Sandy Pardue, Consultant/Classic Practice Resources
Sandy Pardue, Consultant/Classic Practice Resources
Sandy Pardue of Classic Practice Resources & Dana Pardue discuss issues facing the dental practice owner of today.
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Sandy Pardue
Sandy Pardue

What is Your Staffing Problem Really Costing You?

What is Your Staffing Problem Really Costing You?

8/11/2026 10:00:00 AM   |   Comments: 0   |   Views: 19


When a dental practice feels understaffed, the first reaction is usually predictable:

“We need to hire someone.”

But before you post another job opening, there’s a more important question to ask:

Do you actually have a staffing shortage—or do you have a staffing efficiency problem?

In Part 2B of our Systems. Staff. Training. series on Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Pardue dig into what staffing problems are really costing dental practices—and why adding another person isn’t always the answer.

More Employees Don't Automatically Mean More Efficiency

A busy schedule can make a practice feel short-staffed. Phones are ringing. Patients are checking in and out. Insurance needs attention. Treatment needs follow-up. Team members are constantly asking questions.

It’s easy to assume another employee will solve the problem.

But adding payroll to an inefficient system simply makes the inefficient system more expensive.

Before hiring, practice leaders need to look closely at how work is being handled today.

Are responsibilities clearly assigned? Does everyone know what they own? Are tasks being completed consistently? Are team members duplicating work? Is the doctor or office manager constantly stepping in to solve problems someone else should own?

Those questions can reveal a very different staffing problem.

The Hidden Cost of the Wrong Hire

Hiring isn't just about salary.

There’s the time spent recruiting and interviewing, onboarding and training, the productivity lost while someone gets up to speed, and the additional burden placed on existing team members.

And when the person doesn't work out? You start all over again.

That’s why practices can't afford to treat hiring as simply filling an empty chair.

The goal is to have the right people, in the right roles, with clear expectations and the training to perform those roles successfully.

Look at Your Systems Before Your Headcount

One of the biggest lessons throughout our Systems. Staff. Training. series is that these three areas can't be separated.

If your systems aren't clear, your staff will struggle.

If roles aren't clear, accountability suffers.

If training isn't consistent, employees are forced to figure things out as they go.

Eventually, practice leaders may interpret those breakdowns as a need for more people.

Before increasing headcount, ask:
  • Does every team member know exactly what they are responsible for?
  • Are important tasks assigned to one clear owner?
  • Are your systems documented and followed?
  • Are employees properly trained for the positions they're already in?
  • Is your current team being used effectively?
Sometimes you need another employee.

But sometimes you need more clarity.

Your Staffing Decisions Should Make Business Sense

Staffing is one of the largest investments a dental practice makes. That means staffing decisions should be tied to the needs and performance of the practice—not simply how hectic the office feels.

The objective isn't to run with the fewest employees possible.

It's to build a team that can support patients, production and growth without unnecessary payroll, constant confusion or burnout.

And that requires something more valuable than simply having enough people.

It requires systems, accountability and training.

Listen to Part 2B of Systems. Staff. Training.

In “What Is Your Staffing Problem Really Costing You?”, Sandy and Dana continue the conversation about staffing and challenge dental practice leaders to take a closer look at what is really happening inside their offices.

Before you hire another person, make sure you know what problem you're actually trying to solve.

Watch the episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/jIfrQmQ90MM

Hear it on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dental-drills-bits/id1193269670

And subscribe to the Dental Drill Bits Podcast on YouTube for practical conversations about building stronger systems, stronger teams and better-performing dental practices.
Category: Practice Management, HR and Accounting
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