About the Guests: Dr. Mark Fleming is a seasoned dentist who attended the University of Washington Dental School. After spending 10-15 years in clinical practice, he transitioned into the field of practice transitions, valuations, and career planning with Benco. With over 20 years of experience in this role, Dr. Fleming assists dentists nationwide in navigating their careers through buying and selling practices and merging and starting up new practices. Kristen Jordan (KJ) began her career in the restaurant industry, focusing on operations and the intersection of metrics and behaviors, supported by a business degree. Now part of the Benco team, KJ plays a vital role in guiding dentists through the various milestones of their careers, from new graduates to those considering retirement. KJ is passionate about enabling success through high ROI products and services, working closely with talents like Dr. Mark Fleming and others within Benco. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "Beyond Graduation," hosts Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor sit down with Dr. Mark Fleming and KJ from Benco to explore the diverse pathways available in dentistry after graduation. This special episode delves into how dental professionals can leverage expert consultants to navigate their career journeys from fresh graduates to seasoned practitioners considering transition. They debunk the myth that dentists must face their career challenges alone and highlight the invaluable assistance services like those at Benco can provide. As dentistry evolves, so do the opportunities for graduates and seasoned professionals alike. Dr. Fleming and KJ discuss the importance of career planning and the availability of professional advice to ease transitions, whether it's buying a practice or deciding on the best type of associateship. They emphasize that with the right guidance, such as Benco's tailored services, dentists can achieve career milestones without the fear of financial burden or inexperience in business operations. This episode also touches on the significant changes within the dental industry that now support higher loan approvals and strategic solutions, like PPO fee negotiations and medical billing, offering a brighter future for those entering the field. Key Takeaways: It is crucial for new dentists to plan their career paths early, identifying where they want to be and choosing their trajectory accordingly. Dentists do not need to navigate their careers alone; consulting services are available for career transitions, whether starting out or considering practice changes. Different pathways in dentistry, including associateships and ownership, offer varied benefits. Finding the right fit based on individual goals is vital. Changes in the dental industry, like increased loan approvals and insurance negotiations, provide new graduates with more opportunities and resources. Services like those offered by Benco can include buyer services and practice coaching, which are not only accessible but also affordable.Connect with Us: Savanah Craig, DDS: @savanahcraigdds Ronnetta Sartor, DMD: @dr_sartor FutureDentists Beyond Graduation: @futuredentistsbeyondgraduation Benco Dental: @bencodental and https://www.benco.com/practice-solutions/ IgniteDDS and IgniteDDS Coaching: @ignitedds and www.ignitedds.com
