DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/DSBZ-ZR10

Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Bhavna Shroff

Second Advisor

Steven J Lindauer

Third Advisor

Caroline Carrico

Fourth Advisor

Daniel Hawkins

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate current hiring practices and employee retention characteristics in orthodontic private practices.

Methods: Orthodontists (n=1000) were surveyed regarding their hiring methods and outcomes. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics. Chi-square tests were used to compare hiring practices and perceptions. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were utilized in analysis of retention thresholds.

Results: Survey response rate was 7.2% (72 responses). When comparing thresholds previous to, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in open clinical positions compared with non-clinical and managerial positions (p=.0008). 68% of orthodontists reported a decrease in qualified applications for clinical positions compared with non-clinical and managerial positions (p=.0117). The most successful sources for hiring new employees, both before and after the pandemic, were employee referrals and online job sites.

Conclusion: Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, there has been an increase in open clinical positions, a decrease in qualified applications, but no significant difference in the number of days to fill a position. Orthodontists prefer employee referrals and online job sites over other sourcing methods.

Rights

© Logan Passey

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-2-2024

Available for download on Saturday, May 02, 2026

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