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Associate Placement Program "Connecting dentists" is the calling of the Associate Placement Program, a service offered to members of the Arizona Dental Association. Could it help you? According to Gordon Osterhaus, Jr., DDS (AzDA member, former equipment specialist for Valley Dental Equipment Company, and President of Valley Dental Consulting Services), he spearheaded development of this program in 2001 because he recognized a need to bring veteran and new dentists together. He explains: "We were seeing too many young dentists becoming disenchanted. They were treating too many patients and as a result were questioning the quality of service they were able to provide. The Associate Placement Program offers an avenue for professional training, job seeking and interviewing skills. Further, it helps our established dentist members find quality associates who might want to eventually buy their practices. It's a win-win for everyone." This unique service is available to dentists as described on the application. Applicants are divided into two categories: " Seekers" those applying for an associate position. " Providers" those looking to hire an associate. All participants are assured strict confidentiality no lists are disseminated. Rather, application forms are entered into a database. When seeker criteria matches provider criteria, the applications are forwarded to dentists who are hiring and it is their responsibility to initiate contact. Dr. Osterhaus was in private practice for 20 years in Glendale, AZ and has been through a start-up. "I grew my dental practice by trial and error," he says. "Sharing all that I've learned about what works, and what doesn't, helps dentists avoid making costly errors early in their careers. You can't find this information in a book and unless someone shares it, you will also be learning through trial and error!" AzDA has published a series of articles by Dr. Osterhaus, available below. Selling Your Dental Practice: Your Retirement Future Before You Pull the Trigger: Purchasing a Dental Practice Buckle Up: First Scratch Start is a Roller Coaster! Shopping for a Dental Loan: Are You a Gambler? |