Full Time Employee vs. Independent Contractor: How to Think About Hiring

The strategic decision of whether to hire full-time employees or engage independent contractors in a dental practice significantly influences its operational dynamics. Balancing the advantages of full-time commitment with the flexibility of specialized skills, dental practices can optimize their workforce for sustained success. 

Core roles like dental practitioners, hygienists, office managers, and assistants benefit from the stability and loyalty associated with full-time employment, fostering patient relationships and ensuring seamless daily operations. 

In contrast, positions demanding specialized technical expertise, such as IT professionals, marketing consultants, and web developers, are better suited for independent contractors. This allows your office to be more agile as its usually more affordable and easier to leverage an expert’s specialized skills for a specific project. By aligning staffing choices with the nature of the work, dental practices can create a dynamic and efficient team tailored to their unique needs.

Navigating the complexities of dental practice management requires a thoughtful approach to employment models. Recognizing the value of continuity and commitment in patient-centric roles while leveraging the flexibility and external expertise of contractors enables dental practices to build a versatile and high-performing team. 

This guide outlines key considerations for each employment model, providing insights to help dental professionals make informed decisions about staffing that align with the goals and requirements of their practice.

Hiring Full-Time Employees

Pros

Commitment and Loyalty

Full-time employees may feel a stronger sense of commitment and loyalty to the practice, contributing to a more stable and long-term team.

Consistency

On a full-time basis, staff have clearly defined roles, responsibilities and schedules. FTEs are the backbone that enable your practice to provide consistent availability. This allows for a more structured work schedule and easier coordination of tasks for employees. 

Training and Development

Employers have more control over the training and development of full-time staff. You have the opportunity to train employees to do their jobs in exact ways. You have much more autonomy in building and enforcing work structure and processes. Unlike independent contractors, it’s easier to ensure training – both leading up to an employee’s first day and continuous while on the job – align with the practice's standards.

Cons 

Cost

Full-time employees typically come with higher costs, including salary, benefits, and potential overtime expenses, when compared to independent contractors. Employee healthcare benefit packages aren't cheap!

Limited Flexibility

Full-time positions may offer less flexibility in adjusting work hours or scaling the workforce based on fluctuating demand. Salaried employees usually have an expectation that they’ll work 40 hours and get paid for that time. 

Administrative Responsibilities 

Employers are responsible for managing taxes, benefits, and other administrative tasks associated with full-time employees, which isn’t the case for contractors who manage themselves. 

Hiring a Contractor

Pros

Cost-Efficiency

Hiring contractors can be more cost-effective as they often don't require benefits. A dental practice may also be able to avoid certain taxes and administrative responsibilities that come with hiring full-time employees. 

Flexibility

Contractors provide flexibility in terms of work hours. They can be hired for specific projects or periods, adapting to the practice's needs. There’s no obligation for dental practices to provide consistent working hours or salary payments in this case. 

Specialized Skills

Contractors may bring specialized skills or expertise for short-term projects, whereas full-time employees may be able to handle a wide range of more general tasks. These skills can enhance the overall capabilities of the practice. 

Cons

Limited Loyalty

Contractors may lack the same level of commitment or loyalty as full-time employees since they're often engaged for specific tasks and are not obligated to fulfill certain schedule requirements. 

Less Control

Employers may have less control over a contractor's schedule, methods of work, or the outcome of a project. If they have a specialized skill that is their primary source of business, they likely have other clients and obligations. Since they’re not your full-time employees, it might take days or weeks for them to provide the service you’re seeking. 

When working with contractors, it’s wise to leave buffer time on your projects to factor in variables that are outside your control. 

Legal Considerations

Misclassifying workers as contractors when they should be employees can lead to legal issues, emphasizing the importance of proper classification. 

Positions Typically Filled by Full-Time Employees

In deciding between hiring a full-time employee and a contractor, dental practices should carefully evaluate their specific needs, budget constraints, and the nature of the tasks or projects involved. Read on for an overview of typical dental practice roles and if FTEs or contractors typically fill them.

Dentist

Dentists are almost always full-time employees. They are usually owners or senior employees, and their specialized skills are the reason the practice is in business. 

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists often work closely with patients, providing routine care and preventive services. Full-time employment ensures continuity in patient relationships and consistent availability.

Office Manager

An office manager plays a crucial role in overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and handling administrative tasks. The consistency and stability provided by full-time employment contribute to effective practice management.

Treatment Coordinator

Treatment coordinators engage with patients to discuss treatment plans, costs, and scheduling. Full-time employment allows for better coordination and relationship-building with patients.

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants support dentists in various procedures and contribute to the overall functioning of the practice. Full-time employment ensures they are readily available for the dentist's and practice's needs.

Positions Potentially Filled by Independent Contractors

Here is an overview of some positions that are best filled by independent contractors in dental practice: 

IT Specialist

IT specialists may be engaged on a project basis for tasks like setting up and maintaining the practice's technology infrastructure. Contractors offer flexibility and expertise for specific projects in this case since most dental offices don’t need these services daily. 

Marketing Consultant

Marketing consultants can be hired for specific campaigns or strategies. Engaging a contractor allows the practice to access specialized marketing skills without needing a full-time, in-house position.

Web Developer

For tasks like website development or specific software projects, hiring a web developer as a contractor provides the flexibility to complete the project and disengage when the work is done.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers may be engaged on a project basis for marketing materials or branding updates. Contractors offer flexibility and creativity without the need for a permanent position.

Accountant

Accounting services can be outsourced to a contractor who manages financial tasks periodically. This is cost-effective and provides specialized expertise when needed.

It’s essential to note that the categorization may vary based on the specific needs and structure of each dental practice. Careful consideration of the nature of the work, the level of control required, and the long-term goals of the practice will help in determining the most suitable employment arrangement for each position.

Unlock Your Practice’s Potential With Sindi 

The choice between hiring full-time employees or independent contractors in a dental practice is not one-size-fits-all. It demands careful consideration of the unique needs and goals of your practice. 

Full-time employees offer stability, commitment, and deep integration into the practice’s culture, vital for roles directly impacting patient care and daily operations. On the other hand, independent contractors bring specialized skills, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, especially for project-based or specialized tasks. 

By understanding the distinct advantages of each employment type, dental practices can build a workforce that is both efficient and adaptable, enhancing their service quality and operational effectiveness. 

Along with making the right hiring decisions for your dental practice, there are other strategies you can implement for smoother daily operations. One example is Sindi, a paperless software for patient referrals. Sign up for Sindi and see how our digital solutions get rid of paperwork and save you time and money.