Graduation strategies

Strategies for securing a successful associateship or practice acquisition

LHPS – resources for dental professionals

Practice opportunity resources

Traditional resources

  • Dental Supply Companies
  • Local Dental Society
  • Placement Services
  • Dental Practice Brokers/Consultants
  • Temporary Employment Agencies
  • Dental Schools
  • Professional Journals
  • Internet

Other resources

  • Family Dentist
  • Dental School contacts/faculty
  • Dental Fraternities
  • College Associations
  • Local Dental Study Clubs
  • Dental Labs
  • Other known dentists
  • Other recent Graduates
  • Professional- CPA- Attorney
  • Direct Marketing- Letters
  • Cold call- Door to Door
  • Realtors
  • Other Health Practitioners- MD, DVM, DO, DC, OD

The initial interview

Be prepared & be on time!!!

  • Research the practice & practitioner
    • Practice History
    • Practitioner History
    • Review Practice Web Site
    • Research Practice Philosophy
    • Check on-line State Board web site
  • Materials needed by Candidate
    • Current Resume & Picture
      • Make sure it contains current information
      • Make sure it contains current contact information
    • Cover Letter
      • Brief Biographical overview
      • Position sought & why
      • Goals & Objectives- Immediate and Long term
    • Letters of Recommendation

Offer information about yourself

  • Re-state your Goals & Objectives
  • Why did you choose dentistry as a career?
  • Who/What got you interested in profession?
  • What are your clinical likes/strengths?
  • Provide information on family in dental profession

Ask the practitioner

  • Goals of Host- Why does he/she want an Associate?
  • Practice Philosophy
  • Ask about Staff and their employment history
  • Any Relatives of Host?
  • Practitioner history
  • Location/facility history
  • Dental interests
  • Scope of services offered
  • Referral patterns
  • Continuing Education/courses
  • Insurance role in patient treatment
    • Insurance free
    • Fee for Service
    • Managed Care/PPO
    • Capitation
    • Medicaid
  • Source of New Patients
  • Staff and Family knowledge of Host's plans
  • Full Time or Part Time position
  • Salary or commission basis for compensation
  • Prior Associates- Current Status of Former Associates

Follow-up

  • Send a Thank You note with a summary of the meeting
  • Follow up with an email and/or phone call