tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post8325870320920283096..comments2024-02-14T22:32:09.982-06:00Comments on The Daily Grind: To associate, or to own?AGD Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09495044833994580808noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-84696490736808218692011-03-04T08:43:30.701-06:002011-03-04T08:43:30.701-06:00I for one cannot comment on being an associate as ...I for one cannot comment on being an associate as I started my own right out of residency. I do know that despite my training as a specialist I knew very little about running a business. I did have a vision of exactly how I wanted the practice to run. It has changed as I have matured and the demands of a busy practice sometimes trump my desires. I try to not let the practice run me but Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-82518884049035775922011-02-25T12:42:35.415-06:002011-02-25T12:42:35.415-06:00Today's not a good day to ask. I just had my ...Today's not a good day to ask. I just had my vacuum go out and have a full schedule. As owner, I can't punt this one.<br /><br />But, by and large, ownership advantages outweigh the disadvantages.<br /><br />Advantages: you are the BOSS. You set the schedule, you work with what materials and procedures you want. Money-wise, tax-wise it's a plus. For me and my personality, I work Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-923379314234028912011-02-25T09:40:31.145-06:002011-02-25T09:40:31.145-06:00This particular blogger brings to light what I fee...This particular blogger brings to light what I feel is a tremendous air pocket in our profession. It seems that very little mentoring takes place prior to the commitment dentists make on ownership. The entire subject of associate vs owner, scratch start vs buy-in or buy-out is a huge nut to crack for anyone entering private practice whether they are a gp or specialist. So many variables enter Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-39369603671922936712011-02-25T09:40:09.015-06:002011-02-25T09:40:09.015-06:00This particular blogger brings to light what I fee...This particular blogger brings to light what I feel is a tremendous air pocket in our profession. It seems that very little mentoring takes place prior to the commitment dentists make on ownership. The entire subject of associate vs owner, scratch start vs buy-in or buy-out is a huge nut to crack for anyone entering private practice whether they are a gp or specialist. So many variables enter Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-89168106457809824692011-02-24T14:49:33.232-06:002011-02-24T14:49:33.232-06:00I'm married to a dentist; we've been marri...I'm married to a dentist; we've been married since before he was in dental school. 4 years ago he stopped being an associate and went out on his own. Long story short... it was stressful, scary, almost caused us to divorce because of the stress. HOWEVER... 4 years out I'd say it was the best decision he ever made. Absolutely no doubt about it. The benefits of ownership (ie job Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-45077543633404873022011-02-24T13:35:55.985-06:002011-02-24T13:35:55.985-06:00I would agree with both the other posters - I some...I would agree with both the other posters - I sometimes 'sigh' when I think of my associate days with the carefree lifestyle, leave when you want to and no guilt over your practice. If you are definitely making 'enough' money and you are really enjoying yourself, then by all means stay an associate - but upgrade your skills so that your productivity improves and that you are Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-19997476987471711612011-02-24T11:15:02.237-06:002011-02-24T11:15:02.237-06:00you know your comment about having kids? how you&#...you know your comment about having kids? how you're never ready, but you JUST KNOW when you want to have kids? this is the same way. if you start looking at your practice and start seeing things you want to change, then you're ready. if you're happy coming and going, and don't want to shake the boat, enjoy what you have. the questions you asked can have a million different answerskaznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6934098248197121161.post-41358382797988259912011-02-24T00:50:27.937-06:002011-02-24T00:50:27.937-06:00Sounds like you like the associate path. I have ow...Sounds like you like the associate path. I have owned my own practice for 7 years and there are many days I wish I could just show up, do the work and get paid. However, being your own boss has many benefits as well. Time off when you want, you can't fire yourself, and potential tax benefits. Both are good options and depend on what you want out of your career and personal life. Good luck andDentist Los Angeleshttp://www.zendental.comnoreply@blogger.com