New Associate Dentist's Guide: Thriving in Your First 90 Days
This guide offers essential strategies and key performance indicators (KPIs) to navigate your first 90 days successfully.
Learn how to optimize your practice, boost your earnings, and reduce stress through practical tips and industry benchmarks.
By focusing on these crucial areas, you'll set a strong foundation for professional growth and financial success in your new role.
1. Master the Practice Management System
Chart Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with the practice management software. Learn how to track production, collection, and adjustments efficiently.
Set Clear Goals: Typical daily production goals for new associates range from $2,500 to $3,000. Understanding these targets helps focus your efforts.
2. Optimize Your Schedule
Block Scheduling: Implement effective block scheduling. Allocate appropriate time for procedures: 1-hour crown preps, 30-minute SRPs per quad, and buffer time for emergency pulpectomies.
Leverage Hygiene: Build strong relationships with hygienists. Their role in diagnosis and treatment planning is crucial for a productive day.
3. Excel at Treatment Planning
Focus on Comprehensive Care: When presenting treatment plans, emphasize overall oral health. Patients are more receptive to comprehensive care when they understand the rationale.
Utilize Co-Discovery: Involve patients in the diagnosis process using intraoral cameras and radiographs. Visual aids can help patients understand the need for treatments like crowns for compromised teeth.
4. Navigate Team Dynamics
Value Dental Assistants: Dental assistants can significantly impact daily operations. Learn their names, strengths, and preferred working styles.
Appreciate Front Desk Staff: The front desk team controls scheduling and collections. Building a positive relationship with them is essential.
5. Commit to Continuous Learning
Prioritize Continuing Education: Stay current with dental advancements. Focus on high-ROI procedures such as implants, Invisalign, or same-day crowns to benefit both patients and production.
Prepare Daily: Review the next day's schedule in advance. Identify cases that might require consultation or special preparation.
6. Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Accounts Receivable (AR): Aim for an AR ratio under 1.0, indicating all production is collected within a month. Discuss finances upfront with patients to maintain this target.
Procedure Ratios: Monitor the crown-to-filling ratio. The industry standard is approximately 1:3. A significantly higher proportion of fillings might indicate under-diagnosis.
7. Build a Strong Patient Base
Excel in New Patient Interviews (NPI): The initial patient experience sets the tone for future interactions. Aim for an 80% case acceptance rate on comprehensive treatment plans for new patients.
Refine Treatment Presentations: Develop strong case presentation skills. Strive for a minimum 75% case acceptance rate for all treatment presented.
8. Understand Financial Aspects
Compensation Structure: Many associates earn based on a percentage of collections, often around 30%. This structure emphasizes the importance of both production and collection.
Track Personal Production: Maintain a daily log of production. Set a goal to increase production by 10% each month for the first three months.
9. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Stay Present with Patients: Avoid flipping through charts while a patient is in the chair. This behavior can undermine patient trust and confidence.
Manage Lab Expenses: Keep lab bills under 8% of production. Choose labs and materials strategically to balance quality and cost.
10. Plan for Professional Growth
Set Long-term Goals: Define clear objectives for the first year and beyond. Whether it's mastering full-mouth rehabilitations or exploring practice ownership, align personal goals with professional development.
Remember, success as a new associate comes from balancing clinical skills, patient care, and practice management. By focusing on these areas, new dentists can establish a strong foundation for a rewarding career in dentistry.
