I celebrated my 29-year work anniversary with Dr. William Lenihan, III, http://elitedentalcaretn.com earlier this month! Of course, I posted an announcement and pictures on social media https://www.facebook.com/deedee.campbellhutcheson/ because that’s what we do these days. The responses I received made me question, is loyalty a thing of the past? 
In today’s dynamic dental job market, it’s increasingly common to see individuals changing jobs multiple times throughout their careers. Factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and evolving career aspirations contribute to this trend. Dental personnel focus on advancing their careers, gaining new experiences, and finding a company that aligns with their values and goals.
The emergence of the gig economy challenges traditional notions of loyalty in the dental field. For instance, many dental personnel opt for temp positions, prioritizing flexibility over long-term loyalty to a single employer. In doing so, they have the freedom to choose when, where, and how much they work. Temp workers can often set their own schedules, offering a level of flexibility that isn’t available in traditional employment arrangements. Some aspects in the dental administrative workload https://www.advanceddentaladmin.com/dental-office-administration-course/ can be completed electronically, allowing dental personnel to work multiple offices from the comfort of their home.
Today’s employees are more likely to prioritize companies that offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a positive work culture. In turn, employers should provide competitive compensation, benefits, and a supportive environment conducive to employee well-being and development. While traditional loyalty may not be as prevalent, fostering engagement, satisfaction, and a sense of belonging can help employers retain top talent in a competitive market.
As we see more diversity and multi-generational teams in the dental field, employers must adapt to meet the evolving expectations of their employees. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing opportunities for learning and development.
I do not believe loyalty is a thing of the past. Fortunately I never had a reason to want to look elsewhere. Every day over the past 29 years hasn’t been roses. Even so, I can say my employer is always there for me, compensates me well, and supports my decisions. There is a difference between working for a dentist and working with a dentist. I have been able to work with a dentist in a practice I helped to build. Dentists – if you take care of your teams, your teams will take care of your patients.