I just wanted to let you other predents know about the possible lifestyle that is available to a dentist. It is this success story that first attracted me to the profession and away from studying medicine. Mind you, I care nothing for being wealthy. I simply want to be in a profession where 1. I am the boss. 2. I enjoy what I do. 3. I can work as little as possible...not out of laziness, but so that I can spend my time on the important things in life which is being with my family and watching my 2 boys grow up. 4. As I said, I don't care if I am rich, but I want a life where money is never an issue.........where I can provide for my family and afford the things I want.
To me, the other things such as a rewarding career and helping others is simply a plus to the above listed things.
Anyway, moving on to my story.....I am tired of reading a lot of posts where people request salary info and keep getting the run around........so here are some hard numbers for those of you who desire. I have a friend who has been practicing for 8 years. His first year out of school he settled for a position as an associate for $50,000 a year. The next year, he moved to a town in where he became an associate to an already established practice.
He is only a GP, but keep in mind that he is just an associate.
Today, 8 years out of school.........my friend works Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. He works from 8:30 to noon.....then 1 hour for lunch.......then on again until 5:00. That's 7 1/2 hours a day for a grand total of 22 1/2 hours a week. Even though he is just a GP, he refers practically no case away to a specialist. I have observed with him where he does any procedure he feels comfortable doing. He reguraly does braces, root canals, dentures, wisdom teeth extraction...........basically anything. He makes 27.3% of total collections (their practice has a collection rate of 98%+) He sees an average of 65-75 patients per day...........that is not a typo!!
Here is how.....it is a 7 chair practice. On the day he works, he is the only dentist there....(owner only works Monday and Tuesday),,,,,,,every chair is full. He comes by and sees the patient.....tells them what they need done........then he leaves to see next patient while the dental assistant talks to the first patient about costs and sees what they want done.......then he returns and does the procedure. Since it is allowable by state law.......if he has to drill.......the assistant can do the filling....this allows him to see more people. Keep in mind that he does quality work... is honest (never advises to have any unneeded procedure......and has the best chair side manner of anyone....In short, the patients are thrilled with the experience.
Bottom line............3 days a week........22 1/2 hours of work........$200,000 a year. No hassles about employees or payroll. Just come to work, perform well, make your patients happy, and go home to your family.
There is nothing miraculous about our town. It is not an overly weathly community. County population of about 40,000. About 20-25 other dentists in town. He simply works hard, fast, effecient, and does excellent work.
Just knowing that this kind of life should make you smile.
To me, the other things such as a rewarding career and helping others is simply a plus to the above listed things.
Anyway, moving on to my story.....I am tired of reading a lot of posts where people request salary info and keep getting the run around........so here are some hard numbers for those of you who desire. I have a friend who has been practicing for 8 years. His first year out of school he settled for a position as an associate for $50,000 a year. The next year, he moved to a town in where he became an associate to an already established practice.
He is only a GP, but keep in mind that he is just an associate.
Today, 8 years out of school.........my friend works Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. He works from 8:30 to noon.....then 1 hour for lunch.......then on again until 5:00. That's 7 1/2 hours a day for a grand total of 22 1/2 hours a week. Even though he is just a GP, he refers practically no case away to a specialist. I have observed with him where he does any procedure he feels comfortable doing. He reguraly does braces, root canals, dentures, wisdom teeth extraction...........basically anything. He makes 27.3% of total collections (their practice has a collection rate of 98%+) He sees an average of 65-75 patients per day...........that is not a typo!!
Here is how.....it is a 7 chair practice. On the day he works, he is the only dentist there....(owner only works Monday and Tuesday),,,,,,,every chair is full. He comes by and sees the patient.....tells them what they need done........then he leaves to see next patient while the dental assistant talks to the first patient about costs and sees what they want done.......then he returns and does the procedure. Since it is allowable by state law.......if he has to drill.......the assistant can do the filling....this allows him to see more people. Keep in mind that he does quality work... is honest (never advises to have any unneeded procedure......and has the best chair side manner of anyone....In short, the patients are thrilled with the experience.
Bottom line............3 days a week........22 1/2 hours of work........$200,000 a year. No hassles about employees or payroll. Just come to work, perform well, make your patients happy, and go home to your family.
There is nothing miraculous about our town. It is not an overly weathly community. County population of about 40,000. About 20-25 other dentists in town. He simply works hard, fast, effecient, and does excellent work.
Just knowing that this kind of life should make you smile.
