October 14, 2024

What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Associate Dentist?

Adding an associate dentist to your practice can be beneficial in many ways. Having an associate not only increases production and revenue by allowing you to treat more patients, but it can likewise help you accommodate a larger patient pool by offering services outside your area of expertise (e.g., bringing on a specialist). Also, more providers means more appointment times, fostering increased patient satisfaction and retention.

Additionally, hiring and retaining an associate dentist can be part of your succession plan. By mentoring and providing guidance to an associate, he or she will be well prepared to take on the ownership mantle when you decide to transition into retirement. At the very least, a practice that includes an experienced associate is more attractive to buyers, increasing the value of your practice.

Attracting and Retaining “A” Players

The market is highly completive, so attracting top talent will require some investment on your part. Offering a competitive compensation package is key. But in addition to an attractive salary, consider including fringe benefits such as health insurance, a retirement plan, and reimbursement for continuing education expenses. What’s more, the associates of today are drawn to practices that utilize the latest tech. Update your dental equipment, software and technology to bring your practice into the modern age. This will not only make your practice more appealing to associates, but it will also improve patient care and productivity.

Just as with patients, bringing on an associate is only the first step. Now you have to keep them. Dental associates, especially those new to dentistry, often seek mentorship and support from experienced dentists. Encouraging teamwork, open communication and the sharing of ideas, as well as providing advice, guidance and support to your associates can contribute to their job satisfaction and professional growth. In addition, promoting a culture that values work-life balance by offering flexible schedules and reasonable caseloads helps to reduce stress and the risk of burnout.

If you’re ready to expand and grow your practice, hiring an associate may be just what the doctor ordered. Implementing any of these strategies can help attract and retain “A” players by creating a supportive work environment and instilling in them a sense of belonging and ownership in the practice.

Questions or comments? Please contact us at (646) 213-9044 or Admin@AndrieuxLaw.com.