Dental staffing needs: Smiles in Demand hiring platform created by dental pros, for dental pros
In January, I shared my frustrations on social media about the dental hiring process—from the rising cost of staffing to the unpredictable quality of candidates. I wasn't alone. Across the country, office managers, dentists, and hiring coordinators echoed the same sentiment: finding great help should not be this hard or this expensive.
We've all been there. Paying hundreds of dollars for a temp who doesn't show up. Bringing in someone with no dental experience despite you specifically requesting a seasoned assistant. Spending hours on staffing platforms, only to end up sifting through general résumés that have nothing to do with dentistry. The financial and emotional costs add up quickly.
After I hit my breaking point, I quit waiting for a better solution. I decided to build it myself.
The dental staff hiring headache: What we still face
Whether you're hiring for a front desk position, hygienist, or dentist, the challenges are often the same. You post a job. You wait. You’re either overwhelmed with irrelevant applications, or worse, you get no applications at all.
Temporary staffing is even trickier. While agencies can be helpful, the markups and last-minute placement fees can be steep. And let's be honest; sometimes you're paying top dollar for someone who has zero familiarity with dental workflow basics. Our office was spending thousands a year and still scrambling to fill chairs.
Breaking the cycle: Why I built a free dental hiring platform that actually works
The real issue? Most platforms and agencies were not designed by dental professionals. They're one-size-fits-all solutions in an industry that needs precision.
In a moment of both frustration and inspiration, I created a Facebook group called Smiles in Demand. The idea was simple: create a free space where dental professionals can connect, with no middlemen, no fees, and no fluff.
Offices could post open positions. Candidates could introduce themselves and share availability. Everyone could network, collaborate, and support each other. It took off almost immediately.
What surprised me most wasn't just how fast it grew but how effective it was. Positions were being filled. Temp coverage was found in minutes. Hygienists, assistants, and office managers were getting hired based on real referrals and shared experience.
We created something the dental world was missing: a platform that actually works because it’s built by people who live and breathe our profession.
This success caught the attention of Matt Feeley, DMD, who shared the same frustrations and vision. Together, we decided to fund and build a full-scale website and mobile app that could bring this concept to life on a larger scale, all while keeping it 100% free.
Yes, free. No hidden fees. No sign-up charges.
Smiles in Demand is now a growing digital platform for dental professionals to connect directly, whether they're looking for permanent staff or short-term help. We launched with one mission: to take the stress, cost, and confusion out of hiring.
Why Smiles in Demand is different
1. It's free: There’s no cost to join, post, or apply. That's non-negotiable.
2. It's dental-specific: You won't find résumés for baristas or warehouse workers. Every job and profile is tailored to dental professionals: hygienists, assistants, office managers, front desk staff, dentists, and lab techs.
3. It's built for both temps and permanent positions: You can post one-day coverage needs or full-time roles in the same space, making it easier for everyone to find exactly what they're looking for.
4. It cuts out the middleman and there are no recruiters: There’s no agency overhead, just dental professionals helping each other.
I've seen offices post something in the morning and have a temp in the chair by noon. I've seen assistants land permanent positions through a single conversation in the group. I've watched new grads gain mentorship.
People aren't just finding jobs, they're finding community. We've even heard from small practices that were able to stay open, thanks to a last-minute temp match from our group. That kind of impact is exactly why we’re doing this.
What's next for Smiles in Demand?
Our Facebook group is still active and thriving, but we knew it was time to grow. The new smilesindemand.com website is live, and our mobile apps for iPhone and Android are on the way. These tools will allow even more professionals to connect with just a few taps.
We're working on features like location-based temp requests, smart matching filters, optional vetting and verification badges, and peer-reviewed profiles. Most importantly, we're doing this while keeping the core of our mission intact: free, accessible hiring built by dental professionals for dental professionals.
Here’s a call to action for you. If you're tired of paying for candidates who don't show up or don't even know what a bitewing is, try something new. Join us. Post a job. List your availability. Invite your colleagues. Whether you're an office manager, a solo practitioner, or a new grad looking to get started, Smiles in Demand is for you.
Let's stop spending thousands on hiring platforms that don't work. Let's stop accepting that "good help is hard to find." Let's start building a dental workforce that's connected, collaborative, and capable.
We're not just filling jobs. We're reshaping how dental hiring works. And it's only just beginning.
