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[deseanrox12]

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I graduate dental school in May. No plans on specializing. I started to look for a job in November, visited a few offices with a small DSO in my state. Of the 6 offices I visited, got 2 offers. The first I declined because it was a part-time 4 days/week offer. The second I'm considering because it's 5 days and in a better area (HCOL and less saturated). After the visit they sent me a written contract.

• One year, $500/ day minimum guarantee for 3 months.
  • After speaking with 2024 and 2025 grads who work there (same dental school), I will likely exceed the minimum by the 3rd month.
• 30% adjusted production
• No Lab Fees
• No benefits or CE / 1099
• Large competent staff and healthy flow of patients with good insurance.
• The part owner dentists I talked with are willing to mentor and help if needed.

Another office is a private practice one owner dentist looking to hire an associate. Visited twice and was offered the job (only verbal). The only information I have for pay is on the flyer. $25k signing bonus and tiered production starting at 30% up to 37% based on how much I produce.

• Owner currently works out of 6 Ops (potential to expand to 8-10)
  • She's busy the entire day
• Suggests I start with hygiene until schedule fills up
• 1 or 2 hygienist and 2 assistants
• Most patients use insurance
• low saturated area just outside city
• Higher income potential
• Owner wants to mentor

The issue is the private practice owner doesn't have a contract drafted and won't have one for another 2 weeks. I have the other offer on the table and want to respond this upcoming week. Should I take the stable, lower paying DSO job with a healthy flow of pts or wait on the private practice owner to draft a contract with potentially higher pay?

 

[Saddleshoes]

No comment on which job to take, BUT...
You got out of school in May and started looking for a job in Nov. It's February now! What have you been doing in the last 8 months???

(I have to tell you that as a prospective employer, that gap looks fishy.)

 

[fh2027]

No comment on which job to take, BUT...
You got out of school in May and started looking for a job in Nov. It's February now! What have you been doing in the last 8 months???

(I have to tell you that as a prospective employer, that gap looks fishy.)

I believe they are graduating May 2026

 

[niko472]

Take mentorship with a grain of salt, it’s rare you will actually get that.

I would take the first offer - that one sounds like there’s more room for growth and better income potential. If the private office hasn’t had an associate in the past there’s a good chance there won’t actually be enough patients for you.

 

[mjzccle19701]

Take mentorship with a grain of salt, it’s rare you will actually get that.

What does mentorship actually mean? Is it holding your hand while you try to do more difficult procedures? I've heard stories of owners being overbearing and double checking all of the work. That's probably too much mentorship. I guess my question is what should someone look for in a mentor?

 

[Saddleshoes]

I believe they are graduating May 2026

DAH!!!!
I'm sure your are right!
Please excuse my dullness!!!!

 

[deseanrox12]

What does mentorship actually mean? Is it holding your hand while you try to do more difficult procedures? I've heard stories of owners being overbearing and double checking all of the work. That's probably too much mentorship. I guess my question is what should someone look for in a mentor?

For me, I'm fairly confident in my hand skills and ability to communicate with patients. I know I'll be slow and speed comes with time/reps. If I'm doing a difficult procedure for the first time or first time in a few months, I'd like for a more experienced dentist to give me a rundown of what to look out for and any tips that may make it go smoother. And if I'm really struggling then be there to bail me out (haven't had this scenario yet in D4).

 

[FloridaDental_2024]

$500 min guarantee for a NG in your home state, care to share the location/state?

A friend's younger brother who graduated last year received an offer from one of the rust belt states, $900+ guarantee per day for 3 months, private office, not DSO.