Dental agency start up

[GreyfriarsRec]

Hi everyone
Looking for a bit of advice,
I have started up a dental nurse and we are also accredited to offer ongoing CPD.
I have contacts from surgeries I provided, locum services to as a dental nurse.
But need some advice with recruiting Dental nurses.
Any tips?
Many thanks Sophie

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Hi everyone
Looking for a bit of advice,
I have started up a dental nurse and we are also accredited to offer ongoing CPD.
I have contacts from surgeries I provided, locum services to as a dental nurse.
But need some advice with recruiting Dental nurses.
Any tips?
Many thanks Sophie

Was this not the first function that you sorted out before even starting up, what planning did you do

 

[GreyfriarsRec]

Was this not the first function that you sorted out before even starting up, what planning did you do

Hi Chris, I have worked a a dental nurse since 2019, and 2023 I worked for agencies and thought about it for a while and not actioned it, I skilled up and got my AET and IQA, and currently work for training centre, support and teaching, due to injury 2024, I had to move away from, working in surgery and concentrated on my training work.
In October 2024 I started considering agency and I already had contacts for surgeries,
November start agency, with website, insurance policies,
I am currently recruiting and looking for tips for areas I may of not considered for recruiting. We have some nurses on our books, but need to expand it.

 

[WaveJumper]

Welcome to the UKBF. My first thought is where do dental nurses "hang out" ie trade magazines, websites, social media, etc etc. If you are part of the training scene are there not opportunities to contact other training centres and offer new recruits a free sign up to your platform

 

[Mark T Jones]

The first question you need to ask yourself is why will they come to you rather than an existing, established agency?

A real, meaningful reason which will resonate with them

Then, as @WaveJumper says, go where they are and let them know

 

[Gecko001]

I would not try to re-invent the wheel. Take a look at how you and other dental nurses chose an agency. Word of mouth is probably the most common method. I would try to build on that and make sure that all your nurses are pleased enough with your service, to recommend it to other nurses.

 

[GreyfriarsRec]

Thanks I am currently trying to use my contacts as well as expand my social media.

I would not try to re-invent the wheel. Take a look at how you and other dental nurses chose an agency. Word of mouth is probably the most common method. I would try to build on that and make sure that all your nurses are pleased enough with your service, to recommend it to other nurses

 

[Buryblue]

Whatever model you use, I would strongly recommend having a clear policy that your locum nurses do not go into practices actively promoting locum work or trying to encourage permanent staff to leave. I owned a practice for 20 years and agency staff attempting to “sell” locum life to my own nurses was a real bugbear and quickly damaged trust with agencies.


Practices are far more likely to use and recommend an agency where they feel their team is respected, not undermined.

 

[GreyfriarsRec]

Whatever model you use, I would strongly recommend having a clear policy that your locum nurses do not go into practices actively promoting locum work or trying to encourage permanent staff to leave. I owned a practice for 20 years and agency staff attempting to “sell” locum life to my own nurses was a real bugbear and quickly damaged trust with agencies.


Practices are far more likely to use and recommend an agency where they feel their team is respected, not undermined.

Hi thanks that was something I did consider

Whatever model you use, I would strongly recommend having a clear policy that your locum nurses do not go into practices actively promoting locum work or trying to encourage permanent staff to leave. I owned a practice for 20 years and agency staff attempting to “sell” locum life to my own nurses was a real bugbear and quickly damaged trust with agencies.


Practices are far more likely to use and recommend an agency where they feel their team is respected, not undermined.

Good evening
Yes it is something, I considered, as I used to work locumming for myself and agencies, and feel now more, and it does not help staff retention when that happens.
Thanks Sophie

 

[ethical PR]

Hi Chris, I have worked a a dental nurse since 2019, and 2023 I worked for agencies and thought about it for a while and not actioned it, I skilled up and got my AET and IQA, and currently work for training centre, support and teaching, due to injury 2024, I had to move away from, working in surgery and concentrated on my training work.
In October 2024 I started considering agency and I already had contacts for surgeries,
November start agency, with website, insurance policies,
I am currently recruiting and looking for tips for areas I may of not considered for recruiting. We have some nurses on our books, but need to expand it.

As part of your marketing plan have you identified why dental staff should use your services rather than your established competitors - what can you offer them that others don't?

What advertising and marketing have you already put in place ?