New Dentist Compensation

Most new dentists I speak with ask rather quickly in our conversations about compensation. I don’t recommend bringing this topic up immediately in your interviews, but it is an important point to discuss when exploring various opportunities.

Compensation offers do vary from place to place. When talking to other doctors, sales reps, or recruiters ask what they are seeing in your places of interest. Various factors affect what practices are willing to offer in their compensation packages. Some factors: number of dentists in the area looking for jobs (basic supply and demand); particular skills or experience levels desired by the practice; is the office fee for service or HMO/Medicaid driven; how badly does the office need the position filled.

As a new doctor you should be able to find an opportunity where you can make at $120K your first year. A common example of a compensation package is $500 per day guarantee or 30% of collections (whichever is greater). The usual first year production expectation is about $300K to $500K.

There are a lot of great paying opportunities out there. Pay attention to what other job seekers are talking about. You will need some point of reference in order to determine if you are getting a fair offer.

There is a great survey conducted by Dental Economics each year that is great. It takes a look size of local, productions, and compensations. Here you can find the 2008 Survey.

News/Insights

Salary Negotiations for Dentists Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Salary Negotiations for Dentists

Aug 29, 2023

When going into salary negotiations for a new position, it’s natural to feel intimidated. Some simple preparation will help you negotiate with confidence and a sense of fair...

The Contract Series: Part 3 – Before You Sign Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 3 – Before You Sign

May 13, 2021

You’ve interviewed. You’ve negotiated. You’re ready to sign. Almost. There are still a few details to confirm.  The first, and perhaps most obvious, step you should ta...

The Contract Series: Part 2 – Reviewing the Terms Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 2 – Reviewing the Terms

Apr 20, 2021

You’ve been offered a contract. In many cases, the initial contract is a standard document with some wiggle room. Remember, you’ll have to live with the conditions of this...

The Contract Series: Part 1 – Preparing For Negotiations Offers/Contracts/Compensation

The Contract Series: Part 1 – Preparing For Negotiations

Apr 13, 2021

 You’re in discussions with an employer for a position that looks like a great fit, and it looks like you’ll be offered a contract. However, one of the most critical aspe...

How to Turn Down a Job Offer Professionally Interviewing

How to Turn Down a Job Offer Professionally

Sep 23, 2020

In 2020, landing a position with an independent dental practice can be a challenge, particularly in the wake of a worldwide pandemic. In recent months, however, we've seen a s...

Associate Contracts: What to Look For in Your Next Contract Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Associate Contracts: What to Look For in Your Next Contract

May 13, 2020

A manila envelope appears on your desk with your new contract. It’s all there in black and white—the terms, salary, perks, and expectations. While an employment contract ...

Base Salary vs Actual Compensation Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Base Salary vs Actual Compensation

Dec 11, 2019

Not all salaries are created equal. All too often, we find that job seekers will overlook a potentially rewarding opportunity solely because the base salary offered is lower t...

What to Do When an Associate Doesn’t Want to Renew Their Contract Offers/Contracts/Compensation

What to Do When an Associate Doesn’t Want to Renew Their Contract

Aug 20, 2019

Maybe the contract renewal has been with the associate for a while and you’re hearing radio silence. Maybe they’ve told you they have no interest in renewing. Either way, ...

Are You Ready to Be a Partner? Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Are You Ready to Be a Partner?

Jun 3, 2019

There comes a time at every practice when taking on an additional partner makes good business sense. Partners, unlike associates, are part owners of a practice. Practice owner...

Do’s, Don’ts and Red Flags of Contract Negotiations Offers/Contracts/Compensation

Do’s, Don’ts and Red Flags of Contract Negotiations

Mar 29, 2019

Spring is in the air, and we are approaching the season of contract negotiations. A pool of fresh-faced graduates means dental positions around the nation will soon be in flu...