As dental practices continue to increase their busyness levels, practice owners must decide when the timing is right to add an associate doctor.

Determining Key Indicators

Is the practice ready financially? Are there enough patients to fill an additional schedule? Are systems and staff in place to support an additional doctor? Are there enough operatories to support increased capacity?

We find that owner dentists add an associate for a variety of reasons:

  • To manage practice growth, as the current patient base is simply too large for one doctor.
  • To provide the owner doctor an opportunity to reduce clinical days.
  • To provide additional services that are currently referred out.
  • As a transition into retirement.

Reviewing existing systems and assessing the practice’s financial readiness is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition when adding an associate. Meeting the outlined benchmarks will help both the associate and the owner doctor achieve their financial goals. The owner dentist must invest time and effort in mentoring the new doctor and guiding the dental team through adjustments in exam styles, scheduling, and procedures.

 

Chart graphic that reads "25+ new patients per month per FT doctor, 300-450 patients fills 1 day a week of doctor time - restorative schedule booked 3-5 weeks out, Hygiene provides 2 exams/hr/doctor on average, Op capacity will meet scheduling demand"

 

Expect a new associate to take time building their patient base, which will often result in increased production but decreased net revenue initially.

Faster returns can be achieved if the associate provides treatments previously referred out. While complex cases may still need specialist collaboration, adding procedures like endodontics or limited orthodontics in-house can be beneficial.

Carefully consider the new doctor’s personality and clinical philosophy to determine if they are a good fit with the owner dentist. According to Robert Spiel, MBA, Co-Founder of Dentist Partner Pros (DPP), 75% of associate hires fail within a year. Burkhart has partnered with DPP to end this cycle of associate failures. For over a decade, their approach has boasted an 85% success rate in associate placements that fit, stay, and generate revenue. Ask your Burkhart Account Manager for more details.

Enlist legal advice when writing contracts to protect the owner’s investment, including a graceful exit strategy if the relationship is not the perfect fit.

For professional guidance and support, consider reaching out to Burkhart and PST. Their expertise will guide you through this process, allowing you to welcome your new associate with confidence, knowing you have the resources for a successful transition.

 

Your success is our success. Please reach out to us anytime.
To learn more, visit the Practice Support Team page, email us at PracticeSupportTeam@BurkhartDental.com, or call 1.800.665.5323.

Burkhart Dental Supply – Practice Support Team

Category: Practice Consulting

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