Tag: Orthodontic Recruiting

A New Study Confirms That Ghosting During the Hiring Process Has Hit Crisis Levels

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

Ghost·ing (noun). The practice of ending a relationship with someone suddenly, and without explanation, withdrawing from all communication. 

“Ghosting” is a term most of us have heard of and often we associate it with dating, but in the last eighteen months, we have seen this behavior trickle into the interview and hiring process. In the beginning, we thought it was due to the pandemic. Candidates were all scrambling on where they should be and what opportunities would be “safe” post-pandemic, so it was understandable. What we didn’t realize was that this behavior would become what candidates view as “normal” during their job search. 

Indeed, one of the largest job aggregation sites, recently confirmed in a survey what we have long suspected – “ghosting”, has become a widespread common practice among candidates looking for opportunities. Let’s face it, the interview process is not always fun; it is often an uncomfortable dance for both the candidate and the potential employer. 

So why would a candidate “ghost” a potential employer? The answer is pretty simple and relates back to dating. Candidates hope that by “ghosting” a potential employer that the employer will “get the hint” that the candidate is no longer interested in the job opportunity. In doing this, the candidate avoids a tough face-to-face conversation to tell the employer he/she is no longer interested. 

The harsh reality is that our culture of busyness combined with technology allows us to avoid having tough conversations. I am not talking about the texts and emails that fall through the cracks, but rather when we look at our phone and flat out ignore answering or replying because we want to avoid communicating and giving bad news.  

Candidates are often afraid that providing any type of negative feedback to a potential employer might come back to bite them in the future and potentially harm their reputation as they look for other opportunities. It might seem easier to just keep quiet and hope that the potential employer stops reaching out.  However, the best option is to communicate and simply let the employer know that you are still actively interviewing and you have not made a final decision. It is important to understand that most employers have invested a lot of time, money, and effort to find candidates. If you have lost interest or decided to pull out of an opportunity, providing feedback in a constructive way to that employer can help tremendously as the employer continues to search for a doctor. 

So regardless of the reason you decide to decline a job offer, you need to be upfront and honest so that you don’t burn bridges and tarnish your reputation.  Providing a reason and being polite with potential employers will help them remember you positively, and, believe it or not, might help you in your future career moves. Below are some graceful ways you can politely decline a job offer: 

1) Choose a form of communication that makes you most comfortable when you break the news. If you feel you will become nervous and panicky on a phone call then a polished email would be a better option. However, it is often best when turning down a job offer to use the same method of communication, they used to extend it. 

2) When turning down a position it is imperative to be as appreciative and thankful as possible, so preface your rejection with appreciation and start with “thank you”. It is important to remember employers have invested a lot of time and energy into the interviewing process. Ex; “Thank you so much for this job offer and for the opportunity to get to know you and your team better.”  

3) It is important to be clear that you are not accepting the offer and why. Again, you want to do this in a gracious manner but be explicit on why you are passing on the opportunity. Ex; “However, I have to decline the opportunity.” 

4) Provide an honest, brief, and specific reason you are declining the offer. This is the part most candidates want to gloss over, but the employer deserves feedback on why you are not accepting the position. You don’t have to go into great detail but be prepared to provide a few key points, whether you are going with another opportunity, the practice culture wasn’t the right fit, the location wasn’t ideal, or if the pay was not where you needed it to be. You can soften the blow by providing a detail or two about what you liked about the practice. Ex; “I have decided to accept a position closer to my family in North Carolina.”

5) If the opportunity was a good one, offer to provide them a recommendation with other job seekers. This demonstrates that you care about them and their practice although it wasn’t right for you. 

6) Express your desire to stay connected, because you never know where your connections might lead to in the future; orthodontics is a small world. Ex; “Again, I truly enjoyed meeting you and your team and I look forward to staying in touch.”  

Deciding not to move forward with an opportunity or decline a job offer is never easy, but communicating politely and professionally will make you feel a lot better in the end. Ghosting a potential employer can potentially damage future relationships and hurt your reputation, so create a favorable image of yourself that leaves the door open for any future opportunities.

Equity-Minded Orthodontic Associate Opportunity: Finger Lakes, New York

Equity-Minded Associateship in Finger Lakes New York Region

A private well-established orthodontic practice located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York is seeking a full-time associate to join their team. This is an associateship opportunity that offers a path for equity for the right candidate.

The Finger Lakes Region is centrally located in New York and only a short distance to New York City, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. There are eleven freshwater lakes shaped like the spread of fingers on two hands – giving the area its name. Residents enjoy the area’s fresh air, majestic waterfalls, and scenic gorges.

With that many lakes and with the natural beauty surrounding them, it’s no surprise the area is a favorite vacation and recreation spot, offering endless outdoor adventure. The region offers lakes, forests, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more than 100 award-winning vineyards. Many enjoy exploring unique museums, art galleries, incredible restaurants, and many family-friendly activities.

The region is a global leader in optics, photonics, and imaging. Its innovation is fueled by the region’s top education institutions, like the largest Ivy League school, Cornell University, and other universities like Syracuse University. Besides technology, Finger Lakes has an abundance of agricultural resources for apple, dairy, and grape producers which allows major food companies to call this region home.

Consider living in Finger Lakes and enjoying the unique qualities the region offers, while maintaining the laid-back lake lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more about this practice opportunity available, please forward your CV and letter of interest to [email protected] and [email protected].

Click here to view additional practice opportunities available from Bentson Copple & Associates.

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!

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.

As an Orthodontic Resident, When Should I Begin Searching for a Practice Opportunity?

As an orthodontic resident, when should I begin searching for a practice opportunity?By: Mandy King
Client Support Associate

As a liaison for residents seeking orthodontic opportunities, my job is to provide you with support during the recruitment process with our placement services. In doing so, I am able to share insight about crafting an “About Me” letter, preparing a curriculum vitae, and answer any questions you might have, including ‘when should I start looking for an opportunity?’

You should begin to determine in which state and city or town you wish to practice after the first six months of your residency. If you wait until your last year to start the process of identifying the area in which you wish to live, you are taking a gamble on finding an opportunity. Some of you are pretty open to different areas, which is great because this will give you more opportunities. A good rule of thumb is, beginning when you are one year out from graduation, you should dedicate two hours per week to your job search depending on your geographical preferences.

If you are considering buying-in or purchasing a practice, you need to start preparing early. Be on the lookout a year or two in advance for practices for sale in the areas where you hope to purchase. Speak with a lender to determine financial goals you may need to meet in order to be extended a loan.

Do not hesitate to inquire about opportunities that interest you or to ask questions you may have about current market trends. You never know when the “right” one will present itself.

Each month our team sends out the Bentson Copple InSight e-newsletter which includes a list of available practice opportunities. If you are not receiving the InSight and would like to stay up-to-date with current orthodontic career opportunities, please click here and sign up.

Why is Team Building Important for an Orthodontic Office?

By: Mandy King
For sixteen years, I had the privilege to work in a successful orthodontic practice. Our orthodontist always said that the reason for our success was due to teamwork, the way we interacted with the patients, and the efficient service we provided. He never boasted about the fact that he was well-known in our community as being the best around. You might be wondering what made us a good team?

Team Building
A team building event once a quarter is a great goal to strive towards. My favorite team building outing was cooking for parents and siblings at the Ronald McDonald House. This allowed us to work as a team to provide a meal for families in our area who had a child in the hospital. My friend and co-worker was a recipient of this program, so this was very special for us to be able to give back. An exciting outing we once went on was a high ropes course. This challenged us to help one another to complete the courses laid out before us. Whatever avenue you choose for a team building exercise, have fun and enjoy being out of the office for a change.

Working Together
We knew how to work together because we made it a point to support each other. There was no division between the “front and back.” The scheduling coordinators would do everything possible to make sure that the clinic could function efficiently and in turn, the clinical assistants communicated all day to ensure that everyone was staying on task and taking care of the patients. Our office averaged a hundred patients a day, so it was very important for us to be able to communicate and work together.

Loving One Another
Our team would go on a weekend retreat that we looked forward to every year. This retreat allowed us to focus on just spending quality time together and forming relationships out of the office. We were truly a “family.” When you love the people you work with, it makes doing your job a lot easier. Patients can sense whether the team gets along or not when they come into your office. That makes forming the bonds with one another all the more important. Although I am no longer a part of this team, the friendships I made during my time in that position have remained.

This article was featured in the October 2018 edition of The InSight, our monthly email published for orthodontic residents and doctors seeking practice opportunities. This monthly email provides news and information focused on the fast-changing orthodontic industry and its relation to current and future orthodontic careers, highlight commonly asked questions that are timely to the young orthodontic community, and provide a current list of available practice opportunities. Click here to sign up for the email. 

How Do You Determine Your Career Path After Orthodontic Residency?

By: Mandy King
You have taken that step in identifying a career that appeals to you, but deciding your next step may still be the missing piece of your puzzle. There are many factors you need to examine and decisions you need to make as you approach your final year. You should be asking yourself a few questions:

Where Do I Want to Live?
This is extremely important for those who have a family. Being in agreement about where you would like to practice is a decision that should be made with your spouse. Does the community culture align with your beliefs and values? Ask yourself if the area meets your interests and financial needs. Making sure you and your family will be “happy” is a key factor when deciding where you want to practice.

What Are My Short-Term and Long-Term Goals?
Making a career plan takes time and effort on your part. Commit to establishing your expectations and objectives as you seek an opportunity. Remember who you are and why you chose this career.

Do I Want to Practice as an Associate in a Private Practice?
Ask yourself if you desire mentorship from a senior doctor. Do you see yourself working with this potential employer? Do your personalities “mesh”? Make it a point to visit the practice and see if the culture is a good fit for you. Observe the interaction between the staff and the patients. Can you see yourself practicing in that environment?

Am I Willing to Work for a DSO?
If you are wanting to focus solely on orthodontics, corporate may be a better choice. In some cases, you can negotiate a schedule and salary that are guaranteed regardless of the organization’s ups and downs. As with a private practice, just be sure to find the right fit.

Would I Like an Equity-Minded Associateship Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to consider for an orthodontist that desires to own their own practice in the somewhat near future. You are able to come in as an associate and “get your feet wet” by getting to know the patients and learning about the ins and outs of the practice you would one day be a partner in. Understand that non-competes in most states will be required and are enforceable.

Should I Purchase a Practice?
Financially speaking, is this possible for you? This path does allow you the ability to control your own schedule and usually maximize income. However, the freedoms of having your own practice come with a price. As a small business owner, you have many responsibilities that come along with that title and there are many resources available for you to get help in these areas.

This is an important decision that simply comes down to making sure you stay true to yourself by seeking the best opportunity for you and your family. Know who you are, choose a location, identify the right practice, and begin your journey in confidence.

This article was featured in the September 2018 edition of The InSight, our monthly email published for orthodontic residents and doctors seeking practice opportunities. This monthly email provides news and information focused on the fast-changing orthodontic industry and its relation to current and future orthodontic careers, highlight commonly asked questions that are timely to the young orthodontic community, and provide a current list of available practice opportunities. Click here to sign up for the email. 

Music to The Ears of Orthodontic Residents

Bentson Copple & Associates - Music to the Ears of Orthodontic Residents
As Steven Tyler of Aerosmith belts out in the chorus of Dream On, his unforgettable raspy voice sings, “Dream on…Dream on…Dream on…Dream until your dreams come true.” Isn’t that what life is really all about, making your dreams come true and reaching for stars in both your personal and professional life? Reaching for your dreams is a common theme heard across all musical genres. Here are just a few musical examples that quickly come to mind:

  • Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti
    This is an inspirational ode to Rocky Balboa; how can you not be motivated to reach for your goals after hearing this tune?

However, along the way, everyone needs a little bit of help obtaining his/her dreams or goals. Help in overcoming the roadblocks that might be encountered. Help tackling any setbacks that might happen along the journey. Help maintaining the inspiration to keep one’s goal in sight. Help in overcoming all forms of discouragement. When it comes to obtaining career goals, help comes in a variety of outlets, from one-on-one connections, to educational opportunities, to lifetime mentorship (just to name a few).

Let’s focus on one excellent learning opportunity created solely to help residents focused on their future orthodontist career. For over 28 years, the Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP) has been an educational outreach designed to arm residents with the tools needed to become a successful orthodontist. The 3-day event offers a variety of educational lectures, access to industry vendors, raffles and exciting extracurricular events.

This year, GORP is being held in Cleveland, Ohio (home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – hence the musical inspiration for the blog post), at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown Hotel, August 3-6, 2017!

If you are planning to attend GORP, take a moment to meet Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR, Director of Practice Opportunities and Anthony Copple, JD, Transition Specialist. Shannon and Anthony, along with our entire team, are here to provide doctors, both new and established, help in reaching your orthodontic dreams and goals, in terms of your future orthodontic careers. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding practice opportunities, placement services, buyer representation services and current market trends.

If you are unsure about the direction of your future orthodontic career, Shannon Patterson, our Orthodontic Placement Specialist, can provide guidance with your career choices and discuss current market trends in the orthodontic industry. She will have a list of our current practice opportunities, including associate positions, equity-minded associate positions and practices for sale throughout the United States. If you have identified a practice purchase opportunity or an opportunity to join an existing practice as a partner, Anthony will be available to address questions you may have regarding buyer representation.

To quote the famous catchphrase of Casey Kasem, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!” Also click here to listen to a great playlist assembled by the Huffington Post about pursuing your dreams; hopefully it will provide inspiration during your orthodontic journey!

GORP 2016: Connect With Your Future Career

Bentson Clark & Copple GORP 2016
The 2016 Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP) is quickly approaching and our team is excited about attending this year’s event. The meeting is being held in Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan campus, August 4-7, 2016.

If you will be attending GORP, please take the opportunity to meet with Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR, Director of Practice Opportunities and Anthony Copple, JD, Transition Specialist. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding practice opportunities, placement services, buyer representation services and current market trends.

If you are unsure about the direction of your orthodontic career, Shannon Patterson, our Orthodontic Placement Specialist, can provide guidance with your career choices and discuss current market trends in the orthodontic industry. She will have a list of our current practice opportunities, including associate positions, equity-minded associate positions and practices for sale throughout the United States. If you have identified a practice opportunity with equity, Anthony will be available to discuss and address questions you may have regarding buyer service representation. We look forward to meeting you Michigan!

Time for GORP 2015

The 2015 Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program (GORP) is quickly approaching and we are excited about attending this year’s event (July 30–August 2, 2015).

Plan to stop by our table and enter to win an Apple Watch by participating in Bentson Clark & Copple’s 2015 Annual Resident Survey. A QR code will be displayed at the booth, providing easy online access to the survey. If running short on time at the event, pick up a postcard with the QR code and submit your answers to the survey at your convenience. Please note that the survey must be completed by August 7, 2015 to be eligible to win.

Even though we are only giving away one Apple Watch, everyone is a winner at GORP! As a thank you for participating in the annual survey, each doctor will receive a complimentary electronic subscription to the Bentson Clark reSource newsletter for the remainder of his/her residency.

In addition, Shannon Patterson, our Director of Practice Opportunities & Executive Recruiting, will be on hand to speak with you regarding purchasing an orthodontic practice, seeking an associateship position or entering into an employment situation. She can register you in our database of practice opportunities, which allows us to provide potential opportunity matches as they come to light, based on your specific geographic preferences and future ownership desires.