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Words of Wisdom: Takeaway From Our Recent Resident-Only Webinar

By: Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR
Kolbe Certified™ Consultant
Director of Practice Opportunities

Our first “Residents-Only Live Webinar” was a huge hit! We interviewed Dr. Nic Bisig and he provided exceptional insight and guidance to attendees regarding associate opportunities. He explained the different types of practices/models, income expectations, production-based incentives, digital platforms, and most importantly how to engage with a team to ensure your success. If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend, we hope you will be able to join us next month. We wanted to share Dr. Bisig’s final thoughts and career advice from the webinar with young doctors as they are job searching as we feel it is spot-on for a successful orthodontic career!

Dr. Nic Bisig’s Words of Wisdom

1. Find a mentor if possible. One that is a strong clinician and one that is a leader. It doesn’t always have to be an orthodontist.

2. You don’t need to be a trailblazer. Come in with ideas, but be prepared to practice similar to your employer.

3. Focus on your craft! Learn to get consistently great finishes. The first five years out of residency is still a residency. Trust me when I say “you can barely do anything when you graduate”. The first five years post of residency will determine if you will be a great clinician or an average/subaverage clinician.

4. Be humble. No one cares you’re a doctor except your parents. Be nice to everyone around you.

5. Serve everyone around you. Your patients and your team are always above you. Remember “you eat last” make sure everyone on your team is taken care of before you serve yourself.

6. Pick your leadership style because not being a leader is NOT an option. I chose to be a servant leader/coach based on my personality type and past experience with sports. Use every snap/rep/clincheck/appt to be a learning opportunity for you and that team member. Team members want to do a good job, and they need clarity to do a good job. Don’t be afraid to tell them why you want something done and make sure they understand and move on.

7. BUILD UP EVERY PERSON ON YOUR TEAM. One of the biggest things I’ve learned since being out is the more you raise everyone around you, the easier your day will be. I believe in having seven “mini orthodontists” in the clinic with me at all times. It’s a little harder to work with me, because I insist that our team members understand everything that is happening clinically and why we do it that way.

8. Constantly praise your team! Praise them in each appt, each morning, and each interaction with a patient. Remember that you are only one person and the brand of the practice you are in is more than just the doctor. Team members spend more time with patients than you.

We hope you will join us for the next “Residents-Only Live Webinar” with our special guest attorney, Dan Sroka, in June. Dan will discuss associate contracts and what you need to know before signing one. We will limit this live event to 100 attendees so be sure to mark your calendar. Registration details will be coming soon, so watch your email! This is will be a “live” event, so if you register, we ask that you attend and if you are unable to attend that you let us know so we can offer the spot to another attendee.

Bentson Copple & Associates Welcomes New Placement & Talent Acquisition Consultant

Bentson Copple & Associates New Placement & Talent Acquisition Consultant

Bentson Copple & Associates, LLC, the leading valuation, transition, career placement, and recruiting company for the orthodontic profession, is excited to announce the hire of Shane Burden as a Placement & Talent Acquisition Consultant.

Shane brings over 13 years of orthodontic and dental industry experience to the BCA team. He began his orthodontic career with Rocky Mountain Orthodontics (RMO), where he reached success at every role and rapidly excelled into a management position, leading a team throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Region. After just a few years in his leadership role, he became the Manager of North America, leading the RMO aligner team. Shane also has developed lifetime friendships with many of the doctors he has met during his career. Shane graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in Secondary Education and a minor in Business. 

Shane will be working very closing with Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR, the company’s current Director of Practice Opportunities, and one of the company’s partners. “To keep up with the increased demand for orthodontists seeking short-term and permanent career opportunities, we are excited to welcome Shane Burden into this role,” said Patterson. 

Shane’s role serves as a liaison between Bentson Copple & Associates and all orthodontic residents, doctors seeking career opportunities, and orthodontic residency programs located in the United States. Shane is tasked with developing lasting relationships with all orthodontic candidates by:

• Locating the best orthodontic career opportunities based on the doctor’s personal preferences and financial needs. 

• Providing guidance in developing overall career goals.

• Coordinating Lunch & Learn webinars for all orthodontic residency programs.

• Offering feedback and advice on personalized CVs and cover letters for candidate doctors.

• Becoming a long-term resource for all things orthodontic career-related. 

“He is an outstanding new addition to our team and brings a wealth of knowledge and industry experience. Our company continues to grow to better serve the orthodontic community in all steps of their career – from seeking opportunities, to adding an associate or partner, to retiring,” says Chris Bentson.


About Bentson Copple & Associates:

Bentson Copple & Associates performs orthodontic practice valuations, provides recruiting services, and negotiates transactions with seekers & sellers. The company assists orthodontists nationwide during the pivotal points in their careers. Their career placement arm is unmatched as they place orthodontists in private practices & corporate entities. The company has extensive experience and knowledge of the orthodontic marketplace, having worked with thousands of clients. In addition, the company publishes the Bentson Copple reSource, a quarterly publication focused on the non-clinical aspects of operating a thriving orthodontic practice.

Shannon Patterson Featured in Orthodontic Products Magazine

Addressing Dental Gap Pay Written By Shannon PattersonIn the new issue of Orthodontic Products Magazine, Shannon Patterson, Partner at Bentson Copple & Associates, addresses the dental gender pay gap and provides six tips for advocating better pay.

During the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of women entering the dental industry. While pediatric dentists continue to lead the charge with a whopping 52% of providers being female, the orthodontic industry is also making headway with females representing 31% of the workforce.

According to the 2019-2020 Survey of Advanced Dental Education, females represent 69% of all pediatric dental residents and 52% of all orthodontic residents. And for the first time in history, more females (195) than males (193) graduated from orthodontic residency in the United States in 2019-2020.

It’s projected the percentage of female providers in these specialties will increase in years to come. What effect has this growth had on gender gap earnings? The answer may surprise you.

Read the entire article in the August/September 2020 issue of Orthodontic Products Magazine.

What Are the Steps to Land the Perfect Orthodontic Career Opportunity?

Step to Find the Perfect Orthodontic Career Opportunity or Orthodontic JobBy: Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR
Kolbe Certified™ Consultant
Director of Practice Opportunities

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with hundreds of orthodontic residents every year who are looking for the right opportunity after their graduation. One of my first questions is, “Why did you want to become an Orthodontist?” I hear various answers every day as a recruiter but many times I hear this one, “Because I had an amazing experience with my Orthodontist.” So, you’re telling me that your experience with your childhood orthodontist was so awesome that it inspired you to travel this long, difficult academic path? Wow, it gets me right in the heart every time. And it’s that connection that as future practitioners you all want and desire to have with future patients whether it is in a private practice, group practice, or corporate model.

My next question is usually, “Where do you want to land and where do you see yourself in five years?” I don’t usually hear as much excitement, and often I hear confusion and concern. The answer to this question often sounds something like this: “I don’t really know I just know I want a good job to start paying off my debt.” I don’t blame you for not knowing the answer. After all, how can you know if you’ll be happy in your future job five years from now?

Well, lucky for you, I absolutely love what I do, and when you love what you do you have a passion for helping others. Most of you have identified your passion, now you are looking for a place to combine your passion and a career. Every day, I counsel candidates on what factors they should consider when seeking an opportunity. Through trial and error and knowledge gained from many candidates through the years, I have found these steps to be helpful as you narrow down your job search.

1) Know Who You Are!
We all want to get paid for doing what we love, but be sure to understand who you are and the must-haves before deciding on a job opportunity. What are your beliefs and values? Does this opportunity and community align with them and will you be able to fit into the practice and community cultures? Identify your practice values, your personal values, your interests, your “must-haves” in a community, your passions, and last- your financial needs. Yes, I said consider money last because, believe it or not, most people do not leave their current job due to money but often due to “it’s just not a good fit for me.”

2) Identify the Right Practice.
As residents, you might often hear “beggars can’t be choosers,” and with the debt load most residents carry, who can blame them? However, be sure to do your homework on a potential employer, as this person will be tied to your career forever. Be sure to spend a day with a potential practice or employer and witness the practice culture, sit in on new patient exams, watch how the reception area greets patients and watch the clinical team working with patients. I can assure you that all of these, and I mean every single one, will have a huge impact on your success. If a potential employer has an issue with you spending a day in the office, this could be considered a red flag, especially if you are being paid on a production incentive.

3) Find a Good Mentor.
First, do not ask a stranger or someone who does not know you well! A great mentor should be someone who inspires you and who already knows you. This person has seen your potential and hard work, they know how you think, how you communicate, how you tackle tasks and how you contribute to those around you. It should be someone who trusts you and believes in you, but, most importantly, it should be someone who is not afraid to give you input and feedback! Identify and join social media groups and blogs with other young orthodontists to hear their perspectives and voices as a resource in your career; Ortho 101 is a great one.

4) Practice Perseverance.
What is the definition of perseverance? Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, and endurance. There is an old saying, “do what you love and you’ll never work another a day in your life.” Is that really true? Probably not, but if you do what you love, it will never feel like a job. Success takes hard work, commitment, and persistence. All of you are talented and skilled clinicians, and with connections and a little luck you might find a good opportunity, but persistence will ultimately be what makes you successful in your career and is what will set you apart from others. Identify your vision and know that it will take stamina and endurance to get there!

A job search requires commitment and dedication. Making a career plan requires you to outline clear expectations and objectives. It means going back to the basics, discovering your likes/dislikes, values and beliefs and taking them all into account for a job opportunity. Even if you don’t land your dream job and you have a short-term opportunity, stay committed to your long-term career goals.

It will take time and effort but in the end, it will be worth it. And for those of you who are looking for that new key phrase “work-life balance,” I believe it is important to understand that your job will ultimately take up most of your time; it financially supports your dreams and it is a core part of your identity. If you simply live your life, love what you do and do your very best at it, ultimately you will achieve great success!

Reflecting on 2019

Ortho_Insights_Reflecting_on_2019By: Mandy King
Client Support Associate

As 2019 is coming to a close, many of us are reflecting on this year and looking forward to a New Year in 2020! With that being said, I am certain you have new goals in mind.

What Made This Year Successful?
Focus on all that you have accomplished and allow that positivity to help you set your goals for this coming year. Many of us think about what we will do different, so instead of harping on the past and areas you might have failed, set your mind on what is to come and pave your path to achieving them in the new year.

Where Did You Grow This Year?
Some of you are still in orthodontic residency, some have recently graduated, and others have been practicing for a few years. Whatever stage of life you are in, evaluate how far you have come and reflect on the growth you are experiencing in your professional and personal life. Continue chasing your dreams and realize that you are growing every day.

Are You Committed to the Process?
Take a look within and ask yourself, ‘What is my plan for success? Am I fully committed to achieving the goals I have set?’ Sometimes, there are aspects of our lives that can get in the way of the goals we set for ourselves. Just take a moment and imagine the possibilities that this new year can bring and commit to making those possibilities your new reality!

What’s Next?
This is a loaded question for some of you. What big changes are ahead in your career? Will you be completing your residency this coming year? Will you be making the decision to transition from an associate to buying a practice? Whatever it may be, take the step with confidence that great things are in store for you!

This is a perfect opportunity for me to share with all of you what is next for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Bentson Copple & Associates over the last few years but it is time for me to get back in the field as I have missed interacting with patients. I recently accepted a position as a Treatment Coordinator at an orthodontic practice in our area and I could not be more excited. I will be taking the wealth of knowledge I have gained in my time here with me and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to get to know so many of you. Good luck with all of your future endeavors!

Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Talent Acquisition

Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity Episode 4What do newspaper ads, chicken sandwiches, and customer engagement have in common? Talent acquisition. In today’s climate, there’s a lot of talk about the ways to recruit great talent. When the time arises to hire a new orthodontic team member, consider expanding your search as there are great people everywhere! Watch Episode 4 of Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity to learn more.

Each episode of the video series, examines generational diversity in the orthodontic workplace, reviews some of the benefits and issues associated with it, and shares some of the best practices based on our company’s experience. The ultimate goal of the series is to remove the age barrier by illustrating the differing viewpoints and asking viewers to take a step back and relate to it from the other side’s perspective.

Click here to watch, or visit Bentson Copple & Associates’ YouTube Channel!

Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial Participate in ‘The Git Up’ Challenge

Dr_Boomer_Dr_Millennial_Episode3

We are excited to release Episode 3 of Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity! This edition focuses on the struggle of creating social media content, specifically The Git Up viral dance challenge. Our team hopes you’ll relate to the differences between the two doctors and enjoy a good laugh as Chris Bentson and Shannon Patterson attempt the two-step then cowboy boogie.

Each episode of the video series, examines generational diversity in the orthodontic workplace, reviews some of the benefits and issues associated with it, and shares some of the best practices based on our company’s experience. The ultimate goal of the series is to remove the age barrier by illustrating the differing viewpoints and asking viewers to take a step back and relate to it from the other side’s perspective.

Click here to watch, or visit Bentson Copple & Associates’ YouTube Channel!

What Do Patients and Parents Look for When Choosing an Orthodontist?

 What do patients and parents look for when choosing an orthodontist?By: Mandy King
Client Support Associate

Every orthodontic practice is different so potential patients and their pa
rents will be looking for what looks like the “complete” package. Putting yourself in their shoes, let’s see what that looks like.

Parents want an office environment where their kids feel comfortable. Not only with their surroundings but with the doctor(s) and team members. The first impression of your office is usually a ‘make it or break it’ moment. As soon as parents walk in the door, they are looking around to see if the waiting room is clean and inviting. They will then make a mental note if their interaction with the front desk is a pleasant experience. Your team needs to be aware of how important that first touch truly is to a parent!

Every parent is paying attention to the treatment fees. Several parents might even get second or third opinions. However, that is not always the deciding factor. Parents also value the quality of orthodontic care their children will receive. If they have been referred to an orthodontist by their child’s dentist and other parents that rave about the quality of your practice, price can become a secondary consideration. Let’s face it, word of mouth referrals are a key to a thriving orthodontic practice.

Patients also like to feel like they are the only one in the room while they are being cared for so paying attention to them is of utmost importance. Your team members should carry on conversations with patients and make them feel important during their time in the clinic. Parents like to see that their kids are being treated with individual attention as well. Therefore, when it comes to the new patient appointment, it is crucial to exemplify these qualities so that the parent and patient will choose your practice for their orthodontic care.

Having a “patient-first” approach is certainly what every parent or patient likes to see!

What Should Be Accomplished During an On-Site Visit Interview?

What should you accomplish on a site visit interview?By: Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR
Partner, Kolbe Certified™ Consultant

When a potential employer and/or partner is interested in you, chances are you will be invited to visit the practice. Whether it is your first opportunity post-residency or you’re moving on from a previous opportunity you need to make the most out of the site visit. You should know a few basics and questions to ask about the practice and community to ensure you find the right opportunity in the right place.

When, What, and Who?
As you share with co-residents you will quickly realize that no two site visits are the same. It will be up to you to do some homework before the visit to ensure you get the most out of it. Understanding the three basic W’s – the when, what, and who will help you prepare for the visit.

When Does a Visit Take Place?
Typically you are invited to visit a practice after initial conversations with a potential employer and confirming you both are interested in moving forward. At this point, you should understand the position and have a genuine interest in the practice and the community in which it is located. I have had candidates visit practices as early as their first year of residency if the practice meets their goal parameters and is located in their geographical area of interest. Most potential employers, especially those offering a path to equity, are looking for a person who can adapt to their practice culture and they are definitely willing to wait on the right candidate.

What Does the Visit Include?
A site visit is designed to showcase a practice and the community and what it has to offer a candidate in a very short amount of time. We highly recommend an overnight stay to maximize the visit. Most of the time the visit is tailored to each candidate but has a standard format which usually includes additional interviewing with the doctor, meeting with the team, clinical shadowing, touring the community, dinner with spouses and possibly a social event in the community. We also recommend meeting with a local realtor if you feel strongly that you will accept the position.

Who Should Join You?
Although it is you the practice is interviewing if you are married your spouse will likely have a very important role during the visit. Orthodontic practices typically are very involved in the communities they serve and want to ensure that you and your family will feel comfortable and welcomed. Spouses are often the number one reason candidates reject a job offer especially if the spouse did not attend the site visit. One of the most important parts of the site visit is to envision yourself and your family living in the community where the practice is located. The second part of the “who” question I often hear is “who” pays for the site visit? A potential employer should pay for you to visit the practice. That usually includes airfare, hotel, and a rental car. It is customary that the potential employer reimburse you for travel expenses after the site visit is complete but some employers offer to make travel arrangements for you; either is fine just be sure to get a plan in writing so you understand what will be covered.

Remember your goal on a site visit is to gather as much information as possible about the clinical position, the practice culture, and its alignment with your own values, and the surrounding area and whether it will meet your social needs. At the end of a site visit, you should confirm that the opportunity has the right culture, the right team, and is located in the right place for you to start a successful orthodontic career.

Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial Addresses Pinky Promises

Dr_Boomer_Dr_Millennial_Pinky_Promises_Bentson_CoppleEpisode 2 of Dr. Boomer & Dr. Millennial: Generational Diversity is now available for viewing. This edition focuses on verbal agreements (aka pinky promises).

Aside from the common reasons you might think someone should have an agreement, such as to set forth what is expected of each doctor, what each partner gets in return, and procedures for decision-making – it’s simply an important step to a healthy business relationship. Don’t miss the insights that Chris Bentson and Shannon Patterson share in this short video.

Each edition of the video series explores diverse perspectives, attitudes, motivations, and needs of these two generations of doctors along with the changing dynamics in an orthodontic practice setting.

Click here to watch, or visit Bentson Copple & Associates’ YouTube Channel!

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