As dental practices across New Jersey continue to feel the strain of staffing shortages, the New Jersey Dental Association, with support from the Delta Dental Foundation, is tackling the issue head-on through an innovative resource that’s already making a tangible impact: the Workforce Lead Directory.

The Workforce Lead Directory is a simple, streamlined way for recent graduates of dental hygiene and dental assisting programs to connect with NJDA member-dentists who are hiring. It’s a win-win: job seekers can proactively opt in to be listed in the directory, making themselves visible to a network of practices across the state, while member-dentists gain immediate access to a pool of ready-to-work candidates.

The Directory is the centerpiece of NJDA’s Workforce Advantage customization—a comprehensive member offering that combines directory access, HR training workshops, and job postings on the NJDA Career Center. The initiative reflects NJDA’s commitment to addressing the growing workforce crisis in the dental industry. You can learn more about the Workforce Advantage customization here.

“We can’t just sit back and wait for legislation to fix the workforce shortage,” says Orville Morales, NJDA’s Director of Advocacy & Health Affairs. “Our members need real solutions now, so we built something practical and immediate to help them connect with qualified candidates. The Workforce Lead Directory is our way of taking action where it’s needed most.”

And the numbers are starting to speak for themselves. Since its launch, the Directory has grown to include almost one hundred candidates representing dental assisting and hygiene programs across the state. These individuals have opted to be contacted directly by dentists, significantly reducing the friction typically associated with hiring in the dental field.

The system has already helped member dentists find the talent they needed—including NJDA’s own Vice President, Dr. Andrew Dietz, who recently hired a dental hygienist through the Directory.

“The process was incredibly straightforward. It cut out so much of the back-and-forth I usually deal with when hiring—I reached out, had a great conversation, and within a week, we hired a recent grad who was enthusiastic, well-prepared, and ready to step into a real-world setting," says Dr. Dietz. "NJDA’s reputation as a trusted, professionally recognized organization gave me confidence in the process. It’s the kind of solution we’ve needed in this field for a long time.”

The dental professional Dr. Dietz hired, Lindsey Troxel, had recently graduated from Middlesex College's Dental Hygiene program and was actively looking for a practice where she could begin her career. Thanks to the Directory, she and Dr. Dietz connected quickly, bypassing the lengthy job board process.

The Delta Dental Foundation’s sponsorship has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the Directory. This support aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission to expand access to oral health care and support the dental workforce pipeline. As NJDA continues to partner with the Delta Dental Foundation, the focus remains not only on filling jobs, but on building long-term, sustainable connections between practices and the next generation of dental professionals.

NJDA plans to continue expanding the Workforce Lead Directory’s reach by encouraging more students to opt in and promoting the platform to all member dentists. With the system gaining traction and success stories emerging, the Workforce Lead Directory is proving to be more than just a hiring tool—it’s becoming a cornerstone of workforce development in New Jersey dentistry.

If you have any questions about the Workforce Lead Directory or the Workforce Advantage customization, please reach out to Alex Horn at (732) 422-2717 or ahorn@njda.org.

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MEMBERS:  Please call 732-422-2706 to add a the Workforce Advantage to your membership. 

RENEWING MEMBERS:  Sign up when you Renew Online, by mail, or by calling 732-422-2706. 

NEW MEMBERS: Purchase when you Join Online or by phone 732-422-2706. 

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