Priyanki Amroliwala, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition for 42 North Dental, has advice for experienced dentists thinking of applying and interviewing with a DSO for a full- or part-time position. It’s common for experienced dentists to make the move to a DSO to shift priorities back to patient care and away from administrative burdens, even as an associate dentist.
DSOPro: What are some of the reasons experienced dentists look to you for help finding another position?
I have been with 42 North Dental for many, many years, and experienced general dentists often look to me for guidance in finding a new position, or specialists reach out wanting to practice more hours than their current role can provide to them. Over the years I’ve interviewed hundreds of dentists and heard what they really want in their careers, their concerns, and ultimately how they see themselves practicing in this industry. Using all that feedback, I’m able to speak more openly and directly than other talent professionals because I’ve heard it all, and I can help place them in the right role to fit their needs as well as ours. It’s less about filling positions and more about matching the right doctor with the right role that makes them a good cultural fit for the practice and a great chairside provider for patients.
DSOPro: Do dentists typically move among DSOs?
It’s possible, but when a dentist finds the right fit, they tend to stay with that practice for the long term. I look for the best dentists who truly value patient care and want to align themselves with a purpose-driven, doctor-focused, and patient-centric organization. When dentists can be productive, have autonomy, and get the support that they need it’s the perfect situation and I’m usually able to provide that for them in a 42 North Dental supported practice.
DSOPro: Do dentists come to you who want to move up to clinical directors, regional clinical managers, or C-level positions?
They do and it’s an advantage that DSOs are uniquely positioned to provide to dentists. I have both internal and external dentists who come to me wanting to move forward in their careers to Clinical Director, Regional Clinical Director, and C-level positions. When a dentist works in a single-location practice, it’s often hard for them to make a change in their career outside of purchasing a practice; and we know how difficult and expensive that is in today’s economy. DSOs are always growing with multiple opportunities across several roles, and it is much more dynamic. It is truly a boon for dentists who may have previously felt “stuck” in their careers.
DSOPro: What should dentists know when deciding if they should join a DSO?
Tip 1: As an experienced dentist, interviewing with a DSO can be a little different with different areas to focus on. Ask the person you’re interviewing with about the patient base and patient flow, and don’t hesitate to ask about production and collections in the practice. This will give you a good idea of the success and viability of the practice. Often, candidates don’t ask that question until they are about to sign a contract. You will be working based on collections, so during the interview process be sure to ask questions about your earning potential.
If it’s a brand-new practice or one that is growing and is hiring an additional associate, they may not have information on their projected production numbers yet. In that case, ask them how you can partner to help you build your schedule. Building a practice, and your schedule, is exciting and challenging, but comes with a great pay off both professionally and financially.
Ask how many patients of record they currently have and if you will see new or existing patients. Another great question to ask is how many new patients you can anticipate seeing per month? At a DSO with multiple locations under one brand, they often refer within their network, meaning that even if the practice is new, there is an existing patient base within their organization. This information can help you understand what your potential productivity will be and the type of dentistry you’ll be providing.
Tip 2: I’ve noticed that experienced dentists are sometimes hesitant to share where they’re currently practicing. It’s important for a recruiter to know where you’re currently practicing, understand why you chose that practice, and why you’re thinking about moving on. It also helps guide our conversation based on your reasons for moving on. Do you not see enough patients? I’ll talk about the robust patient base in 42 North Dental supported practices. Perhaps, the patient experience at your current practice is lacking. I’ll review our promise to patients, which is the highest quality dental care with the best patient experience. Dentistry is a competitive field, and we would never compromise your current role.
Two-way communication during the interview is important. Make sure to ask specific questions and don’t be shy. A good talent professional will be able to clearly answer all your questions or find the right answer from the right person and follow up with you post-interview. Ultimately, it’s my goal to make sure you’re a good fit for the practice and our organization to ensure your long-term success.
Tip 3: At a DSO, there will always be an employment contract, which helps to set expectations for both the doctor and the organization. As with any contract, talent professionals expect a bit of negotiation to find the right offer package for you. Make sure to express what’s most important to you so we can find the right fit. Sometimes it happens that we get to the contract stage, and a doctor decides that they’ve changed their mind. That’s okay! Make sure to notify the recruiter you’ve been working with. It’s okay to say no, there will be no hard feelings. Dentistry is a highly competitive, yet small industry and dentists should find a role within an organization that will most benefit them.
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DSOPro: What are the benefits that dentists might have at a DSO, whether it’s a large or a small group?
The biggest benefit of joining a DSO is the support and network that comes along with it. Sometimes dentists feel like they’re alone on an island, not getting the type of feedback and support they need. The leading DSOs provide support in all areas from clinical to administrative and beyond. Each supported practice at 42 North Dental has a regional clinical director who helps guide our dentists through the organization and help with any clinical questions on more advanced cases. They’ll also help launch new technology in the practice, something that solo practices often aren’t able to do.
A single location practice with one or two owners may be the right fit for some dentists. Just know that resources, support, and access to top industry vendors and partners may be significantly limited compared to a DSO.
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A dentist should absolutely take into consideration the size of the organization they’re joining. If you join a group with one doctor with five practices, you’re not going to get the level of support you need as a dentist in today’s climate. Joining a larger group has its benefits.
A larger network of practices means economies of scale where all practices and providers benefit from better negotiated reimbursement rates, supply costs, and even marketing budgets. It also means a broader patient pool with more opportunity for you as a dentist. There is also security in a larger group. We’ve learned in the past few years that anything can happen. Being part of a large, leading DSO can ensure more security and stability for you and your patients.
Priyanki Amroliwala, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition at 42 North Dental, is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Leader who has partnered with 42 North Dental for almost eight years. She specializes in talent acquisition/doctor recruiting for 110+ practices across the New England/Northeast/Mid-West region for 42 North Dental, focusing on doctors and specialists. Priyanki has 15 plus years’ experience, most recently in healthcare including the private duty home care and senior care sectors. She graduated from the University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business, in 2006, specializing in Marketing Communications.
Priyanki is well-known in the dental and healthcare industries and believes that recruiting is her calling. One of her passions is to be “at service for others,” which is why she loves helping her clients and candidates. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and trying out new foods at local restaurants.
About 42 North Dental LLC
42 North Dental is a leading dental organization supporting 42 practice brands in 113 locations. Committed to eliminating barriers to quality patient care by providing administrative support to dental practices, 42 North Dental presents opportunities that help doctors and their teams professionally advance while growing the practice to its fullest potential. 42 North Dental's affiliation model offers dental providers clinical autonomy and equity ownership, as well as unmatched administrative support. 42 North Dental was created for dentists and is rooted in over 40 years of experience in dentistry.
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