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2009 Student Event: Working within a General Practice Model

Dr. Michael Hennessy answers questions about his experiences joining a group practice with a general practice model.

Photo of Dr. Hennessy Dr. Hennessy is in practice in Davie, Florida. He completed his periodontal residency at Nova Southeastern University in 2006.

What was your plan after graduation?

My plan after graduation was to continue working at a GP practice until I bought or opened my own practice.

What was the appeal of working in a general practice office?

The GP office provided a good source of income with little investment on my part.

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

My plans for the future are the same as when I graduated from my periodontal program. Although I now give some thought into staying at the GP offices.

How did you go about searching for position in a GP office?

At first I looked for GP practices through the local dental society. After a few months it was by word of mouth and friends I have made in dentistry.

Were you concerned about your relationship with the general dentist(s) working in that office?

My relationships with the doctors at the GP offices were/are very good relationships. We get along very well and have close contact and are able to discuss cases in a lot of detail.

Was the location of the practice important to you?

Yes, the commute is always a factor in picking a practice.

How did you obtain new patients?

New patients come in all different ways depending on the particular practice.

What risks were involved in working in a general practice and how did you manage them?

The risk may be that some periodontists in the area may look down upon a traveling periodontist. I don’t give much thought to what other people think.

What is the best advice you can give to someone who is transitioning to a general practice?

Find good, quality dentists to work with. Do not compromise your quality of care. Make sure your financial arrangements are clear.

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

Periodontists make a lot of money. I have exceeded the income I thought I would make when I entered my periodontal program.

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

Teachers, Doctors, friends (people I respect) were who I went to for advice during and after my periodontal program. The literature will help with making periodontal decisions, people who have lived it will help with business/life decisions.

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

Make sure you like the location.

What do you like most about being a periodontist?

I enjoy going to work, interacting with the patients. I also enjoy getting paid and the freedoms it allows me and my family.