Are You REALLY Ready to Hire an Associate Dentist? (Part 3 of 3)

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on hiring associate dentists. In Parts 1 & 2, we explored the early signs, mindset shifts, and foundational considerations of adding an associate. In this final episode, we bring it all together with a clear, practical checklist to help you determine whether you’re truly ready — financially, operationally, and psychologically — to hire an associate dentist. Dr. Jared Hill, and Dr. Dan Nelson break down what it actually takes to know if you’re ready to hire an associate using data, systems, mindset, and lived experience — not gut feel. Topics covered: • Why “being busy” is not a hiring strategy • The mindset shift required for a true win-win associateship • The numbers that indicate readiness (patients, hygiene, production, retention) • Systems and protocols you must have in place first • Psychological and cultural readiness of the owner and the team • How to properly onboard a new doctor • Avoiding team “camp A / camp B” dynamics • Patient communication and rollout strategies • Financial modeling and short-term income dips • Contract clauses and exit protections • Associate-to-partner pathways and timelines • How associate hiring ties into your 5–10 year vision, life design, and legacy