When searching for a new associate dentist position, it’s easy to fixate on a single headline factor. For many new grads—especially with dental school debt top of mind—that factor is salary. However, long-term career satisfaction is rarely about just one thing. It often comes down to three core elements: money, morale, and mentorship. Understanding how each of these fits into your life and deciding which matters most at your current career stage can be the difference between landing a good job and finding the RIGHT one.
Money: More Than Just the Salary
Compensation matters, especially with student loans and life expenses. For some dentists, prioritizing income means being open to relocation. For example, moving to a rural location may offer higher pay and the opportunity to perform a wider range of procedures due to patient demand. While the location may be less convenient, the financial upside and accelerated clinical growth can be worth it, especially early in your career.
Ask yourself: Does maximizing income right now support my current life goals?
Mentorship: Who Will Help You Grow?
Mentorship plays a major role in shaping your confidence, clinical skills, and long-term success as a dentist. Finding an incredible mentor in a private practice, someone who truly has the time and desire to teach, review cases, and guide treatment planning, can be invaluable, especially for new graduates.
One great example is our interview with a former Dentist Job Connect client, Dr. Braden VanDyke, who shares his experience working alongside Dr. Mike McKay. In the interview, Dr. VanDyke discusses the mentorship he received after joining Dr. McKay’s practice and the lasting impact it has had on his professional growth and clinical development.
Now, compare that to joining a practice as a solo practitioner, where you may be the only associate in the office most of the time. While some practices offer strong structure, systems, and resources, day-to-day mentorship can be limited if it isn’t intentionally built into the culture of the practice.
That said, many DSOs and larger group practices make mentorship a priority. Take Rodeo Dental, one of our valued partners, as an example. Our Sales Executive, Morgan Rake, recently spoke with Matthew Funk from Rodeo Dental in an interview titled “Dentist Job Connect: Why Associate Dentists Are Thriving at Rodeo Dental with Matt Funk.”
Their conversation highlights how the RIGHT group environment can provide both a supportive culture and meaningful clinical and professional guidance for associate dentists.
Ask yourself: Do I want maximum autonomy right now, or more hands-on guidance to grow and thrive?
Morale often gets overlooked, but it directly affects burnout and job satisfaction. A simple yet powerful question to ask during interviews is: “Can I speak with a previous associate who worked here?”
Pay attention to staff turnover, how the team communicates, and whether leadership listens to feedback. A supportive environment with strong morale can make even a demanding job sustainable.
Ask yourself: Will I feel respected, supported, and happy coming to work each day?