What if dentistry's biggest workforce problem isn't here yet?
What if more dental assistants decide temping is a better career path than waiting around for raises? Or, what if someone actually succeeds in organizing unions in dentistry? In this episode of the Compliant AF Podcast, Kara Kelley and Amy Wood are joined by labor relations expert Katie Tanner to explore the "dental dystopia" many practice owners hope never becomes reality - and what leaders should be doing now to keep it that way.
In this episode of the Compliant AF Podcast, Kara Kelley and Amy Wood are joined by labor relations expert Katie Tanner to unpack the growing workforce shifts that could fundamentally change dentistry. From union organizing and collective bargaining to skyrocketing temp rates and the long-term sustainability of private practice, this conversation explores the "what if" scenarios many practice owners are quietly wondering about - but few understand.
Katie breaks down how unions actually form, what employers can (and absolutely cannot) do when employees begin organizing, why collective bargaining isn't the magic solution many people assume it is, and how union dues, contracts, and labor law work in the real world. Kara brings the HR perspective, connecting these trends to compensation, retention, wage and hour compliance, employee classification, and the growing temptation for practices to cut compliance corners when margins get tight. Amy rounds out the conversation with practical questions about leadership, technology, and where the profession may be headed next.
Also in this episode:
- What it actually takes to form a union in healthcare
- Why unions are far more complicated than social media makes them sound
- The hidden costs of collective bargaining agreements and union dues
- What employers can and cannot say when employees discuss unionizing
- When labor attorneys should get involved
- Why temp work is becoming increasingly attractive for hygienists and dental assistants
- How skyrocketing temp wages affect practice profitability
- Independent contractor myths in dentistry
- The growing disconnect between reimbursement rates and labor costs
- Practical ways leaders can reduce turnover before employees look elsewhere
- Why workforce pressures often lead to compliance shortcuts—and why that's a dangerous tradeoff
Bottom line: Whether unions ever become common in dentistry or not, the pressures driving these conversations already exist. Practice owners who understand compensation, culture, compliance, and workforce strategy will be far better positioned than those who simply hope these trends pass them by.
Featured Expert
Katie Tanner
President & Owner, KTHR Innovations
Katie Tanner is an HR and labor relations consultant specializing in union strategy, collective bargaining, employee relations, and compliance within healthcare organizations. With more than 15 years of HR leadership experience - including extensive work in skilled nursing, home health, and multi-state healthcare operations - Katie helps employers navigate complex labor issues before they become business crises.
Learn more: https://www.kthrinnovations.com
Meet the Hosts
Kara D. Kelley, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
As a Fractional HR Business Partner to dental leaders and healthcare executives and CEO of Clinical HR, Kara specializes in HR compliance, workforce strategy, leadership development, and helping practices build systems that are both compliant and sustainable. She is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and coach.
Amy Wood
Founder of Copper Penny Consulting, Amy is a nationally respected HIPAA, cybersecurity, OSHA, and compliance expert serving dental and healthcare practices. Known for her no-nonsense approach to vendor risk, technology, and real-world compliance, Amy helps practices reduce risk without overcomplicating operations.
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Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, medical, or HR advice. Listening to this episode does not create a client relationship with the hosts or their companies. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, so consult qualified professionals regarding your specific situation.
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