Open Dental is a practice management software that’s packed full of features, and as a result, we have a team packed full of experts. In this blog series, we’ll interview Open Dental Experts with various specialties. In this post, we are interviewing Rob, our Human Resources Manager.

How long have you been with Open Dental and what do you do?

I am the Human Resources Manager and I have been with Open Dental for four and a half years.

What has the growth been like this past year?

We have hired 152 employees in the last twelve months, with 99 of those coming on board since January of this year.

How has the hiring process changed since COVID?

Safety is obviously the number one concern. We’ve had to change the location of the in-person interviews to allow for social distancing, and now we conduct the final interview via phone and remote connection. We have added staff to the HR department to increase the speed at which we can respond to applicants and to move them through the hiring process more efficiently.

We’ve all heard of “The Great Resignation” – any tips to share on improving employee retention?

This is an interesting subject. Some experts say people were leaving their jobs to find something more fulfilling or that they really enjoy. I cannot say that I would want to keep people from finding their purpose and would encourage them to do so. Now, if people find that problem solving and helping others is enjoyable and fulfilling, Open Dental would be a great place for them! There are a variety of opportunities here, so employees can find ways to contribute that they find rewarding and fulfilling.

What does a successful technician look like? 

Successful technicians care. They care about resolving the customer’s issue. They care about their teammates. These two points of caring show in how the technician listens, adapts their communication style, checks for understanding, and ensures issue resolution. We are laser-focused on this characteristic when we’re going through the recruitment process.

What is something that you feel is unique about the HR department at Open Dental?

I would point to the answer above. The HR department at Open Dental truly has a heart for service. We find our purpose in helping others find answers, resolutions to issues, or simply helping them through a process that they may not know how to navigate. I am proud of how hard this team works for the employees of Open Dental.