January 2023 Final

Each time an employee leaves the workplace, there are replacement costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training new staff. Indirectly, workplace bullying also affects patient care as it can lead to a decrease in morale and job satisfaction among staff, which can negatively impact the quality of care provided. Dental clinics should prioritize creating a positive work environment for their hygienists and address any issues of workplace bullying immediately to retain and attract more hygienists. To combat the issue of workplace bullying in dental clinics, it is important for clinic management to take a proactive approach. This may include implementing anti- bullying policies and procedures, providing training for staff on how to recognize and address bullying, and holding all staff accountable for their actions. It is also important to recognize that bullying is not only a problem for the individual being bullied, but it also has a negative impact on the entire organization. By addressing this issue head-on, dental clinics can create a more positive work environment that will not only improve staff morale and retention, but will also lead to better patient care. Another issue that can contribute to the dental hygienist shortage is a lack of support and resources from clinic management. Dental hygienists often work in fast-paced environments where they are expected to