In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, dental and orthodontic practices are not only competing for patients—but also for top-tier talent. From experienced hygienists and dental assistants to skilled administrative staff, attracting and retaining the right team members is critical to the long-term success of any practice. One powerful but often overlooked solution is partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).
What Is a PEO?
A Professional Employer Organization is a third-party firm that partners with small and mid-sized businesses to manage critical HR functions such as payroll, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, compliance, and more. Through a co-employment model, the PEO shares certain employer responsibilities, allowing dental practices to offer a more professional and competitive workplace—without the overhead of managing a large internal HR team.
Why Dental and Orthodontic Practices Are Turning to PEOs
1. Access to Better Employee Benefits
High-quality benefits are a major factor in both recruiting and retaining top employees. PEOs pool together employees from multiple small businesses, giving your practice access to:
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Fortune-500-level health insurance plans
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Dental and vision coverage
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Retirement plans (401k options)
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Life insurance and disability benefits
This kind of benefits package is difficult for an independent practice to offer on its own—and can be the deciding factor for a job candidate.
2. Simplified Payroll and HR Compliance
Running a dental or orthodontic office requires compliance with a complex mix of federal, state, and industry-specific regulations. PEOs handle:
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Payroll processing
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Tax filings
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Labor law compliance
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Employee classification
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OSHA and HIPAA guidelines
This not only protects your practice from costly mistakes but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that experts are handling these critical areas.
3. Improved Employee Retention
The dental field is notorious for high turnover, especially for roles like dental hygienists or front desk staff. A PEO helps improve retention by:
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Streamlining onboarding processes
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Offering professional development and training options
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Providing employee performance tools and HR support
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Ensuring a smooth and consistent employee experience
When your team feels valued and supported, they’re much more likely to stay long-term.
4. Focus on Patient Care, Not Paperwork
By outsourcing time-consuming HR tasks, you and your staff can focus more on what matters most—providing excellent patient care. Instead of spending hours managing schedules, handling benefits enrollment, or updating compliance policies, your internal resources can be directed toward practice growth and patient satisfaction.
5. Scalability and Flexibility
As your practice grows—whether you’re adding a new location, bringing on additional orthodontists, or expanding services—a PEO can scale with you. They provide the infrastructure to onboard new employees quickly, maintain compliance, and support multi-state operations if needed.
Real-World Example
Let’s say a fast-growing orthodontic practice is struggling to retain front office staff and hygienists due to burnout and inconsistent scheduling policies. After partnering with a PEO, the practice was able to implement:
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A more competitive benefits package
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Streamlined time-tracking and scheduling software
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An employee assistance program (EAP) to support mental well-being
Within six months, the practice saw a 30% improvement in employee retention and a noticeable lift in team morale.
Final Thoughts
PEOs aren’t just for tech startups or manufacturing companies—they are a strategic asset for dental and orthodontic practices looking to compete in a tight labor market. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing multiple locations, partnering with a PEO can help you create a workplace that attracts top talent, reduces turnover, and lets you focus on patient care.
If you’re ready to learn how a PEO could benefit your practice, consider speaking with a PEO broker who can match your practice with the right provider tailored to your specific needs and budget.
