All Things Associate – From Readiness to Retention

Course Objectives

1. Determine Readiness for Adding an Associate
   Learners will evaluate clinical, operational, and financial metrics—such as periodic exams, hygiene production percentage, and doctor days—to assess whether their practice is prepared for an associate.
   
   
2. Understand the Business and Lifestyle Benefits of Associates
   Learners will explore how associates can support maternity leave, clinical reduction, expanded access to care, and long-term scalability—while also introducing income structure shifts and leadership needs.
   
   
3. Recruit Associates Through Strategic Networking and Targeted Ads
   Learners will use proven tactics such as leveraging dental school job boards, GPR connections, peer referrals, and video-enhanced Indeed ads to attract candidates aligned with the practice’s needs and culture.
   
   
4. Write Ads That Attract the Right Avatar
   Learners will define the ideal associate profile and write role-specific job postings that reflect the clinical needs, personality fit, and growth opportunities within the practice.
   
   
5. Onboard Associates With Clear Systems and Cultural Integration
   Learners will design onboarding processes that include team preparation, procedural role-play, KPI tracking, and ongoing mentorship to ease the transition and set mutual expectations.
   
   
6. Coach Associates With Weekly Feedback Loops and Goal Setting
   Learners will conduct regular check-ins and use post-op reviews, treatment plan audits, and KPI comparisons to mentor clinical growth and build mutual trust.
   
   
7. Evaluate Associate Fit Based on Mindset and Motivation
   Learners will assess candidates' long-term alignment with private practice life by understanding their salary expectations, desire for mentorship, and willingness to be coached.
   
   
8. Support Associates With Strong Team Infrastructure
   Learners will build a supportive clinical environment—including knowledgeable assistants and unified systems—to help new doctors succeed while reducing friction with the existing team.
   
   
9. Manage Gender and Experience Dynamics With Confidence and Clarity
   Learners will explore strategies for managing male or more experienced doctors with professionalism, ensuring authority is upheld and communication remains effective.
   
   
10. Prevent Team Resistance to Associate Integration
    Learners will prepare their team to welcome new providers with respect, flexibility, and clear guidance on how to communicate differences in style without undermining the associate’s authority.