Early career experiences of young periodontists

Studies conducted in 1979 and 1984 suggested that young periodontists in the early eighties were faced with a variety of stresses and challenges not faced by their counterparts of previous generations. Among the changes observed was the fact that sharply increased numbers of younger periodontists were practicing in multiple locations. The present study focused on multiple location practice and on other early career experiences in periodontology. Multiple site practice appears to be an outgrowth of expanding group practices and the increased popularity of part-time associateship opportunities. Costs of establishing solo practice, as well as other factors, serve to encourage young specialists to seek such positions. Many specialists see this style of practice as one way to increase their market share, but stresses arising from multiple site practice include travel time and lack of continuity with patients. Thus far, younger periodontists remain satisfied with their careers, but the job market suggests that more and more periodontists will be practicing in multiple locations during the early years of their careers, thus prolonging stabilization of their economic and professional lives.