Striking work-life balance, choosing the right employer and building leadership skills are three important pieces of advice for individuals joining dentistry, according to seasoned professionals.
Eight dentists recently connected with Becker's to share what advice they would give to new dentists.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What advice would you give to dentists who are just joining/recently joined the dental industry?
Thomas Allen, DDS. Dentist of Old Farm Dental (Millcreek, Utah): My advice to a new dentist would be to take your time and do your homework when evaluating and choosing your place of employment. Don't jump at the highest paying opportunity right off the bat. Read the contract of the job you are being offered as to what will be required of you long term and short term, and be sure you understand and agree with the fine print and details. Discuss the opportunity and its requirements short and long term with those close to you. You might be surprised with their input and advice. There are a lot of opportunities available to new graduates that were not available to a lot of us in the past, some are good and some are not. Always keep your eye on how the job will affect your work-life balance. The longer you are in this profession the more you will appreciate and value that balance. Probably most important of all, don't forget those who have been on this journey with you, it has been hard work and sacrifice for them too.
Mike Davis, DDS. Dentist of Smiles of Sante Fe (Albuquerque, N.M.): Your employment agreement must be reviewed and negotiated by your attorney prior to signing. This will cost approximately $3,000 to $5,000. Yes, this seems like a great deal of money, especially to a new grad. Firstly, all contracts can be amended from a boilerplate agreement, which favors the party writing it (the employer). Secondly, the expense in legal fees to later get out of a contract can often approach $30,000 to $100,000. Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish.
Joseph Graskemper, DDS. Dentist of The Bellport (N.Y.) Village Dentist: Whether you are a new graduate or at the first few years out, you need to have leadership and communication skills. Working in a private practice, a DSO or in corporate dental management, these skills will allow you to excel. The most successful practice owners have great leadership and communication skills that they have developed over years of practice. These skills can be applied to patients for better case acceptance, for your dental team to function at their optimum and have better integration into the corporate world of dentistry. With the optimization of your leadership and communication skills, you will become the best you, you can be and enjoy your journey in dentistry.
Todd Sarubin, DDS. Dentist of Sarubin Family Dentistry (Pikesville, Md.): Seek out many mentors. People who have been around and have great insight into the practice and the business of dentistry. Sign up for some very important and lifelong seminar series that will serve you well. Learn how to take care of people, not mouths. Learn how to treat the elderly, they are our largest community of patients. They need our compassion, understanding and care. Learn how to treat the medically and mentally challenged, they are a huge part of our society that doesn't get the care they deserve.
Sonja Sproul, DDS. Dentist of Sonja Sproul Dentistry (Eugene, Ore.): I would say invest in quality continuing education. I joined Seattle Study Club and Spear when I first started and it made a drastic difference in how I diagnose, treatment plan, talk with patients and run the business side of my practice.
Jacklyn Tadros, DDS. Dentist of Jacklyn Tadros DDS (Wallington, N.J.): If you recently graduated, get more education. As for the new technologies, AI and implants are getting more popular. Also, work on getting your own practice after working as an associate for a while.
Andy Wang, DDS. Dentist of Elyson Family Dental (Katy, Texas): Dentists who have joined the dental profession face a difficult time due to our current economic conditions. I recommend new graduating dentists to network with peers at local dental associations. Knowing peers and connecting with peers helps one to find new jobs and opportunities within the profession.
Marc Worob, DDS, Vice President of the Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago): My advice to someone new in dentistry is to commit to lifelong learning and assess opportunities available to you that prioritize continuing education. Dentistry is an evolving field full of new discoveries, techniques, tools and other ways of delivering care. You must find ways to stay informed if you want to deliver the highest quality of care. I also suggest finding a mentor and connecting with other dentists in organized dental groups. For me, these connections are invaluable for my learning and personal and professional growth. Join an organization like the Academy of General Dentistry and take advantage of the membership benefits that are offered to new dentists. Learn about the Fellowship award and take the exam early in your career when much of the information is still fresh from dental school. Don't forget to find balance in your life. For me, dentistry has been a very exciting and satisfying profession. I've benefited from making connections and prioritizing family and friendship to help me get through the sometimes challenging periods. Finally, remain curious and committed to patient care, because the opportunities in dentistry can be endless.