Smiling Through Challenges: Revolutionising Dental Staff Retention with Blue Stream Academy

Article | Saraiya Lindsay, Dental Accounts Manager at Blue Stream Academy

Picture this: a bustling dental clinic filled with the sound of patients chatting and drills humming. Behind this façade of normalcy, however, the UK’s dental industry is facing a critical challenge in holding on to its skilled workforce.

In the wake of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the inevitable strains on mental health, the dental sector is now grappling with a staggering staff turnover rate of 27.3%, which is significantly higher than the national average (16%).

At the heart of this issue are a lack of staff progression, financial constraints, and a general feeling of being undervalued among support staff.

In this article, we aim to unravel the complexities of this problem and explore the transformative power of education and empowerment, spotlighting Blue Stream Academy as the beacon of hope for the industry.

The Challenge: Unravelling the Staffing Issue

Brexit uncertainties, pandemic disruptions, ongoing pressures in NHS dentistry specifically, and mental health challenges have led to an exodus from the dental industry. The departure of skilled professionals due to lack of progression and financial concerns is alarming. A dental business consultant, Lucy Simic, underscores the significance of progression in particular, noting that in her experience of building a team “it was really important that we communicated with the team how they could progress within the business.”

Organisations are currently struggling to retain staff, with nearly 80% expressing concerns about recruitment and retention prospects over the next 12 months When we consider that these problems are compounded by dentistry’s high turnover rate, it is vital to address two of the root causes: the lack of professional development and the financial burdens on support staff.

One of the core challenges faced by support staff is the financial burden of paying for continuing professional development (CPD) and General Dental Council (GDC) registrations. Shockingly, according to the British Association for Dental Nurses (BADN), more than 71% of support staff have to pay for their own CPD and GDC registrations. This situation highlights an urgent need for businesses to step in and provide opportunities for professional development and further education.

Medicruit, a leading dental recruitment agency, stresses that providing opportunities for professional development and further education should be key components of a strategy for retaining staff.

Although financial remuneration is also a key factor in the choice to leave the industry, pay rises are not the only option for employers who want to improve staff retention – and they are only sustainable in the short term. There is a clear need for a solution that fosters personal and professional fulfilment, motivation, and commitment.

The Rise of eLearning

Enterprises seeking innovative solutions have turned to eLearning platforms such as the one provided by Blue Stream Academy. By making more eLearning opportunities available, businesses can reduce the financial burden on their staff, boost morale and improve their staff retention rates.

As the market leader for mandatory healthcare training delivered through eLearning, we offer a range of courses designed to support the demands of a rapidly evolving digital-first world. Offering eLearning not only meets the needs of the modern workforce but also ensures compliance with all GDC requirements.

Benefits of eLearning with Blue Stream Academy

• Accessible and Flexible
  Staff can access our eLearning modules at any time, anywhere. This flexibility means they can learn at their own pace, fitting training seamlessly into their busy schedules.

• Tailored
  Customised courses cater to specific roles, addressing skill and knowledge gaps and enhancing proficiency. Personalised learning experiences empower staff, as well as boosting their confidence and performance.

• Cost-efficient
  By providing eLearning opportunities, you can relieve your staff of the financial burden associated with CPD and GDC registration. By offering highquality education at an affordable price, eLearning ensures compliance without putting a strain on your resources.

• Better Morale
  Our engaging, interactive courses boost morale among staff. Investing in eLearning for your employees makes them feel valued and supported, meaning they are more likely to stay. In turn, this creates a harmonious work environment, which also improves retention rates.

• GDC and CQC Compliance
  Our courses are meticulously crafted to meet GDC requirements so your staff continue to be compliant with industry standards. You can rest assured that your workforce is well-equipped and up to date with the latest regulations.

What Next?

The path to overcoming the dental industry’s retention crisis lies in education, empowerment, and innovation. The eLearning we offer is truly comprehensive – it goes beyond the basic mandatory training and fosters trainees’ personal and professional growth.

By investing in your employees’ education and wellbeing, you can create a resilient dental workforce that not only withstands challenges but even thrives in the face of adversity.

So, let’s embark on this exciting journey together – embracing education, empowering staff, and revolutionising the future of dentistry. After all, a welltrained, motivated workforce is the cornerstone of a vibrant, successful dental practice

Meet the Author

My name is Saraiya, and I’m the Dental Accounts Manager here at Blue Stream Academy. Prior to starting at Blue Stream, I have worked as a Practice Manager within both the Dental and GP sectors over the last 10 years.

I’m proud to have made the transition from working in a practice to now supporting practices who want to invest in their team by making sure they receive top training.

In my spare time, you’ll often find me trying out new places to eat. It’s safe to say that I’m a foodie!