The Challenge: Understanding the True Cost of High Turnover
Dental offices face a persistent challenge: high employee turnover. Losing team members frequently doesn’t just disrupt workflow—it also has a significant financial and emotional impact. When employees leave, practices must invest time and money in hiring, onboarding, and training new staff. Additionally, frequent turnover affects patient experience, as patients build trust with familiar faces.
Many dental leaders underestimate the cost of turnover, focusing only on recruitment expenses. However, the hidden costs—decreased productivity, lost institutional knowledge, and lower team morale—can be even more damaging in the long run.
Why It Matters
Studies show that dental offices with high retention rates:
- Save thousands of dollars per year in recruitment, training, and lost productivity.
- Deliver better patient experiences since patients feel more comfortable with long-term staff.
- Have stronger team cohesion, leading to better communication and efficiency.
Actionable Takeaways for Reducing Turnover
1. Invest in CE for Professional Growth
Employees are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel supported and challenged. Offer CE training that enhances not just clinical skills but also leadership, teamwork, and communication.
2. Create a Clear Career Development Path
Team members are less likely to leave if they see opportunities for growth. Encourage CE participation as a way to advance within the practice and take on leadership roles.
3. Strengthen Team Culture Through Training
Foster a sense of belonging and collaboration through structured team-building exercises and accountability training. When employees feel valued and engaged, they are more likely to remain in the practice long-term.
4. Prioritize Leadership Development
Great leaders create great workplaces. Provide CE courses that help managers and senior team members develop the skills necessary to support and retain their teams.
Conclusion
Turnover is expensive, but the right investments in training and professional development can dramatically reduce it. When dental teams feel valued, engaged, and supported through CE opportunities, they are more likely to stay, leading to a more stable and successful practice.
Want to lower turnover and build a more cohesive team? Explore IHC’s CE courses designed to strengthen leadership, team culture, and employee retention.
