7 Tips for Dental Graduates

 

Congratulations to all of the dental school graduates! As you leave school and begin to practice dentistry, this pivotal point in your career presents an opportunity to learn valuable lessons from your peers and best practices from those in the dental industry.

At Xite Realty, we specialize in helping dentists start up their practices, and we’ve picked up a few tips along the way that we’d like to share with new graduates. These tips are especially helpful for those who would like to open their own practice one day.

7 Tips for Dental Graduates

1. Non-compete clauses can limit your options later. An attorney who specializes in dentist employment contracts should review your employment agreement. A non-compete clause could restrict your ability to start your own practice that could compete with your employer. For more information, check out our in-depth article on non-compete clauses. 2. Associate with a dental group that is similar to the practice you want to own. Get exposure to the patients and type of business you want in your own practice so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel later down the road. 3. Take note of your likes and dislikes. While you’re an associate, use this opportunity to refine what you like and dislike about the practice you’re part of and even the practices your friends from dental school are part of, too.

4. Make wise financial choices. Start building your credit now and make all of your payments. Because your personal financial choices will impact your practice loan.

5. Build relationships now. Keep in touch with your friends and colleagues from dental school, but also start reaching out to professionals in the dental industry who specialize in helping new dentists like you open their practices. These professionals, such as Xite Realty, have a wealth of knowledge about how to start up a dental office.

6. Learn the art of customer service. You’ve spent years studying dentistry. Now, it’s time to learn the art of customer service. Treat your patients with the same care and concern you want to be treated, and show them the value of choosing you over any other dentist are two ways to build long-lasting relationships with your patients.

7. Be thinking of when you want to start your practice. At Xite, we recommend starting the process of opening your office 12-18 months before you want to open your doors.

If you would like to discuss how to prepare for opening your practice one day, our dental real estate experts can help you learn the process and connect you with best-in-class vendors who also specialize in dentistry. Contact us and we’d be happy to help you at any point in your career!