School to Work Transition

[UTDental]

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Greetings-
I'm a D2 and I am wondering when is the best time to start looking for employment (I don't plan on specializing). I've narrowed down the places I'd like to live but don't know where to go from there. I'd like to find out what dentists will be looking for associates/partners 2 years from now but not sure how to do that. Any suggestions?

 

[ehop24]

That's a really good question, one that i've been pondering myself for some time. Alot of my classmates (50%) have a solid idea about their where and with whom they'll be practicing. But for those of us that dont, does anyone have any advice?

 

[DrRob]

I started looking for places in the summer between my junior and senior year and seriously interviewed with practices my second semester of my senior year (jan - March). Ultimatley it took me a year of working before I found the place where I am at now

 

[no2thdk999]

UTDental the short answer is to start networking with dentists in the area you want to work. Nothing will substitute for a familiar name and face when it comes to being picked as a new associate. Go to local meetings and get the word out now that you are going to be looking for work in 2 years. If you don't know any in the area find out who the president of the local ADA chapter is and strike up a relationship with him/her. They will at least be able to point you in the right direction.

The dental supply reps are an invaluable resource when it comes to this as well. They visit most dentists office on a weekly basis and have their finger on the pulse of who's looking for help. I would call the dental companies that serve your area and ask them to give you some names. They enjoy helping you find work and it looks good for them if they can help a senior doc find a new associate.

I would start as early as possible. The longer you've been looking the more likely you are to find a great position where the senior doc wants to mentor you and possibly have you buy in. If you wait you might get stuck with some shmoe who just wants a warm body to make money off of and see all the bad patients.

JMHO
Rob

 

[UTDental]

Rob-
Thanks for the post. I'll definitely get started with what you suggested.