Pan!c at the office

[Dr.SparkleFresh]

I’ve just completed my first week at a dental office post grad, and I hate it.
The office that hired me stated I would have a mentor and I would be helping to handle their huge population of new patients. When I arrive for my first day I come in to an ornery Dr. who states he “ doesn’t know why they hired me because they don’t have the patient base.” After that gem, I proceeded to have only around 3- 4 patients per day and was met with grumbling any time I asked for input. I then hear stories that the office manager frequently lets lab bills and utilities go defunct and has caused cases to be withheld from patients. My car broke down after I got off Thursday and I completely lost it. Full blown panic attack. I love the other staff members and hygienists there, and the hygienists rotate 50/50 between me and the other Dr. so I am gaining patients but at the other Dr.’s detriment. I’m terrified of making mistake and getting sued and I feel like I’m performing without a net. I can’t do a GPR because I can’t afford it (non traditional student with a spouse and mortgage). I feel trapped in a **** situation. Any and I do mean ANY words of wisdom would help.

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[wannabeendodontist]

Can you find another job? Will you get penalized if you quit? It's a pretty **** situation you're in and no dentist should be in that situation. Sorry to hear that

 

[TMP-SMX]

Sounds like a terrible environment. Who did you interview with before taking the position? It seems like things were being misrepresented.

 

[Dr.SparkleFresh]

Can you find another job? Will you get penalized if you quit? It's a pretty **** situation you're in and no dentist should be in that situation. Sorry to hear that

I’m looking for another job, but in the meantime I’m pretty stuck. I only get paid once a month, and they hold back a month so if I want anything I have to work until the end of August. I also can’t find a job at, for example, an FQHC since those are pretty much all filled except those that are 1.5 or more hours drive. I’m angling for anything that’s not corporate but it may be my only option. I interviewed with the office manager, who flew in from the home office out of state (practice owner is retired and owns 3 practices run from out of town). GROSSLY misrepresented.

 

[2TH MVR]

Look .... both situations are just jobs in the end. Your end goal should be your own private practice. Look at these associateships/Corp as a means to pay bills, develop speed and experience, and probably most important of all .... learn the business side to running a dental practice. It's not easy to find the unicorn practice where you have a nice patient mentor ready to retire, plenty of patients, and a direct contractual agreement into partnership/ownership.

If you go Corp .... plan to limit your Corp job to no more than 2 years. I've seen some dentists that go Corp early on and become "Corp Institutionalized". They do their job. Get paid. Get some benefits paid for. But there really is no advancement.

Remember .... both are just temporary jobs. Sounds like you need to look for another job. We've all been there.

Good luck.

 

[deleted659902]

Look .... both situations are just jobs in the end. Your end goal should be your own private practice. Look at these associateships/Corp as a means to pay bills, develop speed and experience, and probably most important of all .... learn the business side to running a dental practice. It's not easy to find the unicorn practice where you have a nice patient mentor ready to retire, plenty of patients, and a direct contractual agreement into partnership/ownership.

If you go Corp .... plan to limit your Corp job to no more than 2 years. I've seen some dentists that go Corp early on and become "Corp Institutionalized". They do their job. Get paid. Get some benefits paid for. But there really is no advancement.

Remember .... both are just temporary jobs. Sounds like you need to look for another job. We've all been there.

Good luck.

Have you looked at some of these partnership offers? It looks like partner dentists come out with 1M+ annually by signing up for life and becoming an owner-partner for a DSO at multiple locations, although if one is so productive to be offered these offers he/she could probably do better as a sole owner.

 

[endoaccess]

Welcome to the suck.

Now take a deep breath. Here's the thing. Associate jobs suck. That's all there is to it. This is not like medicine where you can get a respectable salaried position and there is lot's of mentorship and patting on the back and teamwork. No, it's a freaking battleground out here. You eat what you kill. Right now you're nibbling at this other dentists dinnerplate, and he's annoyed, and quite frankly, it's not his faulty the absentee owner is a liar.

If it is really this terrible, I recommend leaving. Also, if you're not willing to move, you might never find a good dentist job. In this case, you will have to buy a practice or start your own.


Good luck.

 

[Dr.SparkleFresh]

I spoke with the other Doctor about my desire to learn and need of a mentor. He was surprisingly receptive to my request. I was honest about my situation and how I was feeling and he responded well. I am hoping I can use this position to gain some experience at least for a while until something better comes up. I don’t blame him for the situation it’s just a lot more stressful than anticipated.

 

[ysrebob]

Well that's progress... communication always helps. Maybe you can diplomatically help clean up some of the dysfunction in the office, too. I still think you should start beating the bushes for a new job.

A little-discussed fact is that the first year or two out of school tends to be a really rocky stretch for most new dentists, if that's any consolation. Just remember you do have a very valuable skill set and you will ultimately find your niche, even though it will likely take a little floundering around to get there (and some lateral career moves).

 

[TanMan]

Well that's progress... communication always helps. Maybe you can diplomatically help clean up some of the dysfunction in the office, too. I still think you should start beating the bushes for a new job.

A little-discussed fact is that the first year or two out of school tends to be a really rocky stretch for most new dentists, if that's any consolation. Just remember you do have a very valuable skill set and you will ultimately find your niche, even though it will likely take a little floundering around to get there (and some lateral career moves).

I would not recommend trying to fix anything at the corporate office unless it affects your bottom line and production. What's bad for your enemy is good for you in the long-term, if you plan to setup nearby. Also, it flags you as being a troublemaker and you have to keep getting paid until you're ready to move on.

 

[2TH MVR]

Lol. He's one week post DS. He not going to fix anything.

 

[Dr.SparkleFresh]

True-that homie. I’m just flying by the seat of my pants.

 

[Ding2daDong]

Take this as a learning experience. You thought it would be all fun and pillowy but that isn't life. I would play it cool and work on keeping every patient you see. Also start marketing in the local community and build some patients. I have gained some amazing patients by posting craigslist ads. No joke. A post saying you accept any walk-ins for anything! We will see you! People will come. You can't expect everyone to do the little things that make life easier. Check the lab cases yourself. Call the lab and speak with the lab tech, maybe even meet with them, to build communication. They will greatly appreciate it. Also speak with the scheduling staff and tell them you want to see more patients. I would see the tools you have an know what you can do and what you would prefer to refer. Join a local study club and meet some great dentists and specialists who you can refer to and can call in case you get into trouble or need help. Second week on the job I couldn't get a #17 out and called a local alumni from my school from 20yrs ago. He's now a great friend and has offered me a job multiple times at his amazing practice. Going for peds or I would take that. I would give it your all and take this as a worst case scenario and see what you can do. Good luck!