Orthodontic Practice Succession Specialists

By: Chris Bentson
President of Bentson Clark

Wherever you are in your program or just planning to relocate, visiting a practice during the holidays is a great idea. As residents and orthodontists, you do not get much time off to do this. If you are in the last year of your program and getting out next summer, but do not have a practice identified yet, it is time to get busy and get into a few practices that interest you.
Most orthodontists average six to eight weeks of vacation. Holidays are normally vacation time for doctors; however, some practices are open for a day before and after the holidays. If you are planning to travel to your home or your spouse’s over the holidays, consider if this is an area in which you would like to practice. If so, contact a few practices in the area and set up an appointment to visit with the doctor and shadow him/her for a day. If you plan on practicing in an area removed from your holiday destination, attempt to arrange your schedule to visit the practice on your way to or from the location. It is critical to visit as many practices as you can during your residency or relocation process. Most orthodontists welcome the opportunity to show their practice and help residents and other orthodontists.
Here are a few ideas on how to approach a visit, what to look for, what to ask and what not to ask:

• Deal directly with the doctor during your initial contact. Explain that you are a resident or doctor and are considering practicing in the area. Tell them that you have some time available during the holidays and would like to come by and meet with him/her and observe the practice, if he/she is available. Make sure you mention that you have heard good things about the practice and its reputation. Most doctors welcome this opportunity, but others may see you as a potential competitive threat. They can be a great help today and possibly a colleague to you in the future.

• Confirm your appointment. Contact the doctor the week before you are scheduled to arrive. Discuss when to arrive, what to wear, and how long the visit will be.

• Be on time. This is extremely critical as a first impression!

• Learn and observe. You are there to observe the practice facility, the patient flow and to become aware of the treatment philosophy of the doctor. This can be compared to a first date where both sides are measuring whether a second date is likely or not. If you see processes or procedures you would change or do not agree with, keep these ideas to yourself at this time.

• Deal kindly with the staff. Staff members are generally extremely devoted to the doctor for which they work. They may be unaware the doctor is contemplating bringing in an associate or selling the practice. You need to communicate that you are a resident or doctor who is there to observe the practice.

• Follow-up after the visit. Mail a handwritten note thanking the doctor for his/her time. If you are interested in the practice, this is the appropriate time to let them know.

The goal of a visit is to gather information through observation. The holidays are a great opportunity to schedule visits to meet with possible associates or sellers. Take control of your orthodontic career by planning early to visit and observe practices.

Click here to go back to the list of articles of the Fourth Quarter 2007