Good luck with that.... You won't find a viable candidate for less than $100k/year + benefits.
5 years experience will be a revolving door for you and you need to consider the client harmony when hiring. Your clients have to trust the new hire. He/she needs to have the correct answer... EVERY time when on the phone. This comes with experience.
Look at it from a master tech's point of view. I can run a one person lab out of my house, work the hours I want, no babysitting employees or drama and gross $80-100k/ year coasting.
I can do any job in the department easily, quickly and efficiently. Why would I do it for you? Why would I want what you have to offer?
You gotta pony up.
This ain't a 2000's job pool to pull from anymore. Master techs. call their salary.
Master techs are few and far between.
Any tech working 15 years says they can do it.... That tech you hire also has to be capable of training which narrows the lone wolves even more. There's usually a reason they work for themselves.
Housing and property taxes are definitely favorable for a transplant.
Population around 45,000 is great
20 local dental offices with a quick google search...
Your best option is as others have said--- promote from within.