Skill / speed / proficiency level of specialists upon graduation versus general dentists

[dwn-test]

It’s a common theme that many dental school graduates feel they need a few years to gain the confidence and speed to be successful on opening their own practice or just being more productive as an associate.

I’d love to hear from some about their timeline and when they felt their progress occurred.

Are specialists (business things aside) usually competent/ fast enough when they graduate that they could operate a private practice? Or is it like general dentistry where many feel they NEED to be an associate for a few years to gain experience and speed?

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[schmoob]

It’s a common theme that many dental school graduates feel they need a few years to gain the confidence and speed to be successful on opening their own practice or just being more productive as an associate.

I’d love to hear from some about their timeline and when they felt their progress occurred.

Are specialists (business things aside) usually competent/ fast enough when they graduate that they could operate a private practice? Or is it like general dentistry where many feel they NEED to be an associate for a few years to gain experience and speed?

Absolutely need some time. As a more experienced GP I have enough knowledge both clinically and business to open a practice. For example a newly graduated Perio may be better at FGG and CTG than me, but that doesn’t mean they have the business experience of running a practice. Things like managing overhead, scheduling, staff management, calculating depreciation of assets, writing off equipment, etc are not things you learn in residency.
Once you understand how to run the business, your business and advanced clinical skills will set you up for a very successful career!

 

[dwn-test]

Absolutely need some time. As a more experienced GP I have enough knowledge both clinically and business to open a practice. For example a newly graduated Perio may be better at FGG and CTG than me, but that doesn’t mean they have the business experience of running a practice. Things like managing overhead, scheduling, staff management, calculating depreciation of assets, writing off equipment, etc are not things you learn in residency.
Once you understand how to run the business, your business and advanced clinical skills will set you up for a very successful career!

Have the freshly graduated specialists in your experience had the speed and proficiency to be highly productive straight out?

 

[Saddleshoes]

GP -- Specialist, doesn't matter, you are still going to need experience.
Malcom Gladwell, in his book, The Tipping Point got it right. It takes about 10,000 hours of practice to master your craft.
That is true for the GP and the Specialist, be they dental, medical, construction or computer workers.

 

[DustFreeEraser]

Dental students learn just enough not to kill anyone.
Residents learn just enough not to kill anyone in their particular field.
New grad specialists (especially ones with previous private practice experience) will probably be more productive than new grad dentists.
But everyone in whatever job/role they're in (like Saddleshoes says, not limited to dental/medical) will need time to gain experience and speed.

 

[schmoob]

Have the freshly graduated specialists in your experience had the speed and proficiency to be highly productive straight out?

It’s not about productivity, it’s about efficiency. I have seen my fair share of specialists have their practice open for only 2 days a week and associate at other offices because it costs too much for them to be open 4-5 days a week.

 

[dwn-test]

It’s not about productivity, it’s about efficiency. I have seen my fair share of specialists have their practice open for only 2 days a week and associate at other offices because it costs too much for them to be open 4-5 days a week.

That sounds like they just don’t have enough referrals yet

 

[schmoob]

That sounds like they just don’t have enough referrals yet

Could be. Depending on where you work it can be hard to get referrals as a fresh grad if you are a solo owner, unless you join a group practice. Otherwise you are competing with the folks that already have a reputation and relationship with the local GP’s. That’s why some specialists will have their office a few days a week and work corporate the rest of the time making very good money.