As you think about the end of dental school, or how to plan your career, you’re probably wondering, “What's next?”
Far too often, I hear dental students say something like, “My only option is to grab the first job I can find. I know I’m going to be miserable while I increase my speed and clinical skills.” But you don’t need to feel that way!
Last week I discussed exactly that during the most recent ADA Practice Transitions Coffee Talk webinar. I offered advice to plan for the dental career you have always dreamed of, including:
- How to consider different paths (including some that may even offer loan repayment)
- How to balance your immediate priorities and long-term goals
- Why you don’t have to rule out buying early in your career
- Methods to evaluate your options – and keep them open
We also had an active Q&A session, during which we discussed:
- What are the most important things to consider when negotiating a contract for practice acquisition?
- I’m thinking about moving out of state after dental school but I don’t have a mentor or any professional connections out of the state I am in. Any advice for how to establish yourself as a new dentist out of state?
- What is the best way to get ahead business- and finance-wise while in dental school? (See: 5 financial must-dos before buying a dental practice.)
- What resources are there for finding opportunities?
- What does an owner look for when hiring? What factors into their decision to hire someone?
- What should I know about negotiating an associate contract?