CNN recently dubbed 2018 “The Year of Women.” The millions of supporters who joined the Women’s March, the survivors who bravely came forward with their stories of sexual harassment, and the participants who typed “#MeToo” on their social media posts show that women will no longer stand on the sidelines. In the world of dentistry, their roles have become even more prominent. Modern female dentists tell stories regarding their experiences starting out in the field. Many say that in the late 1970s, patients often claimed that they didn’t realize a woman could even be a dentist. In fact, Dr. Seldin of California explains that in her first year of dental school, her class was only 20 percent women, and that was considered very high. Dr. Seldin’s personal experience represents the gendered trends that took place throughout the country. In 1982, women made up only 3 percent of practicing dentists in America. As time has passed, women have become more common in the profession, so much so that in 2014, women represented 47 percent of students enrolled in dental programs, and by 2020, 30 percent of the dentists are expected to be women.. Over the last 40 years, female dentists have striven to reduce the gender gaps in the dental industry. They fought for their education and training rights and for their positions, but they are still fighting to earn equal wages. In 1990, male dentists made almost twice as much as female dentists, earning, on average, $143,874 — while women brought home $65,744. In subsequent decades, the difference in gender pay has decreased but still hasn’t stabilized. In 2010, male dentists earned about $185,200, while female dentists earned about $120,475. The Rise of Female Dentists 2018 Is the Year of Women
That being said, the wage gap continues to shrink as more women establish themselves in the field. Closer to home, here in our Gems Family, Elizabeth and I have been fortunate to know and work closely with many amazing women who prove that being a caring, kind, clinically skilled dentist and a developing a highly successful practice is gender blind. A shout out to Dr. Terrie Cribbs, GG12 Coaching Member, who has not only experienced record growth while with our GG12 program, but who has always generously shared her ingenious marketing strategies with our other Gems Family Members.
Give Employees the Bonuses They Deserve ( and Want !)
When looking for (and trying to retain) the best team members, we are competing not only with other dental practices but with other local business of all types, small and large. Without the hard work and dedication of the team members who work to achieve a common
goal, success would elude even the brightest leaders. If you offer a competitive wage without a reasonable benefits package, you’re saving money in the short term, but you will lose the ability to attract and retain the best and brightest. Penny-wise and pound-foolish. This is by no means an all-inclusive list but just a few of the benefits Elizabeth and I offered our 35 dental team members. Most of these benefits are still in force for our Gems Team Members today: HEALTH INSURANCE You don’t have to pay the entire amount; rather, figure out a fair split with the team member. Not having it available seriously reduces the
folks you can attract to work as a part of your team; Other benefits include dental coverage, car detailing once per month, $25-per-month book allowance (about any topic which the team member feels could help them become a more valuable team member), vacation, sick days, personal days, gym membership (how cool would that be anyway!?), and continuing education contribution. Of course, before you introduce any new benefits, be sure to run it by your HR attorney first. Think a little further outside the box and you’ll be able to attract and retain team members who are a cut above and will help you continue to grow your practice and your profit.
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