? Open another column. - You’re nearing 500 active patients per hygienist.
One hygienist can support about 750. Start planning at 500. - You’re paying below market.
Check local job ads and salary sites. Raise your current team first. Losing a great hygienist costs far more. - You’re only seeing the expense.
A strong hygienist should produce three times their salary and fill your schedule with doctor treatment.
The first hire is the scariest one. I’ve never seen adding a provider hurt a practice that had the patients to support it. Start looking now. The right person rarely shows up the week you need them.
P.S. Still holding onto more than hygiene? Join our free live webinar, The Doctor Bottleneck: How to Build a Practice That Grows Without You Driving Everything, Wednesday, November 18th at 7PM Central. Learn how to get your office manager and team leaders truly owning results. Register here to save your seat.
