Landing the first job out of dental school can shape a new dentist’s entire career trajectory — for better or worse. The right role could lead to mentorship, confidence and a pathway to further career growth, while the wrong role could lead to discouragement and early burnout.
Barry Lyon, DDS, recently joined the “Becker’s Dental + DSO Review Podcast” to discuss the challenges facing new graduates in today’s dental field.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are some of the challenges facing new graduates today?
Dr. Barry Lyon: Dental school is a long four-year journey. It requires hard work, learning totally new concepts and being especially skilled at time management. No wonder finally attaining that degree is so satisfying. However, the learning isn’t over. There are totally new challenges to face, and the expectations of what practicing dentistry must be like are not often met. There’s a saying, “Recent grads don’t know what they don’t know.” Practicing dentistry is not easy for seasoned practitioners, and for new dentists, it can be daunting.
Perhaps the most important decision a new grad makes is selecting the first job, and that can be a make it or break it decision. Beginning a career in the wrong office is at the very least discouraging, while landing in the right place is really a tremendous advantage. I think the greatest benefit to the newly hired dentist is being mentored by a successful, seasoned practitioner who can take what the new dentist learned in that artificial environment of dental school and show how to make it work in real life. There’s more to practicing dentistry than repairing and replacing teeth. Learning to work with an assistant, understanding the needs of the patient, developing the correct treatment plan and avoiding cases beyond their experience level is what practicing dentistry really is. Success, both professional and financial, is readily achievable by simply providing the patient with what they need, without the specter of education loan repayments influencing [dentists’] decisions.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
