10 MUST DOs Before A New Associate Joins Your Practice

10 MUST DOs Before A New Associate Joins Your Practice 

1. Send out introduction letters/emails on behalf of the practice to existing patients.  Educate patients on the incoming associate and encourage them to schedule their next appointment to the practice to have the opportunity to meet. 
2. Prepare a newspaper announcement and social media announcement to advise of new associate joining your practice and to welcome said associate to community (when appropriate). 
3. Have a staff and family “Meet & Greet” barbeque or informal gathering in advance of associate’s official start date. 
4. Educate staff members on any potential hierarchy changes that may be directly affecting them or the practice itself; discuss how to introduce the new associate and in what circumstances, if any, they should defer to the senior/current owner doctor. 
5. Decide with associate & discuss with staff the details surrounding scheduling and calendar-planning for associate. 
6. Add the associate to practice website and all appropriate outgoing practice messaging. 
7. Arrange a designated or shared office or desk for the new associate complete with the basic necessities along with a welcome card signed by all employees. 
8. Have a memo with a photo of the new practice associate at check-in of practice. 
9. Begin Day 1 only after having a proper written Associate Agreement in place under the counsel of a firm who specializes in dental practice transitions. See Everest Dental Transitions for a complimentary consultation. 
10. Enjoy the peace of mind that accompanies proper practice transition planning & incorporation of a new associate.