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Finding a new associate position can be a daunting process for both new and experienced dentists. While making a good impression on an interview is important, it is equally important to learn as much as possible about the practice. Here is a compilation of questions from job seekers who I have worked with over the years. I hope that this list will make the decision process less intimidating.

Relationship

• Employee or Independent Contractor?
• Employee at will?
• Is the doctor open to restrictive covenant in case of future ownership?
• Is the doctor going to stay on PT for some time or can he, if needed (After purchase)?

Type of Practice

• How the practice is set up (family, Pedo, or dentures)? Pedo: what age?
• Age of the practice?
• When/what do you refer out?
• Place or Restore Implants? Which system?
• # of operatories
• # of Hygienists. Hrs of operation?
• # assistants
• Will the associate have their own assistant?
• How much is the practice overhead?
• How long has each employee been there?
• What does the practice do to market itself?
• How many FT and PT staff?

Patients

• What is the patient pool like?
• Have the number of active patient records been reviewed?
• Is the practice growing or declining in number of patients seen, new patients attracted, and young patients?
• Average number of cancellations per week?
• Average number of patients seen by associate per day?
• How far ahead is the doctor book filled?
• How far ahead is the associate book filled?
• How far ahead is the hygienist’s book filled?
• Discounts/Bartering/payment plans?
• PPO type of insurance? Insurances: accept all kinds or just selected ones?
• How much is the discounted price of the PPO compared to the fee schedule?
• Medicare or Medicaid acceptance?
• How much of the practice relies upon capitation programs, PPOs, HMOs, Medicare or Medicaid?
• What percent is FFS, cash and discounted PPO?
• When was the last fee increase?
• Are the fees low, high or average for the immediate area?
• Do you offer patients credit?

Schedule

• Days, hours, on call, etc.
• How many office hours and days per week is the office open?

Duties

• Job description (separate document) or general description
• Is the associate expected to check hygiene of other doctor’s patients? If yes, will the associate be compensated for it?
• Will the associate be expected to perform hygiene/prophy?
• Does the doctor do any procedures other than regular general dentistry?
• What were the most of the cases being done by the associate?
• Will the associate be placing Implants for the practice?

Facilities

• Supplies, equipment, support. Etc
• What type of PMS (Software) is used?
• Implant surgical set up? Who finances to get that set up if NOT already in place?
• What is the square footage of the office? Can it be expanded?
• Average age of equipment?
• Is the practice left-handed, right-handed, or ambidextrous?
• Do you have a confirmation system for appointments?
• How do you deal with NO Show?
• Digital X-ray?
• Intraoral Digital Camera?

Term of contract

• How long?
• What is the required notice period should either party wish to terminate the relationship?

Compensation

• Is there a guaranteed salary, draw, daily rate or hourly rate?
• Is commission determined from collections or production?
• If collections, what is the collections rate in the practice?
• What percentage of production/collections is used to calculate income?
• Is there a chance to increase compensation in the future?
• Is the associate responsible for my own lab fees and expenses?
• Taxes withheld?
• How will the associate be paid? (Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly)
• How much on average was the last associate making?
• What was the average associate production per day?
• Does the associate production include hygiene exams and x-rays?
• Can I get a fee schedule of the practice?

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: health and dental?
• Malpractice insurance?
• Disabilities insurance?
• Required CE courses? How much and for how many hours a year? Are they paid for/reimbursed? Is there a stipend?
• Retirement?
• Sick days – # allow per yr
• Personal days/vacations – # per yr allow
• Holidays?
• What benefits are given to the staff?

Expenses

• Define, list, when paid, lab, etc.
• What Lab do you use? Use different lab for different lab orders?
• Will the practice support the acquisition loan (in case of future ownership), pay the overhead expenses and can afford a reasonable income?

Other Questions and Notes

• What is your practice Philosophy and Goals? For the Practice and with new pt’s tx?
• % of implant surgeries
• Have you had associate before? How many? How long they stayed? What was the reason for the associate resignation?
• How do you advertise?
• Will most dental insurance dictate pt’s Tx plan??
• Do you deal a lot with EMERGENCY pt? Separate operatories for that?
• Average number of emergencies per week?
• Will I be doing hygiene/prophy when I don’t have pt?
• Who determines how long I have when spending with new pt/initial exam and record?
• Do I have a separate apt to do comprehensive exams and record, or do I perform the TP when pt comes in for cleaning?
• How long does a hygienist spend on their recalls?
• Is there a particular doctor in the area who is your main competitor?
• Who sees the patient first (Doctor, hygienist, associate)?
• Why was the partnership offer turned down by an associate (if applicable)?
• Will I be able to visit the office during regular working hours?
• Does the doctor have a report showing how much treatment is treatment planned?

Partnership/Buy in/Sale

• Discussion/Formula/Price
• What is the time frame for an associate position before we can talk about partnership/buy in/buy out?
• Is there an option for future ownership? Are you considering a move out of state?

Restrictive Covenant

• Define

Posted by Morgan Pace

Morgan Pace is the Southeastern U.S. Account Executive and Senior Recruiter for ETS Dental. He can be reached at mpace@etsdental.com or 540-491-9102. ETS Dental is a Dental Recruiting firm specializing in finding and placing General Dentists, Dental Specialists, and Dental Staff throughout the United States. www.etsdental.com