Plans after graduation?

[MTD52]

---

Members don't see this ad.

When you graduate with a DDS or DMD, is it typical to just open your own place right away, or do most people get another job working for someone else first? How long does it take to really get going monetarily?

I have recently spoken with a dentist in my area, who said that he graduated at age 30 and worked for someone else for 5 years. Initially, he made hardly any money at all ($16,000 his first year - keep in mind that's 20 years ago), and he said that it took him until he was about 44 to really start making good money. It makes me somewhat concerned because I would come out of school with somewhere in the $150k+ range in loans and for him to say that it took that long is a little disheartening. Is that typical, or do you think he went about it wrong?

 

[krmower]

When you graduate with a DDS or DMD, is it typical to just open your own place right away, or do most people get another job working for someone else first? How long does it take to really get going monetarily?

I have recently spoken with a dentist in my area, who said that he graduated at age 30 and worked for someone else for 5 years. Initially, he made hardly any money at all ($16,000 his first year - keep in mind that's 20 years ago), and he said that it took him until he was about 44 to really start making good money. It makes me somewhat concerned because I would come out of school with somewhere in the $150k+ range in loans and for him to say that it took that long is a little disheartening. Is that typical, or do you think he went about it wrong?

I don't know that there is a "typical" route that most people go. Salary will vary by location.

There are many managed dental companies that have multiple locations in areas that will hire dentists from anywhere between $80,000 - $120,000. They will usually have "incentives" that they will pay you based upon your production that can bump your salary up even more.

Associates will typically have the same type of pay package. They will either be guaranteed a salary or have the ability to receive a percentage of their production. I would think coming out of school something in the $80-120,000 range is acceptable (again depending on location).

 

[MTD52]

I don't know that there is a "typical" route that most people go. Salary will vary by location.

There are many managed dental companies that have multiple locations in areas that will hire dentists from anywhere between $80,000 - $120,000. They will usually have "incentives" that they will pay you based upon your production that can bump your salary up even more.

Associates will typically have the same type of pay package. They will either be guaranteed a salary or have the ability to receive a percentage of their production. I would think coming out of school something in the $80-120,000 range is acceptable (again depending on location).

So, although you said there's no "typical" route, you would agree based on your comments that the length of time he took to make money is definitely not standard? I mean I don't want to go into something thinking that it will take 10+ years to get on my feet.

 

[Daurang]

I have recently spoken with a dentist in my area, who said that he graduated at age 30 and worked for someone else for 5 years. Initially, he made hardly any money at all ($16,000 his first year - keep in mind that's 20 years ago), and he said that it took him until he was about 44 to really start making good money. Is that typical, or do you think he went about it wrong?

It took him 14 years after graduation to start making any decent money? Something doesn't sound right; so "yes" he went about it wrong. In today's term, even a somewhat nonskilled easily replaceable worker assembling seatbelt at Ford makes the equivalent of $130,000 in wages and benefits. He need at to least double that amount to make it worthwhile his time, education, sacrifice, and debt.

 

[aphistis]

It took him 14 years after graduation to start making any decent money? Something doesn't sound right; so "yes" he went about it wrong. In today's term, even a somewhat nonskilled easily replaceable worker assembling seatbelt at Ford makes the equivalent of $130,000 in wages and benefits. He need at to least double that amount to make it worthwhile his time, education, sacrifice, and debt.

Then again, that Ford worker is likely be permanently unemployed and unemployable within the few months, if he isn't already.

 

[MTD52]

Then again, that Ford worker is likely be permanently unemployed and unemployable within the few months, if he isn't already.

lol, quite true

Anyone with other thoughts on the original question?

 

[Dmitry Malayev]

Well NYS now required all Dentists to do a mandatory 1-Year Residency after you receive your DDS/DMD. So i guess can't really open a practice right after.

I would think you would work for someone first, develop some skills, and have more to practice with. Also you'll be able to see how the business aspect works before you get into it yourself.

Some people don't like opening or managing their own business. It can become extremely tiresome and requires a lot more work. So many people work.

Many people, as well, go on to continue their education.

 

[MTD52]

Well NYS now required all Dentists to do a mandatory 1-Year Residency after you receive your DDS/DMD. So i guess can't really open a practice right after.

I would think you would work for someone first, develop some skills, and have more to practice with. Also you'll be able to see how the business aspect works before you get into it yourself.

Some people don't like opening or managing their own business. It can become extremely tiresome and requires a lot more work. So many people work.

Many people, as well, go on to continue their education.

That was my original thought process, but after what that dentist said I thought maybe it wasn't just like that.

Can any recent grads or those who have been working in the field cite some of their experiences with first jobs, opening a new practice, paying off loans, making actual $, etc?

 

[TempleDMDKrazd]

after i graduate i plan to still live like a student (aka live off $1k a month) while working an associateship and taking the chunk of my paycheck paying off my student loans

 

[MTD52]

after i graduate i plan to still live like a student (aka live off $1k a month) while working an associateship and taking the chunk of my paycheck paying off my student loans

What are you expecting to make (about) ?

ps: Where are you planning to work

 

[TempleDMDKrazd]

What are you expecting to make (about) ?

ps: Where are you planning to work

i'm going to be real conservative and say

$120-160k a year working 5 days a week 8 hours a day....

 

[MTD52]

i'm going to be real conservative and say

$120-160k a year working 5 days a week 8 hours a day....

Conservative? 🙂, sounds great. What area are you in?