As a practicing dentist for over 20 years, I know what it feels like to struggle with hiring. You’re busy treating patients, managing schedules, and keeping the practice running—and then on top of that, you’ve got to find, hire, and keep the right people.

If you’re working in a dental office in Washington, DC, you’re probably already feeling how competitive and unpredictable the local job market can be.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening here in DC, what the latest numbers mean for you, and how both practice owners and dental professionals can navigate this hiring climate together.

Quick Takeaways

• Openings are steady, turnover is real: In March 2025, DC had 27,000 job openings but 20,000 separations. It’s not just about hiring, it’s about keeping your best people.
• Unemployment is higher than average: DC’s unemployment rate hit 6.0% this summer, the highest in the U.S. That means more candidates may be out there, but not always with the specialized dental skills we need.
• Dentists are everywhere: DC has the highest dentist-to-population ratio in the country (about 103 dentists per 100k people). Patients have plenty of choices, so one thing that can set you apart is your team.
• Hygienists and assistants are the pinch point: National surveys show practices still struggling to fill these roles, though it’s slightly easier than it was right after the pandemic.

What’s Going On in the DC Job Market?

Every month, thousands of jobs are opening in DC and thousands of people are quitting or changing jobs. In March 2025 alone, DC saw 27,000 openings, 18,000 hires, and 14,000 quits.

That’s a lot of movement.

If you’re a dental office trying to hire, this means your job ad is competing not just with other dental offices, but with every other employer in town offering stability and benefits.

If you’re a hygienist, assistant, or front office professional, it means opportunities are out there, but the best dental jobs in DC get snatched up quickly.

What This Means for Your Practice

If you’re managing a dental team in DC, here’s what I’d keep in mind:

• Retention is your best recruitment tool: With voluntary quits still high, don’t just think about filling roles, think about keeping the people you already trust. Stable schedules, growth opportunities, and showing appreciation go a long way.
• Hire for potential, not perfection: A polished resume is nice, but many practices are solving their staffing gaps by hiring teachable people and investing in training. 
• Move quickly: If you post a job, respond fast. Candidates in DC have options. A slow interview process is often the difference between landing your top choice or losing them to the office down the street.

What This Means for Dental Professionals

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a role in DC—whether you’re a hygienist, assistant, or even a dentist—this is what you need to know:

• Showcase your skills: Practices are desperate for the right talent. Highlight your certifications, patient care experience, and any tech/software skills you bring.
• Leverage the churn: With so many people moving between jobs, opportunities open up constantly. Keep your resume polished and your CE credits current—you never know when the right fit will appear.
• Ask about growth: More group practices and DSOs are in DC now, which can mean stronger career ladders and benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask about advancement and continuing education.

The Bigger Picture: Hiring Trends Beyond Dentistry

It’s not just us. National HR reports show that 71% of U.S. employers are struggling to find skilled workers.

That’s why you’ll hear so much talk about upskilling, internal mobility, and even using AI to speed up the hiring process.

In dentistry, that translates to training assistants into expanded functions roles, cross-training staff for front/back office, and making the application process as simple as possible.

Flexibility is another big one. Whether it’s 4-day workweeks or transparent pay, candidates want to know they’ll be supported. That’s a good thing for both sides, as it helps align expectations from the start.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

For Practices

• Look at your team’s schedule—can you make it more predictable?
• Highlight training opportunities in your job ads—it attracts motivated candidates.
• Make your hiring process fast and personal. A same-day call beats a week-long wait.
• Consider placing your job on our dental job board and if you need a temp, post your temp job.

For Professionals

• Sign up on PrincessDentalStaffing.com and get access to the latest dental jobs in DC.
• Keep your resume, CPR, and CE credits up to date—it shows you’re ready to go.
• When interviewing, share stories about patient care wins—those matter as much as skills.
• Ask potential employers how they support growth. The good ones will have a clear answer.

Employers: Post Your Job with Princess Dental Staffing

I know hiring can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: the demand for dental care isn’t going anywhere. Patients need us. And with the right strategies, dental practices build strong, stable teams and candidates find the practice that fits you best.

We launched Princess Dental Staffing in DC to make these connections easier. We’ve seen it work in markets all across the country, and I believe it can work for you too.

If you’re looking to hire or looking for your next opportunity, I’d love for you to give our platform a try. Let’s build something great for the DC dental community together!

Candidates: Search for Jobs on our Dental Job Board

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