New dental school graduates are in need of additional training and support to prepare them for successful careers at DSOs, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Dr. Lyon, director of provider recruiting and onboarding at Dental Care Alliance, recently spoke with Becker’s about what DSOs can do to set new dentists up for success.
Editor’s note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
Are new graduates prepared for the dynamics of a sometimes challenging DSO environment? New grads enter practice with a sound didactic knowledge of the basics of restorative dentistry, oral diagnosis and treatment planning. Yet, many have yet to comprehend what it requires to “practice dentistry” in the global sense.
Contemporary dental education has evolved along with the changes in clinical practice. New grads have exposure to the newest technologies and the connection between oral health and whole body health. That’s all well and good, but DSOs operate in a fundamentally different world than academic institutions. The learning and performance curves are often a hindrance to adapting to practice at a DSO. New graduates often struggle to adapt to shorter appointment times and higher patient volumes than they faced in school. Until the new grad establishes a base level of confidence in their manual skills, patient communication and case presentation may suffer. On top of all of this, there’s a basic lack of business acumen and how it influences efficient clinical practice.
What do DSOs need to do to transition a dental student into a successful practicing dentist? The most successful organizations understand that onboarding is not an event — it is a systematic program. Implementing structured ramp-up programs that gradually increase patient loads while developing clinical confidence has proven effective. This allows new associates to adapt to workflow, develop efficiency and build comfort within the practice. Without it, even strong clinicians can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to underperformance or attrition.
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.
