Top Secrets to Hiring Exceptional Dental Assistants in 2025: “Tips & Tricks for Success"
In today’s dental industry, a great dental assistant isn’t just a helpful addition—they’re the backbone of a smooth-running practice and the key to delivering exceptional patient care. Patients can feel how synergized a team is while in the chair, and they look for happy faces to comfort them!
So how do we find great dental assistants in 2025? Let’s dive into the ideal candidate and how to attract new talent in today’s field!
Say Yes to Green Flags
Look for candidates who:
-Pay close attention to detail
-Have an “always learning” approach to modern dental technology
-Organize -take ownership of the schedule, prepared for anything
-Ask Questions!
Emotional IQ - read the room
Practical skills are important but let’s not toss out the need for emotional intelligence! When interviewing candidates look for those with strong communication skills, empathy, social skills and adaptability! Ask yourself, would I want to sit across from this person every day? Try giving a personality assessment during the hiring process, or maybe meet at a local coffee shop instead of the office to test the conversation. Check out these popular resources!
DISC Assessment
Strength Finders
The Big Five
Take care of your People
To attract the best dental assistant candidates, start by offering competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that reflect the value of their work. We suggest auditing the average salary for dental professionals in your area annually using the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Look at similar job postings on LinkedIn & Indeed to ensure you’re on par! Show a commitment to their growth by providing training certifications, and opportunities for advancement in roles & responsibilities coupled with increase in salary or a bonus structure. Finally, foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture where team members feel supported and valued. https://www.bls.gov/
Find Top Talent in 2025:
1. Join local hiring groups. Most states and regions have social media pages dedicated to hiring aspiring dental professionals!
2. Your team can be one of your best resources for finding great dental assistants—ask them for referrals, as they likely know talented individuals who share similar values. Personal recommendations not only streamline the hiring process but also bring peace of mind, knowing the candidate comes with trust and a proven connection.
3. Partner with a dental assisting school to find skilled, motivated candidates ready to join the team. Schools like Accelerated Academy - Dental Assisting provide hands-on training, ensuring graduates have the technical skills and real-world experience needed to excel. Partnering with or even hosting a program can create a steady pipeline of qualified dental assistants who are eager to grow in the field.
Check out our earlier blog on how to host with Accelerated Academy: How to Host a Dental Assisting School
Finding the right dental assistants in 2024 means focusing on the right skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural fit while offering a supportive, growth-oriented workplace. By leveraging referrals and partnering with or hosting dental assisting schools, you can build a strong, motivated team. Investing in the right people not only enhances your practice but also creates an environment where both your team and patients can thrive.
For more information on hosting your own school with Accelerated Academy - Dental Assisting, give us a call @ 1-844-737-3755 or email us @businessdevelopment@acceleratedacademy.us