Speaking from Experience
One dentist finds a benefit in joining an established practice out of dental school
By Laura Thill
There’s something to be said for the benefit of others’ experience. When Brent Agran graduated from dental school in 2008, his financial outlook was optimistic compared to some. "The economy had not yet plunged," he points out. And, though the average debt for dental school graduates is between $170,000 and $190,000, Agran was better situated when he got out. In fact, between his parents’ financial aid through school and his wife’s solid career, "we were in a position to buy a house," he recalls.
That said, he still opted to join an established dental practice rather than acquiring or starting his own. "I thought that by joining a practice, I could benefit from others’ experience as well as stay in [the Chicago] area," says Agran. Often, dentists must move to less established areas if they are looking to open a new practice, he adds. And, though he was a business major as an undergraduate, after practicing dentistry for 1½ years, he sees there is much more to running a practice than balancing the books. "Now that I have been working in a dental practice, I can see there is a lot to learn," he says. "You really need experience as a practicing dentist."
The ups and downs
Agran joined a practice in Northbrook, Ill., a well-established suburb of Chicago. Indeed, he had considered the pros and cons of starting out in a more transient part of town, that is, one in which patients come and go with some frequency. (In fact, in his spare time, he provides public aid dentistry in the city, where patient populations tend to be much more transient.) Instead, he chose the Northbrook practice, whose patients "have seen the same dentist for many years, and there is less emphasis on marketing to new patients.
"In a new practice, [the dentist] tends to see anyone who walks through the door," he continues. "In an established practice, it is easier to see when it makes sense to turn down a patient (e.g., if a case is too complicated or the patient presents other red flags)." At the same time, longtime patients at an established practice have built a lot of trust in their dentists. "So, the patients tend to trust [the new dentist], because [he or she] is associated with the practice."
The downside of joining an established practice is that the patients have worked with their dentist for many years and are comfortable with his or her style of care. "As a new dentist, you come in with a different way of doing things, and the patients aren’t used to that," says Agran. "So, you have to be OK with your patients asking to hear [one of the older dentists at the practice]
corroborate your treatment plan. But, it’s nice to see patients begin warming up to you, and it certainly helps to be in a supportive practice during the transition period.
"That said, whether a new dentist joins an established practice or starts new, patients will always compare [him or her] to their last dentist and they need time to warm up," he continues. But, the experience at an established dental practice is key. "There is something to be said for being able to see cases come and go, and always having someone to turn to for another perspective. They can tell you, ‘Sure, that might work. But, I might try this approach.’"
There are other perks in joining an established practice, says Agran. For instance, it’s easier for dentists to take a vacation if there is someone to cover for them while they are gone. And, while dentists who start their own practice can "bring in any technology they so choose," it’s nice to work alongside dentists "who have had the experience of seeing new technologies succeed and fail," and who can base their decision to add new products on that experience, notes Agran. No matter how much confidence a new dentist out of school may have, the benefit of other dentists’ experience can be huge, he adds.
Working with reps
Agran understands distributor reps’ job is to sell products, but he believes there is much more they can offer to new dentists, whether they have joined an established practice or are starting their own. "When sales reps want to get through to young dentists, one of the best things they can do is to give them opportunity," he says. For instance, they can bring a new piece of equipment to the office and demo it, or even leave it for the dentist to try out, he explains. "We got that opportunity in school, but not so much in the office," he says. "Recently, a rep sent an air polisher to one of our hygienists. She tried it and loved it, and we ended up purchasing it."
Like most busy practitioners, Agran notes it’s difficult keeping up with all of the new products and changing technology. "I read all of the magazines, but the reps have their finger on the pulse, and that’s helpful to dentists. And, again, they should provide young dentists with opportunity. Dental reps have taken me along on presentations, which I otherwise would have had to pay $500 to see. This is a wonderful opportunity."
No shortage of work
"I am very lucky to have joined this practice," says Agran. "It is one of the largest practices in Northbrook, and it recently [lost] an associate, so there is plenty of work here. Still, I tend to put pressure on myself to contribute more."
Even as he becomes more seasoned in his field, Agran envisions becoming a partner in a practice rather than starting his own. "I like the partnership aspect," he says. "It’s a big positive to have a colleague with whom to share ideas." And, partnering gives him an opportunity to try other things, he points out. "When my friend who owns his own office is not practicing dentistry, he is running his business. I have the opportunity to provide public aid dentistry downtown."
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