When a dentist has a vision of a successful practice transition - a strategic transfer of ownership over a period of time - one of the biggest challenges is getting out of the starting gate, so to speak.

In terms of practice transitions, that means successfully finding and then integrating a new associate into the practice. Arguably, this is the step in the transition process where the most mistakes by the owner dentist are made.

To identify why those mistakes are made, it helps to first discuss the successful integration of a selected associate into the practice, and then discuss best practices in search and selection of the associate dentist.

Of course, the fundamental human variable leads dentists to ask themselves continually: “Will this new associate work out?” One of the greatest fears and, therefore, hesitations of the owner dentist to consider a practice transition is based on what they have heard about the failure rate. Yet, ironically, the failure rate is primarily due to the fact that the owner dentist didn’t bother to prepare themselves with a written transition plan!

Without an effective written plan to integrate the associate into the practice, all essential work on the structure of the deal won’t help. Without a doubt, the dentists who enjoy the most success through the changes that naturally accompany bringing on an associate dentist are the ones who focus on not just the mechanics of the deal, but getting themselves mind-ready and practice-ready for the new associate.

By creating the right enabling practice environment, an owner dentist can accomplish a few immensely important things, including providing enhanced and ideal comprehensive care for your patients, and, over time, narrowing the clinical gap between you and the new dentist.

At Mercer Transitions, it is all about taking the anxiety out of the human variable by taking control of the process. It’s about enabling this new, important person in your life to be their best. It’s about mentorship and guidance.