The American Dental Association recently gave tips on factors dental professionals should consider before taking a new job.
Five things to consider:
1. What will your responsibilities be?
Ask employers how many clinical hours you are expected to work in relation to the practice's operating hours to ensure the practice's schedule works with yours.
2. Consider the terms of your employment contract
These include the length of the contract, whether the position is salaried or per diem, and limitations if a dentist leaves the practice.
3. Ask when the practice last raised fees
The ADA's Practice Transitions group recommends practices to review fees annually to keep fees in line with the local market and avoid increases that could deter patients. The ADA warns that fees going up right after a new dentist joins could come off as greedy.
4. See if there is a path to ownership
The ADA said an associate-to-owner path can be a beneficial way to lead a practice; examples include joining a growing dental group or a practice with a retiring dentist who can mentor a new dentist on clinical and business skills.
5. Get an idea of what your workday will look like
Make sure the environment and workload will allow you to maintain a work-life balance. The ADA recommends talking to other employees to get a sense of these factors.