Module 1: Dental Practice Workforce Management Essentials

Managing people is one of the most important responsibilities in any dental practice. From creating clear job expectations and hiring qualified team members to supporting employee development and handling performance concerns, effective human resource practices help create a productive workplace and a positive patient experience. 

In this course, you'll explore the key HR concepts that support successful dental practices. You'll learn how to establish employee policies, recruit and onboard new team members, develop fair compensation practices, support employee growth, and navigate employee separations professionally and consistently. Along the way, you'll also learn about important federal employment requirements and the role state-specific regulations play in managing a dental workforce. 

Whether you're a dentist, practice owner, office manager, or team leader, this course will provide a practical foundation for making informed HR decisions that support both your employees and your practice.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, you'll be able to: 

• Explain the role of human resources in supporting a successful dental practice. 
  
• Identify key employment laws, regulations, and compliance considerations that affect dental employers. 
• Analyze staffing needs and create job descriptions that align with practice goals and workforce requirements. 
• Develop employee policies and handbook components that communicate workplace expectations and support consistency. 
• Apply effective recruitment, interviewing, and hiring practices to attract qualified candidates. 
• Implement onboarding, training, and performance management processes that support employee success and retention. 
• Explain compensation and benefit considerations that contribute to employee satisfaction and practice competitiveness. 
• Apply appropriate documentation, disciplinary, and separation procedures to help reduce employment-related risk.