Dentaltown February 2023 - 23

philosophies align to avoid situations like this.
I'm not trying to sound mean or harsh, but I've
Indie0uting
been in the associate's shoes before because I was
unsure of what the owner wanted. Perhaps your
associates are confused.
Communicate before, not after. For example, at
the interview stage, go over the bitewings of recent
new patient exams and compare findings. If both of
your findings are way off, or if the associate is not
willing to make changes, then it is not a good fit and
do not hire them.
I really do believe poor communication and lack of
respect are the issues here. It's not that they're " bad "
associates. Your associates can't read your mind in
knowing your philosophy. It seems you are setting
up your associates to fail. n
Post: 10 of 52
11/9/2022
I think you need to really acclimate the associate
to your treatment philosophy. At the same time, you
need to expect that you may not find exactly what
you are looking for. I spent 3+ years as an associate for
a popular DT poster and it was some of my best learning
years as a dentist. I thoroughly enjoyed having a
mentor and we are still close. But we were in the office
many hours together and we spent lunch a few times
a week reviewing cases, procedures and philosophy.
How much time are you spending per week with your
associate? That being said, a few suggestions:
1.
Intraoral camera: Both of you need to show and
discuss your diagnosis and treatment.
2.
bob koenitzer
Post: 9 of 52
11/9/2022
I agree that communication is important before
hiring an associate. There should be a lot of time
spent with your top candidate going over X-rays and
models and talking about treatment planning.
New grads will likely not have great clinical skills.
I believe the quality, and unquestionably the quantity,
of clinical education has declined at almost all
dental schools in the past 30 years. I don't blame the
young dentists for that. Older dentists should expect
this and plan to be mentoring and supportive as our
young colleagues build their skill sets.
For at least the first year, and probably the first
two years, it is best for everyone (patients, young
dentists, owner dentists) for the young dentist to
work for a salary. Take the pressure to produce off
the table. Keep the focus on constantly improving
quality and developing both physical and communication
skills. Expect redos. Look for teachable moments
and make sure all criticism is constructive.
Young dentists should have fragile egos. Don't crush
their self-confidence. Guide their journey.
Some young dentists just want to " get their reps
and get their money, " then will leave all their problems
behind and move on. That's probably not the
best dentist to hire for a private practice associate. n
3.
Have good examples of incipient and caries on
radiograph for the new hire to see and explain
your reasoning. I know people say, " Stay out of
it, " but that's unrealistic as an owner. Just like
the rest of your employees, you have to always
watch, listen and lead.
Introduce the associate to your burs and how
you use them. I remember in dental school we
were given a limited amount of options and
some were just too large and aggressive.
4.
5.
6.
Get the associate better loupes (probably not
necessary, but we all seem to go up in magnification
over time).
Ask associate to take postoperative films and
evaluate the work and bring you questions on
how to improve.
How is the associate doctor's assistant? She
should be passing them the articulating paper
and floss. Let the assistant lend her years of experience
to help the associate remember the last
things. Is she experienced or new to assisting?
7. Are you using SSC for temps? Give them bisacryl
and a matrix and I bet it will improve. SSC for
temps is not a simple provisional method-very
technique-sensitive.
8.
Are these associates young? Are they doing a
GPR/AEGD before hire?
9. Lastly, overpay on the daily guarantee so
production isn't the main motivation. Let them
start slow and learn. It is too damn expensive to
become a dentist these days. n
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Dentaltown February 2023

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