Darby’s Commitment to Supporting Dental Hygienists
A delicate balance sustains a dental practice’s hum. Every team member plays a critical role in ensuring seamless patient care, from the moment a patient walks in until they leave with a smile. But what happens when the professionals at the core of this system—dental hygienists—are in short supply? This question has become an all-too-familiar reality for DSOs across the country.
In 2023, nearly 60% of dental organizations predicted that staffing shortages would remain their biggest challenge. The industry did not need a crystal ball to see it coming. The signs were everywhere, including practices understaffed, appointments backed up, and stress levels through the roof. The absence of dental hygienists can send operations to a halt. Furthermore, nearly one-third of the dental hygienist workforce (31.4%) expects to retire within the next five years, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The reasons for this attrition are also well-documented. Factors including negative workplace culture, insufficient pay, lack of growth opportunities, inadequate benefits, and feeling overworked are pushing hygienists to reconsider their career paths. Compounding this issue is the difficulty in recruiting new talent. A staggering 94.5% of dentists report finding a qualified hygienist is extremely challenging.
Amid this, Darby Dental Supply sees an opportunity not just to address a problem but to redefine how the industry supports one of its most vital roles. Darby is committed to shaping the landscape of dental hygiene by fostering community and spearheading innovation. By building a strong community of hygienists and investing in ergonomic solutions, Darby is positioning itself as a leader in tackling the DSO staffing issue.
“Our overarching goal at Darby has always been to identify customer needs and to meet them as best we can,” said Frank Massino, President of Darby Group Companies.
“Investing in the dental hygiene community by providing valuable resources and staffing solutions is essential for hygienists, facilitates same-store growth, and ensures better and easier access to quality oral healthcare in our communities for years to come.”
Hygiene HQ: Where Community Meets Innovation
Imagine a space where dental hygienists don’t just clock in and out but where their voices shape the future of their profession. This is the vision behind Darby’s Hygiene HQ, an online community that’s more than just a hub — it’s a movement. While other suppliers focus solely on the decision-makers, Darby has taken a different approach, one that puts hygienists at the forefront.
This approach resonates deeply within the dental community.
“The dental hygiene community is a valued resource for one another and for companies who are developing new products. To acquire information from a group of dental hygienists, a company has the ability to produce products and create programs based on the valued voice and opinion of the RDH,” said Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, Chief Editor of RDH Magazine at Endeavor Business Media.
By creating Hygiene HQ, Darby is not just offering a platform but building a foundation for the future of the profession. This community’s success lies in its ability to bring together hygienists from diverse backgrounds and experiences, allowing them to share insights, support one another, and contribute to the evolution of dental care. Hygienists who once felt isolated now can join a network where their contributions matter. This sense of community directly impacts patient care, as a supported and connected hygienist is better equipped to provide exceptional service.
A 2023 Salary Survey Report from RDH magazine and DentalPost found that 40% of hygienists’ top motivators for changing jobs were seeking a more positive environment or a more appreciative employer. Darby’s role in facilitating these connections underscores their commitment to being more than just a supplier. They are a partner in the professional lives of dental hygienists, understanding that the well-being of these practitioners directly influences the success of DSOs. Through Hygiene HQ, Darby is addressing the staffing crisis and laying the groundwork for a more engaged, knowledgeable, and empowered workforce.
Ergonomic Solutions: A Lifeline for Longevity
The physical strain of a dental hygienist’s work often do not make the headlines. The repetitive motions, awkward postures, and long hours create challenges that can lead to early retirement. The statistics are sobering. 91% of dental hygienists report suffering from or having suffered from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The most commonly affected areas include the neck (30.6%), shoulder (25%), and lumbosacral region (23.3%). For hygienists over the age of 35, these numbers spike even higher, with 94.2% reporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs).
“As a supplier, it would be easy to focus our attention solely on the person in the office making buying decisions, but we have always believed that it is more important to provide holistic value to our customers, explains Allison Alexander, Vice President of Darby Group Companies. “Dental hygienists are essential to the success of any practice — from providing quality patient care to encouraging case acceptance — and we are committed to giving them a much-needed voice in purchasing decisions and providing ergonomic products that will extend their health and careers.”
This commitment is evident in initiatives like the Love Your Glove division and the “Find Your Fit” program. For hygienists, finding the right glove isn’t just about comfort but also career longevity. Darby’s investment in DenTouch gloves which are ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue, is just one example of how the organization is actively addressing the physical demands of the job. By ensuring that hygienists can work comfortably and sustainably, Darby not only enhances the well-being of these professionals but also strengthens the operations of the DSOs they serve. A healthier, more satisfied workforce means fewer disruptions, lower turnover, and ultimately, better patient care — benefits that reach across the entire organization.
Darby is always looking for products with ergonomic benefits and strives to educate dental professionals on the importance of using the right supplies. At last year’s Greater New York Dental Meeting, Darby’s booth featured a “Find Your Fit” glove program. Visitors were encouraged to try on different gloves to assess the fit, material, thickness, texture, and ease of putting them on, ensuring their hands are protected by wearing the best-fitting gloves.
Melissa Massetti, RDHAP and Kristina Mankins, BS, RDHAP, co-owners of The Dental Hygiene Coach, were on the lookout to purchase supplies for their portable dental hygiene practice in Central California and visited the booth.
“One of our main concerns was finding gloves that would help reduce hand fatigue while providing a great feel and fit,” shares Melissa. The two met with Darby’s Business Development Specialist, Maria Mulé, who helped them explore the various options Darby offers customers.
“Darby’s Le Soothe Polychloroprene Gloves were a perfect match thanks to their fit, feel, and smoothness! These factors are crucial for a hygienist, as they see numerous patients in a single day and frequently change gloves,” Melissa continues.
“Because hygienists are prone to suffer from hand fatigue, which can lead to carpal tunnel, the proper fit of a glove and textured fingertips are extremely important in preventing these issues.”
By helping to extend the careers of these professionals, Darby is ensuring that DSOs have access to experienced staff who can deliver high quality care without the interruptions caused by injury or burnout.
Darby’s focus on ergonomics even goes beyond gloves. The organizations are actively exploring and developing other products to alleviate the physical strain on hygienists. From adjustable chairs that support proper posture to tools designed to minimize repetitive motion injuries, Darby is leading the way in creating a safer, more sustainable working environment for dental professionals.
Data shows that working longer hours per day (over 8 hours) and more hours or days per week (over 40 hours) significantly increases the risk of WRMDs, which affects 90% of those with these conditions. By addressing these risks, Darby is not just extending careers—they’re enhancing the quality of life for dental hygienists, ensuring a healthier workforce for the industry.
onDiem: Redefining Staffing for Modern Times
Darby’s partnership with onDiem is a game-changer in a world where flexibility is critical.
Picture this: a hygienist with young children who must balance work and family life. Traditional employment models don’t often cater to this need, but onDiem does. Offering temporary staffing solutions with benefits such as health insurance and vacation time, onDiem allows hygienists to choose when and where they work without sacrificing stability.
This forward-thinking approach is creating real success. Hygienists who once struggled to find work-life balance now have the flexibility they need, and DSOs that previously faced constant staffing disruptions now benefit from a more stable workforce. Darby’s investment in onDiem is not just about meeting today’s challenges but about laying the groundwork for a more adaptable and resilient industry.
For DSOs, the benefits are clear. No more scrambling to fill shifts at the last minute, no more compromising on the quality of care due to staffing shortages. onDiem offers a solution that’s as flexible as it is reliable, and Darby’s investment in this platform speaks volumes about their commitment to evolving with the times.
A Vision for the Future Darby’s commitment to the dental hygiene community is more than just a response to a staffing crisis but a strategic investment in the future. By focusing on the people who make dental practices run smoothly, Darby is ensuring that the industry is resilient and thriving.
Through initiatives like Hygiene HQ, ergonomic resources, and investments in solutions like onDiem, Darby is not just tackling the DSO industry’s number one problem. They are leading the way in reimagining how that problem is solved. As the industry evolves, Darby’s commitment to innovation and support for dental hygienists will likely set a new standard for how suppliers and DSOs can work together to build a stronger, healthier industry.