Welcome to The Dental Chair! In this episode, host Marguerite Morgan, Founder and Director of Irish Dental Jobs, is joined by her colleague Margaret Kierans and special guest Fintan Hourihan, Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association. Together, they explore the evolving dental industry, tackling pressing challenges, sharing insightful trends, and offering an optimistic outlook for the future of dentistry.
From the post-pandemic focus on flexibility and work-life balance to the rise of female professionals (making up 73.9% of the workforce), Margaret the Marketing Manager at Irish Dental Jobs highlights why dental practice practices should adapt to meet employee expectations. She also touches on the critical issue of salary disparities, revealing how experienced dental nurses are often underpaid, which impacts retention in the industry. On a positive note, Margaret shares fascinating statistics indicating growth, including a 123% rise in dentists and specialists registering with Irish Dental Jobs in early 2024 compared to 2023 and a 233% surge in job vacancies.
Special guest Fintan Hourihan brings over a decade of expertise as Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association, offering a wealth of knowledge about the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession. He reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed dentistry, from the scramble for PPE to the surprising boom in practice expansions and staffing demands. Fintan also addresses the pressing need for vocational training, advocating for structured mentorship programs to help young dentists build their careers. He explores the dual nature of technological advancements in dentistry: while digital tools and cosmetic procedures are reshaping the industry, they also highlight the growing shortage of well-rounded general dentists. Additionally, Fintan dives into the rise of corporate dental chains, examining how these entities bring efficiency but also introduce challenges for independent practices.
The episode closes with a hopeful look at the future of dentistry. Fintan predicts increased state investment, mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs, and new technologies that will continue to enhance patient care and improve practice operations. Marguerite leaves listeners with an important reminder: "People matter." Treating staff and patients with care and consideration is the key to success in this ever-evolving profession.
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Blog Post available on the Irish Dental Jobs website:
https://www.irishdentaljobs.ie/
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Marguerite Morgan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/margueritemorgan/
Margaret Kierans
https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretkierans/
Fintan Hourihan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintanhourihan/
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About Irish Dental Jobs
Irish Dental Jobs, founded in 2009, is proud to be Ireland’s leading dental recruitment agency, 100% exclusive, dedicated and committed to the dental profession. We connect talented dental professionals with employers across the country, offering placements for locum, temporary, part-time, and full-time roles in all areas of dentistry. Our mission is simple: to create a smooth and rewarding experience for both job seekers and employers, earning us a trusted reputation in Ireland’s dental recruitment industry.
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