If you’ve read any of my blogs or glanced at job postings recently, then you already know—pay rates for Dental Assistants, Hygienists, and Front Office Staff continue to rise but we are starting to see a plateau.
And with that, we’ve seen a wave of dental professionals making moves, leaving long-time jobs for better pay. And honestly? I get it. My motto is and always will be, “Make that Money, Honey.”
But lately, I’ve been hearing from candidates who took a higher-paying job, only to realize they made a mistake. Their new office just isn’t the right fit. That’s rough.
So, I figured I’d write a post about other “luxuries” your current job might offer beyond just the highest pay. Because while money matters, it’s not the only thing that makes a job great. And if you’re on the job hunt, I’ll also cover how to figure out if a potential new office has these perks before you say yes.
#1 Benefits: The Hidden Pay Raise
Benefits are expensive for dental offices to offer—especially medical insurance. So if your current office provides it and you need it, think twice before jumping ship for an extra $2/hour. That raise might not even cover what you’d end up paying out of pocket for health insurance.
Other benefits that can outweigh a pay bump:
- Paid Time Off (PTO): If your current office gives you two weeks of PTO and you’re considering leaving for an office that only offers one week, you could be throwing away around $1,000.
- 401K with Match: By July 2022, all employers in CA with five or more employees have to offer a retirement plan—but they’re not required to match your contributions. If your office does, you’re getting free money. Over time, a good 401K match can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Bonuses: Before leaving for a higher hourly wage, run the numbers. Your current office’s bonus structure might be putting more money in your pocket than a pay bump ever could.
How to Ask About Benefits in an Interview:
- PTO: How much? Does it accrue? Does it increase over time?
- Health Insurance: Is it actual insurance or just a stipend? Can I review the plan before accepting the job?
- 401K: Do you match contributions? Are there financial planning services available?
- Bonuses: How often do they happen? What are the goals? Can you give an example of a recent payout?
#2 Flexibility: The Most Wanted Perk
Surveys show that flexibility is the #1 thing Dental Assistants want. But let’s be real—it’s tough for dental offices to offer since most run with a small, tight-knit team. If someone is out, the whole practice feels it.
So, if your office lets you pick up your kids after school or take a sick day without guilt, STAY PUT. That’s rare in dentistry.
If You Need More Flexibility:
- Look for job postings that mention “flexible,” “open to full-time or part-time,” or “work one or all of these days.” These offices are more likely to accommodate your schedule.
- Be upfront in interviews. If you need to leave by 3 PM every day, say it. If they can’t work with that, it’s not a match—no hard feelings.
- Try temping. With temp work, you control your schedule. On DirectDental, you can pick your days and apply for temp shifts that fit your life. If you love an office, you can keep temping there as often as they need you.
#3 Recognition: The Appreciation Factor
Another big one—recognition. Everyone wants to feel valued. If your doctor regularly thanks you and makes an effort to celebrate your hard work, you might be getting a perk that’s more valuable than an extra $1/hour.
How to Find an Office That Values Employees:
- Ask team members: When was the last time the office did something fun together?
- Ask in the interview: How does the doctor show appreciation for the team?
If the answers are vague or nonexistent, that’s a red flag.
#4 Working for a Great Doctor and Team
By now, you know—your doctor and your team make or break your job. If your office is full of drama, or your doctor is only in it for the money, no paycheck will make that bearable.
But if your team has your back and your doctor truly cares about their patients and staff, that’s gold.
Before Accepting a Job, Check:
- Online reviews. What do patients say about the doctor and the office?
- Employee longevity. If multiple team members have been there for 6+ years, that’s a good sign.
#5 Growth & Professional Development
Most dental offices are small, which can make career growth challenging. But if your doctor supports you in getting CE credits, attending training, or learning new skills, you’ve found a rare gem.
In Interviews, Ask:
- Are there opportunities for advancement?
- How many training events did the team attend last year?
- If I get new certifications that improve production, would a raise be offered?
#6 A Short Commute
I’m adding this one because:
- It’s raining as I write this.
- Traffic is back with a vengeance.
- Gas prices are ridiculous.
- I hate driving.
The highest-paying jobs are often in high-traffic areas or places too expensive to live near. If you’re thinking about adding 10+ miles to your commute for a few extra dollars an hour, think again. The wear and tear (on both you and your car) might not be worth it.
Need a Shorter Commute? Head to DirectDental. Enter your position, zip code, and commute preference, and we’ll show you jobs that fit your ideal travel distance. One-click apply. Easy.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, working in dentistry is an incredible career. We have job security, and we see more smiles in a single day than most people see in a month. That’s pretty awesome.
So if your current office is checking most of these boxes but you still need a bigger paycheck, ask for a raise—or show them this post and make your case.
And if you’ve realized your current office isn’t giving you what you need, head to DirectDental and start applying for jobs that do.
Smiles,
Holli Perez
DirectDental
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