How to become a successful DDS associated?

[anteater831]

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Any tips for the newbie DDS on their first job? I know, don't be a hero, and refer out. Any other tips?

 

[OceanDMD]

I have done the associate thing. Here is my advice:

1- demand a contract that is based on either 35% collections -lab
OR 25-30% production
but get a guarantee of 90-100k .

2- learn molar endo. Learn the rotary, learn how to find and instrument accessory canals, how to treat DIFFICULT cases. This can provide 2-4k weekly if your employer doesnt like endo(which most dont).

3- Enjoy extracting teeth. Learn how to section and perform surgical extractions efficiently. Most veteran dentists dont like to extract teeth. A surgical extraction often takes 15 minutes, $200, no lab bill, great way to produce.

 

[Yellow Snow]

from my brother's experience, watch out for getting stuck with all the HMO patients. Sometimes the owning doctor will collect the monthly checks for having the patient on the roster (which is paid whether or not the patient shows up or even has an appointment) and has the associate do all the treatment where you make no money and could even lose money. It will take a few months for new grads to figure this out and look for another job. When new grad leaves, owner dentist just signs up another new grad and keeps this cycle going over and over.

 

[anteater831]

As an associated, you need to get disability insurance and malpractice? Can anyone give me more info on getting malpractice insurance?

 

[HuyetKiem]

As an associated, you need to get disability insurance and malpractice? Can anyone give me more info on getting malpractice insurance?

You will need both. For malpractice insurance, you should try fortress insurance co. at http://www.dds4dds.com. they're offer really cheap policy and within 24 hrs.

 

[DrJeff]

You will need both. For malpractice insurance, you should try fortress insurance co. at http://www.dds4dds.com. they're offer really cheap policy and within 24 hrs.

I'll second the reccomendation of Fortress as a Malpractice Carrier. Very good rates, and very god customer service and also a web based educational program where you get a discount on your premium upon completion👍

 

[DrJeff]

I have done the associate thing. Here is my advice:

1- demand a contract that is based on either 35% collections -lab
OR 25-30% production
but get a guarantee of 90-100k .

2- learn molar endo. Learn the rotary, learn how to find and instrument accessory canals, how to treat DIFFICULT cases. This can provide 2-4k weekly if your employer doesnt like endo(which most dont).

3- Enjoy extracting teeth. Learn how to section and perform surgical extractions efficiently. Most veteran dentists dont like to extract teeth. A surgical extraction often takes 15 minutes, $200, no lab bill, great way to produce.

👍👍👍

 

[anteater831]

Can I ask how much did you pay for your first year in premiums? fortress does not cover california people. I got a quote of 1K for my first year.

 

[phildent]

Can I ask how much did you pay for your first year in premiums? fortress does not cover california people. I got a quote of 1K for my first year.

Im here in Texas so I have fortress. But if you are in california, we were recommended TDIC malpractice insurance endorsed by CDA. It also covers other states. For new grads its always 40-50% off. That gives you a rate of 300-450 for the first year.

http://www.thedentists.com/

 

[Hemogoblin]

On a similar note, I'll be graduating in the next few months and am scheduled for an interview in the next week with a dental practice.
As I've never worked as a dentist, what should I be asking him? I know there are general questions, but is there anything specific you could think of that I might miss as a newbie?

Thanks for your help!

 

[texas_dds]

be sure to have things in writing (ie practice appraisal etc) if there is any chance you may become partner or buy out later. i always hear of people getting burned on this by adding value to the practice and then having to buy it back later. ask if you will be doing new patient exams/treatment planning on your own or with the other doctor or not at all, and find out what their general philosophy is on restorative, endo, pushing esthetics, specialty referrals, etc. etc. i think a 1-2 day working/observing interview is a good idea to make sure you actually LIKE each other. of course you never really know if that is true until you are into it a few months. find out if you will be on site with the other doctor(s) or will you be on your own. be nice to the staff - they can make your life great or not so great. i could type on this subject all day.... lol

 

[toofshucker]

HIRE A LAWYER! Have him look over EVERYTHING! It saddens me to say this because I think Lawyers are behind 75% of the problems with this country, but these are the rules we play by. Remember that the hiring doc is not doing you a favor, he is trying to increase his bottom line.

As harsh as this sounds, it is reality and you need to protect yourself. There are too many young docs that fall for the smiling hiring doc and their promises. There is a reason most dentists are owners, not associates.