In a recent episode of Beyond Bitewings, host Ash from Edwards & Associates sat down with Michelle Griffin, CEO of Griffin Resources, to discuss the critical role human resources plays in helping dental and medical practices run more smoothly. From hiring and onboarding to compliance and culture, Michelle offered practical insights that any dental practice can benefit from, especially those without a dedicated HR professional on staff.

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the importance of HR compliance. Michelle noted that nearly every aspect of HR is tied to local, state, or federal laws, and overlooking things like proper onboarding documents or I-9 forms can lead to serious issues. For multi-location or multi-state practices, it gets even more complicated, especially as labor laws can vary not only by state, but sometimes even by county.

She also cautioned practice owners about the risk of misclassifying employees, such as treating hourly workers as salaried or mislabeling staff as independent contractors. These decisions, often made for convenience, can expose practices to legal and financial liabilities down the line.

When the topic turned to mergers and acquisitions, Michelle stressed the need for clean, consistent HR records, especially when a practice is preparing to sell. Buyers often assess compliance risks during due diligence, and missing documents or unclear employee classifications can affect a practice’s valuation. She also shared some cautionary tales of fraud discovered during transitions, highlighting the need for strong internal controls, especially around payroll and benefits.

For practices looking to attract and retain top talent, Michelle encouraged owners to highlight their unique strengths. While a small office may not be able to compete with corporate benefits, many offer supportive environments, flexible schedules, and strong team dynamics, all things that can be just as important to job seekers. But keeping those team members long-term means living up to the promises made during recruitment and investing in their growth once they’re on board.

Finally, Michelle underscored the importance of empathetic leadership. The best practice owners she’s seen are the ones who treat their employees like people, not just resources. That includes understanding their goals, supporting work-life balance, and creating a culture where employees feel heard and valued.

If you’re a dental practice owner navigating people challenges, compliance headaches, or planning for a transition, this episode is a must-listen.