2009 Student Event: Working within a General Practice Model

Dr. Diana Cristea answers questions about her experiences joining a group practice with a general practice model.

Photo of Dr. Cristea Dr. Cristea is in practice in Seattle, Washington. She completed her periodontal residency at University of Washington in 2007.

What was your plan after graduation?

I joined a dental group (managed-care type dental practice) right after my graduation from my residency program. I am working in a specialty office where there is an orthodontist, an endodontist, an oral surgeon, a periodontist, and a prosthodontist. There are satellite offices with general dentists belonging to the same dental group who refer only to us. I really enjoy it.

What factors affected your plan and decisions about your career and future?

That’s rather a long story. However, I come from a family of professionals; I kind of grew up in a competitive atmosphere. My playground was the dental office, observing different procedures; I was fascinated by the bright lights and - believe it or not - the smell of the eugenol.

Was the location of the practice important to you?

Yes. When I chose to work in a group managed-care type of practice I was offered a periodontist position in a practice situated approx. 70 miles from our house. At the beginning I had to commute for approximate 2h round trip every day to my practice. I commuted for a year but it was very hard. I decided I really want to be closer to home. It was a hard decision since I liked the people I worked with and I established a good relationship with the general dentists in the satellite offices from that area. I asked for a transfer to a practice closer to our house if possible and I received it. Now I work in a specialty office situated approx. 15 minutes from the place we live and I love it.

How did you obtain new patients?

Being in a managed-care dental setting, we have many satellite offices with general dentists who refer directly to us. Obtaining new patients is not a problem. However, networking is still important and I often go to these offices and meet the dentists, have lunch and learn with them. We often talk about new periodontal techniques/options of treatment or I present one of my cases and the rationale behind the treatment plan/therapy rendered. It’s very interactive and it also brings some memories of the grilling-style seminars from my residency 

Did you and your associate(s) work with an attorney or transition consultant to develop an employment contract? If so, what advice do you have for a new associate?

The managed-care company I currently work for had a preprinted contract. I consulted my attorney and I made some minor modifications. I really encourage the new grads to seek the advice of an attorney familiar with dental contracts. Do not sign anything without completely understanding it: compensation type, paid time off, licensure/professional fees, malpractice insurance, termination of agreement, restrictive covenant, ways the patients are divided/scheduled, maternity leave, etc. Do not assume things, made sure they are written down in the contract. I had and I have a great experience with my company but I have friends who went through a lot of troubles because of their contracts. I gained a lot of financial wisdom when one of my mentors paid for all of the senior residents to subscribe to McGill & Hill Group, financial specialists for the dental profession. Their website is at www.blairmcgillhillgroup.com

Using real or fictitious numbers, how did the realities of your finances compare to the plan you originally outlined?

Fairly close.

What resources (i.e., people, publications, groups) did you find the most helpful?

Former mentors from my residency programs, former classmates, publications from AAP, ADA, AO, regional dental societies and study groups.

Looking back on the choices you made, is there anything that you would do differently?

Not really.

What is the most useful advice you can offer to someone who is considering starting a practice?

Talk to the people who started the practice from scratch themselves; most of them are very happy to tell you what they did right and what they did wrong. They could help you with advice and various resources – including recommending you the right people for the job.

Make sure you have a good disability insurance policy. We got one while in the residency program and the rates were far better as residents than as starting/established periodontists.

There is a website we learned a lot from when we searched for disability insurance. I recommend you to go and read what this dentist turned insurance agent has to say at www.drbarger.com

I am not endorsing any insurance company; I just want you to be knowledgeable when you shop around for good disability insurance.

What do you like most about being a periodontist?

Everything!