Leading Companies & Markets
In dentistry there are few if any large corporations.
A large practice is 10 to 15 people with over $2.0 million in revenue. Most are small to medium sized businesses which are built on the back of your technical expertise, interpersonal skills and relationship management with patients and staff.
Private practice is the most lucrative but working for the government and the Defence Forces offers competitive remuneration with increased job security without the need for capital expenditure. It does provide maximum flexibility.
Partnerships in larger dental practices are also an attractive option but with less personal flexibility.
Environment & Culture
Dentists work indoors mostly in small office establishments. A practice with 10 to 15 is a large practice, so often with 1 to 2 dentists is frequent. You are constantly dealing with people, so it’s not a lonely profession, any politics would be of your own making and it can be quite fast paced when your patient list is long. There is always something new to learn as people are different, so you are challenged daily.
Your relationship with the Dental Assistant is vital both personally and professionally. Hours of work is usually 8 hours of patient time plus one hour of admin after work.
About the Author
Monika Pawlowski
Monika Pawlowski completed her degree at the University of Adelaide in 1995. Shortly thereafter she relocated to Sydney where she initially worked for the Illawarra Health Service and later as an assistant dentist in local private practice. In 2000 she commenced her own business, Bayside Dental Care, where she currently works on a part time basis. Monika loves to spend her spare time with her husband, kids and two dogs.
Did you know the electric chair was invented by a dentist?