As your dental practice grows, you’ll want your team to grow right alongside you. Giving staff pay raises is essential for retaining and developing talent. For any dentist or office manager, knowing how to discuss paycheck increases proves you value your staff’s time, skills, and dedication.
It boosts morale, trust, and satisfaction. But talking money can be sensitive, so handle it with care. Here’s my advice on gracefully communicating raises in your dental office:
On paper, raises seem costly, but they’re opportunities for positive talks about your practice and your employee’s contributions. Factors impacting raise amounts include:
- Pay rates at competing dental offices
- Number of hours worked
- Revenue generated by hygienists or treatment coordinator
- Staff performance and loyalty
- General cost of living increases
- Your practice’s growth and profitability
- How much a team member reduce your stress
Remember, while your team may be loyal, financial stressors in their personal lives may have them considering other options. Regular pay discussions keep your practice competitive and keep top talent.
The importance of front office etiquette.
Timing varies
Some practices schedule annual raises. Others tie increases to performance reviews. But you can also consider individual bumps when staff:
- Build valuable patient relationships
- Increase practice revenue
- Tackle extra responsibility eagerly
- Demonstrate leadership skills
When delivering the good news, do it in person privately. Consider having HR there to address questions and prevent conflict. Explain why they’re getting the increase – maybe it’s a cost of living adjustment or performance reward.
Highlight their specific contributions that earned the raise – like implementing new technologies or excellent patient chairside manner. Discuss the dollar amount, not vague percentages. Say the new hourly or salary figure outright.
Avoid detailing why it isn’t higher unless asked. Thank them sincerely for their role in the practice’s success to show appreciation and encourage continued great work. Then follow up with HR to confirm the increase is applied accurately.
Who should break the happy news depends on your payroll protocols. But with thoughtfulness and care, pay bumps catalyze positive growth for both staff and dental practice. Now go make someone’s day!
