Dental Employment Market: Candidate Insights

With 2024 well underway it’s time to share some key findings of the last few years affecting employers and employees in what is recognised as one of the most unpredictable employment markets of the past decade.

The Dental Employment Market

Over the past three years especially, practices have operated within a uniquely competitive employment market. The Australian skills shortage has been widely reported, particularly referencing Dental and Healthcare. I hear you… recruitment has been challenging!

After a difficult 2023 which followed a very difficult 2022, we have noticed renewed energy from our clients and pleasingly candidates are returning to the jobs market. There is an increase in the number of quality job seekers across the dental sector, and it is evident there is motivation to make 2024 ‘the year of career change’ for most role types. We are experiencing more applications and quicker end-to-end recruitment processes. I am expecting heavy demand for temporary/contract staff to remain throughout the year.  

Candidate Insights: In the minds of the job hunter

Top-quality talent, particularly Business/Operations/Practice Managers will continue to proceed with care when considering a career move. These individuals seek representation from a specialist dental recruiter who can offer the security of confidential support they require and align them with the right opportunity where the needs of both the employer and the employee are recognised. 

For the first time in the 11 years of owning Johnson Recruitment, the economic climate is a leading motivator for candidates to seek a position change. Our experience shows measurable increases across most positions we recruit; in some cases, upward of 20% (Business/Practice Manager, 2IC/Assistant Manager and Personal Assistant roles). Non-income benefits spanning flexible working, learning and development, and wellbeing are viewed favourably. We have seen a practice’s Employer of Choice status and Google Review rating rank highly in a candidate’s decision to accept an offer. These attractors are not always easy to showcase through the limited space of an online job ad. Layers of candidate engagement and multiple communication points are required to share more about the nuances of the practice, highlighting factors that match the candidates desired criteria.

To find more about the state of the dental employment market, please reach out to me, Simonne Sigston, on 0472 511 579 or simonne@johnsonrecruitment.com.au.

Insights from Johnson Recruitment

Johnson Recruitment is an independent recruitment and consulting firm specialising in the Community Services, Social Purpose, Health and Medical sectors, as well as in the recruitment of Practice Managers and support staff, across all sectors. Contact us on 03 9946 7320 or info@johnsonrecruitment.com.au to learn more about how we can assist you with a vacancy or new role today. Follow our LinkedIn and Facebook pages for more information and to keep up to date with the latest jobs, events and career advice.