Starting your first associate position is an important step in your dental career. After years of dental school and residency, evaluating an employment opportunity involves more than finding a practice that feels like a good fit. Understanding your contract, compensation structure, and the practice's working environment can help you make an informed decision about your next step.
Dr. Paul Goodman, founder of Dentist Job Connect and Dental Nachos, was recently reminded of the importance of this preparation during a conversation with a 2023 dental graduate. After completing residency, the dentist had struggled in two associate positions and ultimately left their most recent job after reportedly not receiving payment for their work.
During their conversation, Dr. Goodman learned that the dentist had not spent a full day observing at the practice before accepting the position and had not consulted an attorney experienced in dental employment agreements before signing the contract.
The situation highlights several considerations for new graduates entering the workforce, particularly those navigating their first associate positions. Taking time to evaluate a practice and understand the terms of an employment agreement can help dentists identify potential concerns before committing to a role.
Interviews provide an opportunity to learn about a practice's expectations, culture, and approach to patient care. However, a conversation with an owner or hiring manager may not provide a complete picture of what it is like to work there day to day. Whenever possible, new dentists should consider arranging an observation day before accepting an offer. Spending time in the practice can provide a better understanding of its operations, team dynamics, clinical environment, and approach to associate support.
During an observation, consider the following:
An observation day cannot guarantee that a position will be the right fit, but it can help you gather additional information before making an informed decision. It also gives you an opportunity to ask follow-up questions about anything that remains unclear.
An associate employment agreement establishes important terms of the working relationship. Depending on the agreement, these may include compensation, clinical responsibilities, benefits, termination procedures, and restrictions that could affect future employment opportunities.
Because these terms can have long-term implications, new dentists should consider having an attorney familiar with dental employment agreements review the contract before signing.
Some of the key areas to understand include:
Compensation and payment terms
Understand whether your compensation is based on production, collections, a daily rate, or a combination of these structures. If compensation depends on production or collections, clarify how those figures are calculated, what adjustments or deductions may apply, and when payments are scheduled.
Clinical responsibilities and expectations
Review your expected schedule, clinical duties, productivity expectations, and any requirements related to procedures or patient care. If mentorship or additional training is important to you, clarify whether and how that support will be provided.
Termination provisions
Understand how either party can end the agreement, including any required notice periods and obligations that may continue after employment ends.
Restrictive covenants
Review any noncompete, nonsolicitation, or similar provisions that may affect your options if you leave the practice. The enforceability and implications of these terms can depend on the language of the agreement and applicable law.
Additional financial terms
Ask about benefits, lab fees, insurance arrangements, expense deductions, and other provisions that could affect your overall compensation or financial obligations.
These are examples of issues to consider rather than a complete checklist for every contract. An attorney can help explain how the specific language in your agreement applies to your circumstances and identify questions that warrant further discussion.
A Free Resource for Reviewing Your First Associate Contract
To help dentists better understand the associate hiring process, Dr. Paul Goodman and dental attorney Rob Montgomery have created a free educational resource covering what to look for when evaluating a first associate position and reviewing an employment contract.
The training offers new graduates an opportunity to learn about common contract considerations and prepare more informed questions before accepting a job.
Watch the Free Associate Contract Training With Dr. Paul Goodman and Attorney Rob Montgomery
For dental students approaching graduation and residents preparing to enter the workforce, reviewing this resource before signing an agreement can be a useful part of the job search process.
In the situation Dr. Goodman described, the associate reported being owed more than $5,000 in unpaid compensation after leaving their most recent position.
Unpaid compensation can create significant financial stress, particularly for early-career dentists who may be managing student loans, relocation expenses, and other costs associated with starting their careers.
If you encounter a similar situation, consider taking the following steps:
The best approach will depend on the facts of the situation, the terms of the agreement, and applicable law. Dentists who believe they are owed compensation should not assume that leaving a position means they must forfeit the money. Obtaining advice from a qualified professional can help clarify the available options.
Understanding the payment provisions before starting a job can also make it easier to identify discrepancies and address questions early.
Evaluating an associate contract is one component of preparing for a sustainable career in dentistry. New dentists may also benefit from considering how they would protect their income if an illness or injury prevented them from practicing. Dentistry often requires specific physical and clinical abilities. Depending on a dentist's circumstances and policy terms, disability insurance may provide financial protection if a covered condition affects their ability to work.
Dentist Job Connect connects dentists with Doctors Disability Specialists, a resource for professionals who want to explore disability insurance options and learn more about protecting their income. Connect With Doctors Disability Specialists *sponsor
Considering these questions early in your career can help you make more informed decisions as your financial responsibilities and professional goals evolve.
Dr. Goodman's conversation with the 2023 graduate illustrates why preparation is an important part of the job search process. Finding an associate position involves evaluating the practice, understanding the employment agreement, and knowing where to turn when questions arise. New graduates do not need to have every aspect of employment figured out on their own. Asking detailed questions during the interview process, observing the practice when possible, and seeking appropriate professional guidance can help clarify expectations before employment begins.
At Dentist Job Connect, we encourage dentists to approach career decisions with the same care they bring to their clinical development. The right opportunity should align with your professional goals, provide clear expectations, and offer a working environment where you can continue to grow.
For dentists preparing to enter the workforce, the following resources offer a practical starting point:
Taking time to understand these areas before accepting an offer can help you approach your first associate position with greater clarity and confidence.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, employment, insurance, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.