Associateships: trends and opportunities

Interest in associateship dental practice arrangements has increased rapidly in recent years. Surveys by the American Association of Dental School indicate most new graduates who go directly into private practice are now doing so as associates. Although the percentage of Texas graduates planning to immediately enter solo private practice is higher than the national average, the trend toward associateship preference for the Texas graduate follows the same curve as the national average. Associateships can be rewarding, stimulating experiences and dentists who already own established practices should be aware that there are many well-educated young graduates seeking associateships. The Texas Dental Association has a well organized, systematized placement service (TDA Placement Service). Students review the Placement Service computer printout regularly, and practitioners seeking an associate should consider utilizing this same free listing service.