10: Flossing for Dollars: Navigating Hygiene Team Compensation

In this episode of the Dental Lighthouse Podcast, host Jason Tanoory discusses with caller Carmen the challenges of compensating the hygiene team fairly while integrating new technologies. Carmen’s practice, which operates with eight hygienists, is considering a shift from a commission-based model to a more hygiene-driven approach to support expansion and ensure fair pay. Jason shares insights from his own experience, suggesting a percentage of adjusted production and tenure-based model. They explore a hybrid tier system to motivate skill elevation and system adoption. The episode emphasizes the need for a balanced, thoughtful approach to compensation that aligns with practice goals and standards of care.