In this episode of Dental Drill Bits, Sandy Pardue and Dana Salisbury continue their step-by-step Hiring Series with one of the most sensitive and risky steps: the job offer.

Too many dental practices skip this or handle it haphazardly, leaving themselves open to misunderstandings, legal trouble, and even losing great candidates. Sandy and Dana walk you through why offer letters matter, what must be included, and how to avoid turning them into binding contracts.

From conditional vs. unconditional offers, to pay pitfalls (why you should never state an annual salary), to the benefits and reporting structure every candidate deserves in writing—this episode is a playbook for clarity, compliance, and culture. You’ll also hear real stories from the field, red flags to watch for, and the right way to pair a congratulatory phone call with a solid written offer.

If you want to protect your practice, set clear expectations, and welcome new team members the right way, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways:

• Every job offer should be conditional on something, background checks, license verification, or I-9 documentation.

• Avoid stating annual salaries; use hourly, weekly, or monthly to stay compliant.

• Offer letters should spell out pay, benefits, start date, reporting structure, and expectations—clearly and concisely.

• Always include at-will employment language (where applicable by state).

• Never promise future raises or bonuses in writing—leave those for separate agreements.

• Give candidates a clear deadline to accept, so you don’t lose momentum with your second choice.

🔊 Episode Sponsors:
Identity Dental Marketing
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Plan Forward
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Mango Voice
VoIP that works for dental practices. Elevate your phone systems and never miss a patient call again.
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✨ Upcoming Event – Don’t Miss Out!
Want to take your front desk skills to the next level? Join Sandy Pardue and the Classic Practice team for Front Desk Pro in Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, 2025. This one-day seminar is packed with proven systems to reduce cancellations, boost treatment acceptance, and transform your patient experience. Register now at 👉 www.ClassicPractice.com and save $100 with code Secret Sauce.