What is the typical career path for a dentist after earning a degree?
A recent dental school graduate will usually begin his career by becoming an associate in the office of a dentist or dental partnership with an established practice. This is because of the high start-up costs of an independent practice and the lack of independent clinical experience. These arrangements are usually contractual and require the dentist to commit to a certain number of years working for the practice as an associate. These contracts usually involve a non-compete clause that prevent the associate dentist from practicing independently for several years. After a few years associates usually move on to become a partner in the clinic they had been working in. This involves investing financially in the business and taking a share of the total profit rather than receiving a salary. The more intrepid and self-reliant dentist will go on to establish or acquire an independent practice of his own.
