How To Ask For a Raise

When was the last time you received a pay raise?

How often do you get a pay raise? How to ask for a raise can be intimidating but do not let the fear of asking for a raise be the reason why you don’t receive one. After working at multiple offices, my experience, and doing my own research on, “How to ask for a raise” will make you feel confident and will reassure you that you are a valuable asset to your dental team. There are two different types of raises which are merit that are based on performance and cost of living raises. Go in with knowing both of these types of raises and include them in the conversation. The dental hygiene department brings in about 30-35% of overall dental production. Dental hygiene production includes adult prophy but prophys will not necessarily make the dental hygiene department profitable. Other services dental hygienists may include are periodontal therapy, laser therapy, fluoride, and radiographs. It is also important to follow up with patients’ treatment plans and any restorative procedures. Knowing this information is important to consider when asking for a raise. How to ask for a raise can be simplified by knowing your numbers, performance, and timing while of course doing your diligence in doing your research around your area.

TIPS: Write down your ideas and rehearse either solo or with a friend on “How to ask for a raise”. Make it fun! I actually FacedTimed my sister and rehearsed it. Practice brings out confidence.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

After doing your research and looking at median pay around your area should be a good starting point to dive in. Using Glassdoor.com helps compare salaries, search company reviews, and more. The hourly or salary pay will be competitive due to experience, contributions, and performance. This will help formulate an idea of the pay you may want to consider but that is the starting point. As far as what type of dental practice you work at roughly the dental hygiene department brings in about 30-35% of production. Know YOUR NUMBERS. In most dental software you can run a production report of treatments and the type of care and services that have been provided. Gathering your numbers for the quarter (3 months) should be a good track record. Your gross earnings should be about one-third of that number. Of course, this may vary from being full or part-time. Also, you want to consider any additional contributions your employer offers. Understand the total compensation plan along with hourly rate or salary pay. This includes any health benefits, CE credits, paid time off, retirement savings plan, etc. Dentists will not know what you want unless you ask.

RESTORATIVE

Part of dental hygiene is making sure to guide patients to schedule any restorative needs. Most restorative treatment plans start in the dental hygiene chair with comprehensive and periodic exams. Make sure you educate your patient about overall oral health. Being proactive is key to first-line defense to avoid any further invasive procedures that are more costly than a filling. Again having this conversation with your dentist in advance is important where there is a mutual partnership and should have open conversations and discussions about a patient’s treatment plan.

Know the median pay around your area, your numbers, and your contributions when asking for a raise. Numbers don’t lie. This should be brought up in a cordial and respectful way.

PERFORMANCE

How do you add value to the team? What makes you stand out? What are your strengths? Why do you believe YOU should get a raise? You already are an important asset these are questions to make your conversation go smoothly and to be confident. Believing in getting a raise and contributing to the dental practice is where it all begins. Be honest with yourself. What kind of strengths do you bring into practice? This will help formulate what type of performance has brought you to believe why you should get a raise. Share personal examples of patient satisfaction, commitment, and team player or other contributions to the practice.

Examples may include:

• Implementing protocols; improve practice systems

• Educating patients and taking time to help demonstrate new products

• Patient retention/ rapport

• Additional responsibilities

• Additional training such as laser use

• Flexibility

• Sales- Know when to recommend products such as Waterpiks and other dental hygiene products

TIMING-KNOW WHEN TO ASK

Timing can be crucial it is important to know the ins and outs of your office. If there has been a major expense such as new equipment, costly maintenance, or unexpected occurrence refrain from asking and wait until the timing is right. YOU will know. Another thing to note is knowing your dentist do they get there early enough? Or is lunchtime better or perhaps after work?

So, let’s begin in a perfect world you approach your dentist in the morning this can be while going over the schedule or simply going to their office in the morning. In a respectful and friendly way ask if there is an appropriate time to schedule a meeting. It may be that the morning is the perfect time to have this conversation. Be confident you have prepared for this and have done your research. Now it is time to put everything together for this very moment. After going over your numbers and highlighting your performance now it is time to put everything in a collective conversation.

Note: Give them time to respond it most likely will not be an immediate decision and can be negotiable. Also, ask if there are any areas where you can work on. This can be an opportunity for them to give you constructive criticism and that is okay that helps you grow.

Conclusion

Asking for a raise can be intimidating but do not let this be the reason why you do not get a raise. As a dental hygienist it is important to advocate for yourself early on and if you have not been in a position to do so, asking for a raise may be just the beginning. You have a partnership with your employer and knowing where your needs can be met is important. This is beneficial to both parties and openly discuss the practice performance overall. This also opens the door to any additional questions or concerns (can be from both parties). Part of having a successful practice is a successful team. Periodically checking in on performance and expectations from both employees and employers is a must to maintain a positive work environment. Remember you add value to the team and after doing your research you are one step closer to getting a raise.