Everyone who has a job feels burned out now and then, but dentists are especially susceptible. According to a recent survey, as many as four out of five clinicians suffer from professional burnout.

87% of dentists practicing in urban areas reported feeling burned out, while 83% of dentists in suburban areas and 72% in rural areas experienced the same feeling.

Commonly noted causes include:

● feeling that one is not being paid enough for the quality of work one offers and/or the time one spends with patients

● the effects of managed care and HMO-related clinics, and dealing with insurance companies

● getting older combined with the responsibilities of one’s personal/family lives

● problems with staff and staffing issues

● a lack of support from dental labs

● dealing with the “mental” aspect of caring for patients

● not being the primary decision maker, in the case of being in an associate position

● the necessity of continuing to think about procedure and business details when away from the office.

It is critical to your happiness, health, and overall success to recognize burnout and address it before it’s too late. At Aspen Dental, the support systems in place work to ensure that dentists are able to have a positive work/life balance and that their work environments are accommodating and productive. We assist in maintaining a well-trained, highly skilled office staff, as well as handling all of the marketing, business, and financial aspects of the practice.

While Aspen Dental supports the well-being of dentists and contributes to the maintenance of dentists’ overall health, we recognize that professional burnout is still a reality and offer the following tips:

● have a life outside the office, including hobbies

● take long lunches on occasion

● hire an associate to share the load

● view every patient as unique

● don’t be the one who has to deal with finances and the business side of the practice

● surround yourself with a well-trained staff

● take CE classes

● find a mentor

● take time off

Changing your daily routines, such as when you start and finish office hours, your commute to work mode and route, taking up a hobby or learning new techniques and procedures, journaling the good things about your job and reminding yourself why you chose to become a dentist, and spending quality time alone and with your family will go a long way to reducing professional burnout.

Feeling burned out? Consider partnering with Aspen Dental to relieve some of the stress of owning and operating a private practice.

Resources

http://thewealthydentist.com/surveyresults/065-dental-burnout-dentists.htm

What first drew me to the practice of dentistry was the opportunity to build long-term relationships with my patients and the flexibility that comes along with being one’s own boss. As a new dentist, Aspen Dental appealed to me because they offer the flexibility of being able to practice in different regions, as well as the ability to focus on clinical dentistry without worrying about the business side. I also knew that partnering with Aspen would allow me to purchase and manage multiple offices. Here’s my story…

After dental school, I took a job with a dentist in St. Louis, Missouri, where I grew up. His practice had been very busy, but when the recession hit in 2008, suddenly there was not enough work for two doctors. Meanwhile, I had large school loans and needed to be able to pay them down. After a few months of getting limited experience and making very little money, I decided I would look for work wherever I could develop as a dentist. Aspen Dental had a job opening in Portland, Maine, a city that both my wife and I had visited and really liked. After meeting the other doctors and talking with the Aspen support staff, we decided to relocate to Portland.

Maine has some very underserved areas. The practice was really busy, which provided the clinical experience for which I was looking. After 11 months of being an Associate Dentist, I was promoted to Managing Clinical Director (MCD) of a different office in the Portland area and was now running my own practice. A year and a half later, we were expecting our first child, and we decided that we wanted to move back to the Midwest to be closer to our families. I transferred within Aspen to Nebraska and I am now running an office in Lincoln. The relocation factor is one of best advantages to working for Aspen Dental. If I owned a private practice and wanted to move from one region to another, I would have to find a doctor looking for an associate, buy a new practice, or build one from scratch—all the while trying to sell my own practice!  This would mean accruing more debt before putting a dent in my student loans. To be able to move across the country with job security is a really unique opportunity.

In Lincoln, I see about eight new patients a day with dental needs across the board. I get to do a little bit of everything: dentures, endodontics, oral surgery, and esthetic procedures. We refer out complex pedo, endo, and perio cases as well as impacted third molars. All other procedures are performed here, which has really helped me clinically. I have gained hands-on experience in a variety of procedures working for Aspen that I might have been hesitant to try on my own. It’s made me a better dentist and it keeps my day challenging, interesting, and rewarding.

Many of the new patients that I see have not been to a dentist in a very long time, some for 20 years or longer. Most have a dental phobia or their last experience was a negative one, so they are very apprehensive about coming in. A lot of the marketing that Aspen does, whether it is television commercials or telephone book ads, speaks to people who are afraid to walk into a dentist’s office. I hear all the time, “I haven’t been to the dentist in 25 years, and your ad spoke to me. It talked about ‘Finding your smile at Aspen Dental.’ I’m not comfortable smiling and that’s what I want to get back to.” They know that at Aspen Dental they are not going to be judged and that they will get the help they need. I’ve been able to help many people who needed a lot of work on their teeth, or a new set of dentures, to smile again. It sounds corny, but I can’t tell you how many people have said, “Your ad says ‘I found my smile at Aspen Dental’, and now I’ve found my smile at Aspen Dental, too. We did it!” That’s how they feel. It’s been an eye-opening experience for me.

Currently, I am in the process of working my way toward ownership with Aspen Dental. I have been with the company long enough to know this is what I want and am ready to do. If a dentist decides to own multiple offices, the income potential becomes even greater. There really is no ceiling on how much you can earn, depending on what you want to do and how well you manage your offices. Ownership also gives you the opportunity to play a significantly different role—managing the practices and mentoring other doctors, as well as practicing dentistry.

For me, the biggest attractions to joining Aspen Dental were having the option to transfer to practices in various parts of the country, the guaranteed income so I could pay down my student loans, the wealth of clinical experience I would obtain, being mentored/mentoring fellow Aspen dentists, and the clear path to ownership. If you get a job in a private practice, you do not always know if ownership will be available to you after working as an associate. I tell people, if you are at the beginning of your career, just coming out of school, you can get valuable experience with Aspen and pay off your student loans. If you are in the middle of your career, and you want to do something other than private practice because it hasn’t been what you thought it would be, Aspen is a great opportunity. If you’re at the end of your career and you don’t want the headache of running your own office, it’s a perfect time to join Aspen, too.

Dave Britt, DDS, received his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He practices at Aspen Dental in Lincoln, Nebraska. He can be reached at drbritt@aspendental.com.

As noted in the last posting, late discovery and diagnosis of oral cancer severely jeopardizes successful treatment outcomes and survival rates. According to a 2001 study conducted in Maryland, which at the time ranked seventh among states for the highest overall oral cancer mortality rate, most participants reported rarely hearing about oral cancer, and most had never had or heard of an oral cancer examination.¹ Dental healthcare providers should conduct a simple, quick oral cancer screening with every patient, every time he or she comes in. It takes only 5 minutes, and could save a patient’s life.

Updating patients’ health histories should be routine at every visit because things change. In just a few minutes, you can determine if they are on new medications, have had surgery or are undergoing any new therapies, or if any life-altering situations have occurred since you last saw them. Increased incidence of oral cancer is seen in patients as they age, and who use any form of tobacco or consume more than one or two alcoholic drinks daily.² Always include questions about tobacco and alcohol use, even if you’ve asked before. This discussion time with a patient presents a good opportunity to reiterate the risks of chronic tobacco and alcohol use, as well as mention the increasing prevalence of human papilloma virus number 16 (HPV16) infection and its role in causing oral cancers. Briefly explaining the concepts of risk assessment and increased susceptibility could result in a meaningful conversation about changes in their health, or a patient making a connection between oral health and an abnormality they might not otherwise have brought to the dentist’s attention.

Conducting a thorough visual and tactile exam will reveal obvious tissue abnormalities. The following steps, along with photographs, can be reviewed at http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/ (the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) and http://www.evagrayzel.com/about/six-step-screening.^3,4 Intraoral prostheses should be removed before the exam. The first step is a visual assessment of the face, head, neck, ears, and palpation of the lymph nodes. Next, the lips should be examined, first with the mouth closed, and then with it open. Then, with the patient’s mouth open, conduct a visual and tactile examination of the labial mucosa, buccal mucosa, gingiva and alveolar ridge, and the anterior tonsillar pillar. The tongue is examined at rest, and then the patient should be asked to protrude it as far as they can so you can see the back of the tongue, as well as observe its mobility and positioning. The margins on both the right and left sides of the tongue should be examined with a dental mirror. The tongue area is the most common area for oral cancers in nonsmokers.⁴ Finally, the floor of the mouth and palate should be visualized as well as palpated.^3,4 The Six-Step Screening™ site recommends a “Double-Digit Probe,” using two hands simultaneously (one intraorally and the other under the chin) to feel for lumps.⁴

Numerous adjunctive screening aids are available and discussed in dental literature fairly regularly. They vary from tissue-reflectance-based technologies to “brush biopsies” to DNA testing (newly available specifically for HPV exposure).

Proactively screening for oral cancer, called “opportunistic screening,” is quick and painless. It serves to raise patient awareness as well as confidence in their oral healthcare providers. The benefit of early detection before the patient becomes aware of symptoms or permanent damage occurs will result in better treatment and longevity. Prompt referral to a specialist is critical, as is follow up and patient support. It is worth reiterating that the 5-year survival rate is only about 46%, due to late discovery, by which time treatments are less effective.⁵ Studies reveal that oral and pharyngeal cancer are diagnosed at a localized stage in only one-third of patients in the United States.²

Oral healthcare professionals are their patients’ first line of defense and the best resource for disseminating vital information about oral cancer etiology and treatment. You can make a difference!

Resources

http://www.evagrayzel.com/about/six-step-screening; includes screening photos.

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/DetectingOralCancer.htm; details and photos on exams and typical lesions.

http://www.ada.org/2607.aspx?currentTab=2#twelve; Journal of the American Dental Association article links.

http://www.oraldna.com/; the only salivary diagnostic lab analyzing saliva based on DNA–Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

http://oralcancerfoundation.org; details on oral cancer prevention, rates of occurrence, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research, complications, patient support activities, and links to other sources. Visit for Oral Cancer Awareness Month initiatives (such as hosting a free screening event in April).

References

1. Horowitz AM, Canto MT, Child WL. Maryland adults’ perspectives on oral cancer prevention and early detection. J Am Dent Assoc 2001; 132(1):65-72.

2. Rethman MP, Carpenter W, Cohen EW, Epstein E, et al. Evidence-based clinical recommendations regarding screening for oral squamous cell carcinomas. J Am Dent Assoc 2010;141(5): 509-520.

3. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/DetectingOralCancer.htm. Accessed 3/30/12.

4. http://www.evagrayzel.com/about/six-step-screening. Accessed 3/30/12.

5. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/presskit/pdf/OCF-Breaks-Records.pdf. Accessed 3/28/12.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. According to Brian Hill, founder and executive director of the Oral Cancer Foundation, as many as 40,000 people in the United States will be told they have oral or pharyngeal cancer in 2012. Some of them may be sitting in your dental chair today. With one person dying of oral cancer every hour of every day, and more than 50% of those diagnosed not living more than 5 years, this is a reminder to screen every patient yourself, and encourage your dental hygiene staff to do the same.

The Statistics

About 100 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every day in the United States. Few people are aware that the death rate for oral cancer is higher than for many other types of cancers, which is because oral cancer often is not discovered until it has reached later stages. This is particularly true for human papilloma virus number 16 (HPV16)-related oral cancer, which occurs most frequently in the posterior areas of the mouth—at the base of the tongue, around the tonsils, and in the oropharynx—where it’s harder to spot without a very thorough exam. To further complicate things, HPV16-related cancer does not always present the tell-tale physical characteristics, including lesions, that are easily distinguished from healthy oral tissues. This is not good news, because HPV16 has reached epidemic levels in the United States: of the 37,000 incidences of oral cancer, about 20,000 (up to 60%) can be linked to HPV, according to Hill.

Oral cancer accounts for 85% of the cancers grouped under “head and neck” cancers. If the number of larynx cancer cases (for which the historic risk factors; tobacco and alcohol are the same) is added to the oral cancer category, we’re now talking 50,000 people diagnosed yearly and 13,500 deaths per year in this country. More than 640,000 new cases occur worldwide annually. These stats do not include brain cancer, which is its own category.

“Late discovery and misdiagnosis are the biggest problems,” Hill says. “I’m a very typical example of this.” Hill was misdiagnosed with an infection by a physician when a painless lump appeared on the side of his neck. When it had not resolved after a course of antibiotics, Hill, who had a background in dentistry, insisted on having a needle aspiration biopsy. Testing resulted in a diagnosis of HPV16-related squamous cell carcinoma, a very deadly cancer. Fourteen years after extensive surgery, and both radiation and chemotherapy, he has since heard from literally thousands of people that they were misdiagnosed more than once, told not to worry about it, or were merely given antibiotics. “Why are so many people diagnosed late?” Hill asks. “Because, according to one study,probably under 20% of dentists are performing oral screenings.” ¹ Another problem is that public awareness about oral cancer, its early signs and symptoms, and its changing etiology, is low. Additionally, oral cancer has historically been linked to long-term tobacco use and high alcohol consumption (or a combination of both), with associated lesions usually seen in the anterior areas of the oral cavity. With the prevalence of HPV16-related oral cancer increasing at an alarming rate, and tobacco-related cancers on the decline, it is critical that dental and medical professionals re-educate the public to understand the current risk factors and the need for an annual professional screening.

The Impact of HPV16

It was reported in 2009, before the advent of HPV-related cancers, that oral cancer incidence rates were more than twice as high in men as in women, and both were on the decline.² That was before HPV-infected individuals became the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population. HPV16 is a human papilloma virus related to more than 150 other HPV versions, over 40 of which can be easily sexually transmitted.³ Nine of these are known to be cancer causing. HPVs were directly linked to cervical cancer, also squamous cell carcinoma, which was the number one killer of women in 1948. “Using the cervical cancer model, once ‘opportunistic’ screening and PAP testing became routine, the cervical cancer death rate dropped 71% in 10 years,” Hill notes. “We have no ‘viruscide’. But we do have an HPV vaccine that can be administered before young people become sexually active.” This is important information to share with patients, because 50%-80% of Americans will have HPV in their lifetime according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About half of all men and more than 3 out of 4 women will be diagnosed with it at some point.⁴

Detection vs Diagnosis

Signs and symptoms or oral cancer, if there are any, range from a sore area or lesion that bleeds easily, a lump or thickening of tissues in the mouth or neck, ear pain, indurations or hard spots in the mucosa, or a red or white patch or ulceration that does not resolve within 2 weeks. If any of these are evident, the patient should return within 7-14 days to confirm either persistence or resolution. Later symptoms include difficulty chewing, swallowing, and/or moving the tongue or jaws.²

Early stage (1 and 2) lesions, which may not be readily evident during a routine exam, usually are asymptomatic and often mimic other conditions.⁵ It is important for dentists to acknowledge that malignant and benign lesions are virtually indistinguishable clinically, and their biological relevance cannot be assessed based on their appearance.⁵ Most resources advise referring any persistent abnormalities to a specialist. “We have a highly defined referral system in dentistry,” Hill points out. “You don’t have to learn anything new; you don’t have to be the expert. You just have to refer suspect tissues up the professional chain for proper evaluation/biopsy. There are many kinds of oral lesions. You may see only 3 cancer cases in 20 years of practicing dentistry, but every time you find something, especially in stage 1 or 2, you have the opportunity to save a life. Dentists are the first line of defense.”

The American Cancer Society estimated in 2009 that almost 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and more than 97% of these cancers occur in adults 35 years and older.⁵ People ranging in age from 25-50 who never smoked are the fastest growing group being diagnosed with HPV16-related oral cancer.⁶

Standard treatment usually involves radiation therapy and surgery, and often chemotherapy.² Relative survival rates vary by stage at the time of diagnosis—in 2009, about 83% survived 1 year after diagnosis, 60% 5 years after diagnosis, and 49% after 10 years.² However, today, the 5-year survival rate is only about 57% when you include all stages of the disease at time of discovery. This high death rate is directly tied to late discovery, when treatments are less effective.⁷ Studies reveal that oral and pharyngeal cancer are diagnosed at a localized stage in only one-third of patients in the United States.⁵ It’s time to make a difference.

The Oral Cancer Foundation

The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) is a national public service, non-profit organization dedicated to oral cancer prevention, education, research, advocacy, and patient support activities. Its website, www.oralcancerfoundation.org, provides vetted information about rates of occurrence, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research, complications, nutrition, clinical trials, related news, links to other sources, and treatment institutions. A free, anonymous, 8700-member patient/survivor discussion forum is open to the public, providing insights and inspiration. OCF also has a free RSS oral cancer news feed you may subscribe to which is updated several times a week. OCF is a valuable resource for patients, students, and practicing medical and dental professionals.

Visit oralcancerfoundation.org to learn of its Oral Cancer Awareness Month initiatives (such as hosting a free screening event in April), and find information to share with your patients.

Next topic: cancer screening tips and resources

References

1. Horowitz AM, Drury TF, Goodman HS, and Yellowitz JA. Oral Pharyngeal Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Dentists’ Opinions and Practices. J Am Dent Assoc 2000;131(4):453-462. http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/pdf/dentist_opinions.pdf.

2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2009.

3. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/HPV. Accessed 3/21/12.

4. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv-4272.htm. Accessed 3/22/12.

5. Rethman MP, Carpenter W, Cohen EW, Epstein E, et al. Evidence-based clinical recommendations regarding screening for oral squamous cell carcinomas. J AAm Dent Assoc 2010;141(5):509-520.

6. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/presskit/pdf/HPV-Leading-Cause-of-Oral-Cancers-in-US.pdf. Accessed 3/22/12.

7. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/presskit/pdf/OCF-Breaks-Records.pdf. Accessed 3/28/12.

A recent online article¹ based on the results of an August 2011 survey of 1,500 dentists asked participants to rank what they consider to be their highest concerns as practitioners and small business owners. They identified “Growth and Influence of Corporate Dentistry Companies that Hire Dentists” as a high priority challenge to their success. The respondents ranked this “frustration” about the current state of the profession the third highest category in the Priority 1 section of the survey, right behind “Third-Party Dictation of Treatment Plans and Setting Fees” and mid-level or expanded-function dental practitioners, and right above “Overpopulation of Dentists and Hygienists.” The author notes that “some of these firms have moved into geographic areas already saturated with dentists.”¹ This situation is understandably concerning to private practitioners, who are essentially entrepreneurs trying to establish a territory and stable patient base. It is, however, a well-known fact that dental school does not teach graduates how to successfully find the ideal location for, or run, a private practice.

Aspen Dental has a proven track record of choosing the right places to start dental practices, while taking into consideration what the local market can bear. The real estate team at Aspen Dental is an integral part of its corporate structure. This group conducts in-depth market analysis of geographical areas before opening an office in any location. In addition to calculating the presence of existing dental professionals compared to population statistics, Aspen Dental also reviews population demographics and the types of services not being offered in a certain locale. While you will find Aspen Dental in many major cities, most offices are opened in underserved areas, where a large segment of the community may not have seen a dentist for 10 years or more. In fact, because Aspen Dental is committed to providing patients with access to affordable, comprehensive dental care, and to removing barriers that may have prevented them from seeking treatment, the majority of new offices are developed in areas considered rural, where most private practitioners don’t consider locating. For example, Aspen Dental recently opened a practice in Plattsburg, New York. As of this posting, the office has a 400-patient waiting list and would clearly benefit from additional staff. Furthermore, Aspen Dental has never had to close a single location in more than 10 years of operations. We’re proud of our 100% success rate, which is a direct result of our thorough research into each locality.

Concerning overpopulation of dentists, our statistics indicate the demand for dental care is increasing disproportionately with dental school enrollment and graduation, which is staying flat. The fact is that 46% of the adult population does not have a dentist. Aspen Dental is expanding nationwide in underserved areas with plans to open one new office a week. That kind of expansive growth results in career opportunities as well, and many new dentists transition from Associate Dentist to practice owner within 2 years while focusing on honing their clinical and managerial skills. Additionally, if an area is subsequently deemed to be oversaturated, Aspen Dental handles relocation to an area with higher need.

The Priority 2 section of the above-mentioned survey indicates that new dentists feel a need for more organized help from the profession when starting a new practice. They are, essentially, looking for mentors. It also was suggested that established professionals share a few of their patients with newcomers to the area. While Aspen Dental team dentists have complete autonomy when it comes to planning and managing patient care, all of the marketing and recruiting for both their patient pool and staffs are managed by Aspen Dental. We do all the work involved in setting up a dental practice, including interviewing, hiring, and training support staff, hygienists, and even lab technicians if appropriate. All are fully trained and ready to begin immediately. Additionally, all new associates are mentored by a Managing Clinical Director. Our mission is to support the new dentist, as well as the established dentist looking for a different lifestyle.

Another survey, conducted by the Dental Group Practice Association² asked almost 1,000 dentists how satisfied they were with the support provided by Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) for which they worked. Of the responders, 45% had been working with their DSO for 1 to 5 years. Almost 80% replied that they were “satisfied” or “extremely satisfied,” and 81% said they would “likely” or “strongly” recommend a DSO to a friend or to a new dentist. Their reasons for joining a DSO/DGP included the benefits of centralized practice support, competitive compensation and benefits, modern facilities and technology, continuing education, networking opportunities, lower-risk practice ownership, career opportunities, and flexible scheduling, including part-time options.

With complete access to these benefits, dentists affiliated with Aspen Dental don’t work in a void. Aspen Dental’s proven practice model, ongoing professional development, and marketing/business support result in your practice experience being highly rewarding. If you are interested in learning more about the advantages of dental group practices and dental service organizations, visit the DGP Association website and stay tuned to aspendentaljobs.com.

References

1. January 2012 survey (http://www.towniecentral.com/Dentaltown/Article.aspx?aid=3621). Accessed 2-24-12.

2. Student Brochure, http://www.dgpaonline.org/docs/DGPA-Student-Brochure.pdf. Accessed 2-24-12.

Aspen Dental discusses the importance of continuing education for dentists. We offer convenient ways for you to complete your training with 24/7 online learning. Watch our video to learn more about Aspen’s learning opportunities.

Careers in dentistry aren’t just about the time you spend at the chair with your patients.  In order to provide the best level patient care and ensure success in your practice, it is important to keep up with industry news, trends and stay informed about the latest dental technologies. Continuing education courses and trade shows are two of the best venues for staying abreast of the newest trends and dental technologies.

What’s New?

From CEREC machines to conscious sedation to whitening techniques, cutting-edge science has found a home in dentistry. These days, companies like OsteoMed even allow you to use x-rays and digital software to make changes in a patient’s maxillofacial bone and tissue on the computer screen before you make them in real life. Computer-based imaging options like this let you see the impact your adjustments will make and identify any potential problems before they happen.

Careers In Dentistry

Dental trade shows help you keep a pulse on what’s new in the dental world while earning continuing education credits. Whether you’re a dentist or a dental lab technician, successful careers in dentistry can be closely tied to your ability to make use of the best tools in the business.  Trade shows also give you the opportunity to network with other dentists and even to learn about potential employment opportunities.

What Now?

Research dental trade shows in your area.  Local dental societies will often host smaller shows while larger national shows will showcase hundreds of companies. Both small and large shows feature a range of exhibitors from dental product and service vendors to group practices offering employment opportunities for attendees. Some of the larger shows include the ADA Annual Session, the ADA New Dentist Conference, ASDA’s Annual Session, the Chicago Dental Society MidWinter Meeting, the Greater New York Dental meeting, the Thomas P. Hinman Dental Society Meeting (Atlanta, GA) and Yankee Dental (Boston, MA).

Once you get to the trade show remember to ask questions, take notes and learn the pros and cons of new techniques and product offerings. Many trade shows offer the opportunity to see the latest cutting edge technologies in action with live operatories and exhibit halls. Some dental trade shows may offer workshops or allow exhibitors to advertise a workshop schedule. In addition, don’t forget to network. Trade shows offer the unique opportunity network with all kinds of dental industry professionals from direct peers to thought leaders to vendors and even organizations offering employment opportunities.

What’s Next?

After the show, use your experiences, new knowledge and even new contacts to make your practice the best that it can be. Keep your new contacts and continue to ask questions and explore new opportunities. Trade shows provide an opportunity to keep you updated on the latest industry trends and provide you with continuing education credits so you can give your patients the best possible service and take your career to the next level.

Do you share our passion for patient care? Start a conversation with us on our social sites: Facebook,Twitter,and LinkedIn.

When it comes to building your career in dentistry, it is important to choose the right location to open a practice.  Researching the market in a potential location is critical to ensuring a successful practice.  There are many factors to consider, including demand in the marketplace as well as the lifestyle and attractions of the area.  Here are some suggestions for locations that we at Aspen Dental have found are desirable from both a marketplace and lifestyle perspective.

Portland, Maine

Portland is considered the business, financial, and retail capital of Maine. Set on a picturesque peninsula in Casco Bay, Portland is the largest city in the state. Historic and new architecture blend harmoniously throughout the city, from the waterfront docks to the historic Old Port.

Portland Maine – Careers in Dentistry

Portland boasts a population of 230,000 throughout the greater metropolitan area – that’s almost one-quarter of Maine’s total population. The city itself is home to about 64,000 inhabitants. Home to excellent schools and affordable housing, Portland is ranked as one of the ten safest and culturally fascinating U.S. Cities, according to the City of Portland website. You can request a visitor’s guide here.

Ithaca, New York

Situated in the picturesque, glacier-carved landscape of Tompkins County, New York, Ithaca is considered the “Gateway to the Finger Lakes.” Tompkins County has a population of 102,000, which includes Ithaca (population 30,000) and several smaller communities, each with its own character.

“Ithaca is Gorges”. 100+ gorges and waterfalls are located within only 10 miles of downtown. Taughannock Falls, at 215 feet, is the largest and boasts a greater vertical drop than Niagara Falls (by about three stories). The city’s position at the southern tip of 40-mile-long Cayuga Lake, combined with access to 28,000 acres of public forest in four state parks for sport activities like hiking and mountain biking, makes Ithaca attractive to a wide range of active individuals.

Ithaca, known for its abundant nightlife downtown, also has a vibrant metropolitan cultural scene. This city is home to multiple galleries, museums, and theaters, along with a bevy of popular restaurants and music venues. Cornell University, an Ivy League school, and Ithaca College are also both located here.

Brentwood, Pennsylvania

Brentwood is a Borough of Pittsburgh and is located less than six miles south of downtown. It’s been an Allegheny County suburb of the larger metropolitan area since 1915. Brentwood itself has a population that tops 10,000. The Town Square is a new Brentwood-centered business district with its own multitude of restaurants and cafes.

This tiny Borough has a total area of about 1.5 square miles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The town maintains its own “Main Street,” Brownsville Road; its own school district; and its own library, along with a flourishing arboretum. The Brentwood Borough has its own small-town feel in the midst of the larger Pittsburgh community.

Pace, Florida

Nestled near the center of Santa Rosa County, Florida, the beautiful community of Pace has become an extremely popular location for visitors, retirees and families looking for the perfect place to be.  During recent years Santa Rosa County has become one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Florida.

Pace is conveniently located midway between Pensacola and Milton and highly accessible to a complete variety of retail Stores, restaurants, schools, parks, beach areas, sports facilities, super hunting and fishing areas and almost any other items of interest. You can enjoy all the amenities of Big City life without all the hassles. Pace is a wonderful community to visit and live.

No matter where you choose to establish your practice, make sure you   are familiar with all that the area has to offer. You’ll be able to better serve your patients’ needs from the day the doors open, and know you’ve found a home where you’ll be happy for years to come.

For more information, check out our website.

Starting a Business

Starting your own dental practice can be a scary experience, whether you’re fresh out of dental school or an experienced professional. Is it worth it to strike out on your own? What other options exist?

What Sets a Dental Service Organization Like Aspen Dental Apart?

It is common belief that starting one’s own dental practice is the best way for a dentist to achieve the the most satisfying working conditions with the highest salary. However, another option does exist which tends to offer higher earning potential, along with the opportunity for dentists to focus on patient care, while having the business side of the practice taken care of for them.

The Benefits of a Dental Career

A Dental Group Practice, or DGP, is a network of dental practices that combines tools, knowledge, and resources to help dentists improve their service packages while also improving their own work-life balance. With the rise of DGPs have come associated Dental Service Organizations, or DSOs, which are organizations designed specifically to manage the administrative and support facets of dental businesses. Here are some of the biggest benefits of the DGP/DSO model*:

•  Centralized practice support – Administrative experts handle all non-clinical needs
• Human resources support – Tailored HR systems and benefit programs
• Modern facilities with the latest technology – Purchasing leverage, available capital, continuous R&D help put state-of-the-art tools and products at the dentist’s fingertips
• Quality assurance systems – Work in combination with dentists to help them develop programs that ensure consistent excellence, patient confidence, quality of care and team performance
• Ongoing education & training – Stay ahead of trends, technologies and practice management tools and techniques
• Access to capital for capital investments – Provide access to funds dentists need to grow and support their practices
• Career opportunities – A choice of a wide range of career options
• Professional marketing – Help DGPs and dentists attract more patients at lower costs with professional campaigns and tools
• Economies of scale – Greater buying power that enables dentists to provide services that patients value and can afford  

*For more information on the advantages of DGPs and DSOs, check out the DGP Association website.
Career Opportunities

 It is important to understand the career opportunities available to dentists who choose to practice with a DSO. Most DGP/DSOs offer several levels of dentist positions, from associate dentist to more advanced roles so whether you are a new grad from dental school or a private practice veteran ready to take a break from the pressures related to the business end of running a practice, DGPs/DSOs will have a position for you. Some DSO’s, like Aspen Dental, offer dentists the chance to own their own practice within the DGP. With Aspen Dental’s Practice Ownership Program, typically, Practice Owners spent less than two years with Aspen Dental prior to becoming an owner. With a unique investment structure, that may include access to capital, Aspen Dental private practice owners may develop as many offices as they want. The average Aspen Dental private practice owner has 3 locations, while some choose to have 10 or more.
Data comparisons of the salaries of dentists in private practice to those of dentists with a dental service organization (DSO) show that organizations such as Aspen Dental offer tremendous earning potential, with annual salary estimates significantly higher than dentists in private practice.

Private Practice Salaries

 A recent report by Payscale.com shows the average annual salary for a dentist in private practice hovering between $67,000 and $185,000 per year.  The range reflects years of experience as new dentists just starting a dental practice tend to make the lower annual figure per year, and the amount increases as dentists gain experience.  , Those who are just setting up a practice usually earn between $67,000 and $103,000 per year.

Aspen Dental Salaries

 Dentists with Aspen Dental comprise the top earners in the industry – and that includes those who are starting dental practices.  An associate dentist with Aspen Dental earns between $130,000 and $150,000 per year, while a Practice Owner can earn over $750,000 per year.

Dentists interested in starting a dental practice should see what organizations Dental Group Practices/Dental Service Organizations such as Aspen Dental have to offer.  Not only is the average salary with a DSO significantly higher than in private practice, but having the business end of the practice  taken care of allows dentists to focus on providing expert care to their patients, rather than on struggling to build and maintain a successful business.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of DGP/DSOs? Visit aspendentaljobs.com or stay tuned for part II of this blog!

For more information on how to start a dental practice, visit www.aspendentaljobs.com or find us on Facebook.

Successful careers in dentistry start with a top notch education, and American Dental Schools are some of the best in the world. Here are some of our top picks for U.S. Dental Schools, based on our own experience and the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of U.S. Dental Schools.

Careers in Dentistry

• University of Maryland at Baltimore. The University of Maryland at Baltimore is a direct descendant of one of the very first dental schools in the country. The school is recently renovated and boasts a constantly updated program. Its long history of experience, combined with its constant adaptability to change, makes the University of Maryland at Baltimore a coveted program for U.S. dentists-in-training. This school offers lower tuition costs than many other dental schools and emphasizes combined research and education.

• New York University College of Dentistry. NYU’s dental college was the first successful dental school in New York State. From 1865 to the present day, NYU has been an industry pioneer in technology, technical skill, patient care, and outreach to needy patients. With programs for dental students, dental hygienists, clinical research, and oral biology, NYU is a truly integrated program that exposes students to all aspects of dental care.

• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Penn Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania offers a stellar curriculum that emphasizes growth and outreach. A new clinical facility on-campus and upgraded equipment are specifically designed to support dental students. UPenn’s very large class size is sometimes a deterrent to potential students. Still, students at Penn Dental Medicine tend to be satisfied with the program, and to appreciate the balance of schoolwork and cultural life offered by the city of Philadelphia.

• University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Along with Harvard, the University of Michigan was one of the first university-based U.S. Dental Schools. It also has one of the lowest tuition rates, making it more economical for potential dental students. The University of Michigan mixes hands-on practice with new technology to help students balance the art and science of dentistry.

Once you’ve completed your education, Aspen Dental can help you on the road to success. Our tools include a proven business model, nationwide experience, and student loan forgiveness. For more information, visit our website at www.aspendentaljobs.com, or start a conversation on our social sites: Facebook,Twitter,and LinkedIn.