Embarking on a career in dentistry opens the door to numerous rewarding opportunities, and one of the most popular paths is becoming an associate dentist. Whether you’re a recent graduate ready to start your journey or a professional exploring new horizons, the role of an associate dentist offers the perfect blend of professional development and personal fulfillment.
But what does it really take to become an associate dentist? What steps do you need to follow, and what can you expect as you progress in this career? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about stepping into this role, sharing valuable insights, practical tips, and advice to help you navigate your path to success as an associate dentist.
An associate dentist is a dentist who works in an established dental practice, typically under the ownership of another dentist. As an associate, you’ll be responsible for providing high-quality patient care while being part of a larger team. You won’t have the same administrative responsibilities as a practice owner, allowing you to focus on treating patients and improving your clinical skills. It’s the perfect stepping stone for recent graduates or professionals looking to broaden their experience without the added pressure of running a business.
As an associate dentist, your primary focus will be on providing excellent patient care while working as part of a collaborative team. Here are some of the key responsibilities that come with the role:
For recent graduates, one of the main advantages of becoming an associate dentist is the opportunity to build your clinical experience. Working in a well-established practice allows you to treat a wide range of cases, helping you become more proficient in various dental procedures. From routine check-ups and fillings to more complex treatments, each day will bring something new, building your confidence and expertise as you go.
As an associate, you’ll spend the majority of your time focused on what you love—dentistry—without the administrative and managerial responsibilities that come with practice ownership. Practice owners typically handle things like hiring, budgeting, and compliance, meaning you can concentrate on patient care, developing your skills, and improving your dental practice. This can significantly reduce the stress and workload compared to running your own practice.
Flexibility is one of the key benefits of working as an affiliate dentist. Many practices offer various working hours, including part-time or locum positions, allowing you to create a work schedule that suits your lifestyle. Whether you want more time for personal pursuits, family commitments, or even further studies, the flexibility that comes with being an associate dentist is one of the main draws for many professionals.
Being an associate dentist gives you the chance to learn from experienced colleagues. If you're a recent graduate, working alongside a senior dentist can provide invaluable mentorship and guidance as you continue to develop your skills. Additionally, many practices offer professional development opportunities such as training programs, workshops, and continuing education courses to help you stay up to date with the latest dental advancements and techniques.
An affiliate dentist role is often seen as a stepping stone to further career opportunities. You might decide to specialise in a particular area of dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Alternatively, you could explore leadership roles within the practice or even look into partnership opportunities down the line. Becoming an associate dentist allows you to see a range of possibilities and helps you clarify which path you’d like to pursue long-term.
To become an associate dentist, you’ll first need to complete a dental degree that is recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK.This typically means earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or an equivalent qualification. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll need to register with the GDC before you can begin practicing legally.
While the basic dental qualification is necessary, many associate dentists choose to specialise in specific areas of dentistry, such as orthodontics, implantology, or paediatric dentistry. Pursuing postgraduate qualifications or certifications can help expand your skill set and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
Even after your certifications are in place, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. It’s common for recent graduates to seek associate positions in established practices where they can gain exposure to different types of cases and patient care. The more experience you build, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.
Once you feel ready to take on an associate role, it’s time to start looking for the right opportunity. This can involve searching job boards, reaching out to local dental practices, and networking within the dental community. Many dentists find their ideal associate positions through recruitment agencies, such as Verovian Dental Recruitment Agency, which can help match you with a practice that aligns with your professional goals and values.
Once you’ve secured an associate position, it’s important to prepare yourself for success. Be proactive in seeking feedback from your colleagues, stay open to learning, and take advantage of any additional training or development opportunities offered by the practice. The more you invest in your professional growth, the more you’ll gain from the role.
To succeed as an associate dentist, focus on the following key areas:
Becoming an associate dentist is a challenging yet deeply rewarding career path. It offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, patient-focused environment, develop your clinical skills, and explore various career progression options. With the right qualifications, experience, and mindset, you can build a fulfilling career that not only enhances the lives of your patients but also supports your professional aspirations. If you’re ready to take the next step in your dental career, Verovian Dental Recruitment Agency can help you find the right associate position that fits your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fresh opportunity, we’ll support you every step of the way. Reach out to Verovian Dental Recruitment Agency today to discover exciting dental roles available near you!
Starting in November 2024, hospital dental trainees in England will receive an average pay increase of 22.3% over the next two years. This pay uplift marks a significant achievement following a two-year industrial action campaign across both the dental and medical sectors.
The final pay offer, presented by the government, was overwhelmingly accepted by 87% of hospital dental trainees through a referendum, bringing the long-running industrial action to an official close. This is a major victory for dental professionals, reflecting the power of collective action in securing better working conditions.
The industrial action that culminated in this agreement was not an easy journey. Negotiations between the government, the British Dental Association (BDA), and the British Medical Association (BMA) began in July 2024.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called this agreement a "crucial step forward" for the NHS, highlighting the importance of the deal in moving beyond a period of industrial unrest. He stated, “Strikes have had a significant cost to patients, staff, and the NHS. Serious work is now underway to finally bring them to an end.”
For the BDA, this pay uplift is just the beginning of what they see as a longer fight to restore the value of dental professionals' pay. Pay erosion has been a critical issue, with estimates suggesting that the average dentist has seen their real-term pay cut by more than 40% since 2008/09. The pay uplift is seen as the first step toward reversing years of financial decline in the profession.
The BDA emphasised the crucial role their members played in securing this deal, stating, "Our members should be proud of their part in this campaign, which included standing on picket lines with their medical colleagues. Their engagement was pivotal in securing the offer that has now been accepted."
The pay increase includes backdated pay to April 1, 2024, as part of the doctors’ and dentists’ review body recommendations. In July, the government announced that salaried dentists and doctors would receive a 6% pay increase. This includes:
The recent pay uplift for hospital dental trainees in England will have a significant impact on the profession, starting with a boost in morale and job satisfaction among trainees. For years, dental trainees have faced pay disparities, working in a demanding healthcare environment without adequate compensation to match their efforts. This increase over two years sends a strong message that their hard work is valued and recognised. As a result, it is expected to enhance job satisfaction, as trainees will feel more secure and motivated in their roles, knowing they are being fairly compensated for their contributions.
The pay uplift is also likely to have a positive effect on recruitment and retention within the dental profession. For some time, the dental sector has struggled to attract and retain skilled professionals due to stagnant wages and challenging working conditions. This pay increase could make dental roles more appealing to new entrants, offering them a more attractive career path with better financial rewards. It may also encourage current dental trainees to remain in the profession, reducing turnover rates and ensuring a steady supply of experienced professionals in the future.
In the long term, this uplift benefits not only dental trainees but also the entire healthcare system. With better compensation, trainees will likely experience less financial stress, enabling them to focus more on patient care and professional development. A more satisfied and stable workforce can lead to improved patient outcomes, as trainees are more engaged and committed to their roles. Additionally, the healthcare system benefits from retaining skilled professionals who are critical to maintaining the quality of dental services in hospitals and clinics across the country. Ultimately, this pay uplift serves as a vital step towards strengthening the dental profession and ensuring its sustainability for years to come.
While the acceptance of the pay offer is a significant milestone, the BDA and its members remain committed to further campaigning to address pay erosion that has impacted the dental profession for over 15 years. This recent success is a clear indication that organised efforts can yield results, and dental professionals are more united than ever in advocating for fair compensation and better working conditions.
As we look ahead, this pay uplift marks the beginning of a new chapter for hospital dental trainees, and the dental profession as a whole, with hopes of continued improvements in pay and working conditions.
The Verovian Dental Agency opens doors to exciting opportunities all across the UK! As pay and working conditions continue to improve across the dental sector, this is an ideal time to discover new roles with us. Whether you're seeking flexible shifts, a supportive workplace, or the chance to broaden your professional experience, we have the perfect roles for you. With our extensive network of leading dental practices across the UK, you'll find positions matching your skills and career goals. Explore different opportunities with us and take the next step in your rewarding journey in dental care!
The General Dental Council (GDC) has recently approved a new educational pathway for overseas dentists seeking to practice in the UK, a move that promises to reshape the landscape of dental care across the nation. This innovative framework not only recognises the diverse expertise that international dental professionals bring but also addresses the pressing demand for skilled practitioners in the UK.
The BDSi route was developed to meet the needs of overseas dentists who wish to practice in the UK. With an 18-month structure, the programme allows qualified international dentists to join the University of Central Lancashire's Bachelor of Dental Surgery course after completing the third year of the standard BDS curriculum. This approach offers a unique combination of both practical and clinical training, ensuring students meet the rigorous GDC standards required for registration.
Through their time at UCLan, BDSi students undergo intensive training at the university’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, which includes hands-on experience in the university’s phantom head facilities at the Preston Campus. These facilities offer state-of-the-art simulation training, allowing students to develop essential dental skills in a highly realistic environment. Additionally, students will gain real-world experience in enhanced training practices across the UK, giving them direct exposure to working within the UK healthcare system.
The BDSi programme was developed under the guidance of course leaderAnna Barlach Pritchard, who recognised the need for a dedicated pathway for overseas dentists. In her words, “The UK struggles to recruit and retain dentists, and large parts of our communities cannot access a general dental appointment funded by the NHS. This course has been designed to address the issue by providing qualified registrants with a supportive route to practice dentistry in the UK."
One of the major challenges faced by overseas dentists is that the training received abroad can vary significantly from the standards set by the GDC. To bridge this gap, the BDSi programme not only places students into UK primary care practices but also closely monitors their progress to ensure they meet the required standards before completing the course.
With the UK facing a shortage of qualified dentists, particularly in underserved areas, the BDSi programme is a timely solution. By equipping overseas dentists with the necessary skills and experience, the programme helps them transition smoothly into UK dental practice. Upon completing the course, you are eligible to apply for GDC registration, allowing you to work in both general practice and hospital services, with a focus on areas where there is a genuine need for more dentists.
Pritchard highlights the importance of this initiative: “There are significant differences in dentistry training around the world, and not all meet GDC standards. By taking qualified overseas dentists and placing them into primary care practices in the UK, we can closely monitor each student’s progress and assess that they meet the required standards before they qualify."
The newly approved educational pathway for overseas dentists presents a unique opportunity for internationally trained professionals to pursue a career in the UK. With the UK’s growing need for qualified dental practitioners, this route offers a streamlined process for meeting General Dental Council (GDC) standards, allowing you to bring your expertise to the UK’s healthcare system. If you’re an internationally qualified dentist, now is the perfect time to seize this opportunity and embark on a fulfilling career in one of the most dynamic healthcare environments in the world.
To make the most of this opportunity and successfully transition into UK practice, partner with Verovian Dental Recruitment Agency. We specialise in guiding qualified dentists through the process of securing their ideal roles, connecting you with opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
Register with us at Verovian Dental Recruitment today to launch your career and begin making an impact in communities that need your expertise.
A robust professional network can be your greatest asset in today's fast-paced dental industry. Whether you are a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, networking can help you connect with other professionals in the field, stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements, and find new opportunities to grow and advance in your career.
In this blog, we’ll explore essential tips to help you build and nurture a strong professional network within the dental field.
Before you dive into networking, take a moment to define your goals. What do you hope to achieve? Are you looking to find mentors, collaborate on projects, or discover job opportunities? Identifying your objectives will guide your networking efforts and help you connect with the right people. Consider the types of professionals you want to engage with—dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and industry suppliers. With a clear focus, you can make more meaningful connections.
One of the most effective ways to network is by joining relevant dental associations. Organisations like the British Dental Association and local dental societies offer excellent resources and opportunities for professionals at all levels. Attend their conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet like-minded individuals and industry leaders. Don't hesitate to volunteer for committees or events; this not only showcases your commitment to the field but also puts you in direct contact with others who share your passion.
In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for networking. Create a professional LinkedIn profile to showcase your qualifications and achievements. Join dental industry groups where you can engage in discussions and share insights. Participate actively by commenting on posts and sharing valuable content that demonstrates your expertise. Building a strong online presence can help you connect with professionals far beyond your immediate circle.
Nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes to networking. Make it a priority to attend dental trade shows, workshops, and continuing education courses. These events are gold mines for connecting with peers and industry leaders. Take the time to engage in conversations, ask questions, and exchange contact information. After the event, don’t forget to follow up with your new connections to keep the conversation going!
BDA Conference and Dentistry Show Birmingham
British Society of Periodontology (BSP) Conference
Your colleagues are an invaluable resource for networking. Foster relationships within your workplace by collaborating on projects and initiatives that promote teamwork. Create opportunities for informal gatherings, such as lunch outings or after-work events, where you can bond outside of the clinical setting. Strong relationships with colleagues can lead to referrals and open doors to new professional opportunities.
Finding a mentor can significantly impact your career growth. Identify experienced professionals in your field who inspire you and can provide guidance. Approach them respectfully, expressing your interest in learning from their experience. Be open to their feedback and advice, and actively engage in the mentoring relationship. A mentor can offer insights and connections that are invaluable as you navigate your career.
Getting involved in community outreach programs or dental health initiatives is a fantastic way to network while giving back. Collaborate with local schools or organisations to promote oral health awareness and education. These activities allow you to connect with other dental professionals and community members who share a commitment to improving oral health. Plus, they provide an excellent platform for showcasing your skills and passion for dentistry.
Networking doesn’t end after you make a connection; it’s essential to maintain those relationships. Regularly follow up with your contacts through emails, messages, or social media interactions. Share updates about your professional journey and ask about theirs. Offering assistance or collaboration when possible will strengthen these connections and keep your network thriving.
Building a strong professional network in the dental industry is not just about collecting contacts; it’s about fostering meaningful relationships that can enhance your career and the lives of others. By understanding your goals, leveraging associations, utilising social media, attending events, and maintaining connections, you can create a powerful network that supports your professional journey. So, take action today—start networking, explore new opportunities, and watch your career flourish!
The Verovian Dental Agency opens the door to exciting opportunities in the dental field. Whether you're seeking flexible shifts, a supportive workplace, or the chance to broaden your professional experience, we have the ideal roles for you. With our extensive network of leading dental practices, you'll find positions perfectly suited to your skills and career goals. Register with us today and embark on a rewarding journey in dental care!
A pharmacy staffing agency can be an invaluable resource to employers and job seekers in the healthcare industry. When it comes to filling positions for a temporary or permanent role, a pharmacy staffing agency can provide expert recruiters whose speciality lies in identifying and matching the perfect candidates for each job. Verovian Pharmacy Agency works with many clients, including independent pharmacies, chain pharmacies, Physician’s offices and long-term care facilities, to provide healthcare staffing solutions.
Whether it's an ad-hoc locum position to cover a pharmacist's vacation, or an interim position while a permanent candidate is found, a pharmacy staffing agency can provide nationally recognized temporary staffing services to pharmacies to ensure that hiring managers find the best possible pharmacist or technician to improve patient care and look after the pharmacy. Seasoned locums or per diem pharmacies from reputable agencies work as part of the pharmacy team. This is achieved by intentional communication, robust onboarding and, excellent placement services; the right pharmacy professional with the right team. This builds patient trust and allows for seamless integration and results.
By partnering with a pharmacist staffing firm, pharmacy owners and managers can access a pool of highly qualified professionals who can quickly fill vacant positions, saving time and effort in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding. Staffing agencies offer numerous benefits, such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to a vast talent pool.
The benefits of this relationship are discussed below:
Partnering with a good staffing firm or recruitment firm that specializes in pharmacy recruitment can be beneficial for healthcare organizations in managing their staffing needs. With locum tenens or temporary employees and perm placements, a pharmacy staffing firm can help reduce staffing shortages. At Verovian Pharmacy Recruitment, pharmacy professionals are fully vetted before they are added to the pool of candidates on our database. This ensures that qualifications and skill sets are accurately matched with the hiring manager in a pharmacy premise looking for a temporary or travelling pharmacist to support their team.
Additionally, recruitment or staffing businesses quickly and efficiently assist in screening potential candidates from a large data pool, making it easier for pharmacies to have the right professional fit for their practices. This helps to reduce the duration hiring managers spend on recruitment, and frees them to focus on other pressing responsibilities. By using staffing services, healthcare organizations can rest assured that their staffing needs will be met and if/when required, these can be translated to recruitment needs when hiring a new team member
Flexibility is a major benefit of using a pharmacy recruiting firm for temporary and permanent placements. Good recruitment agencies offer consultation to understand your requirement, as each pharmacy's needs vary. Are your patients used to face paced services, do they require a consultative approach? Do you cater to patients requiring home delivery, or do your patients need to discuss their needs right on the pharmacy premise? At verovian, we take care to know your pharmacy set-up, so we are equipped to provide qualified and skilled pharmacists or technicians who are the right candidates for your practice. You can choose when to add extra support during peak seasons or increased work volume, to maintain the continuity of services to your patients. You can quickly hire pharmacists or technicians as a temporary measure or for a permanent position.
Working with a recruitment agency offer the option of contract or permanent placements, allowing organizations to tailor their staffing needs. You may have per diem or locum pharmacy professionals to work at your practice while interviewing for the best team member. This flexibility affords practices to take their time in recruiting the best fit; while saving time and money. This also helps pharmacies to optimize their staffing levels and avoid understaffing, which can hurt employee morale; and may lead to downtime or reduced patient care.
Additionally, staffing agencies have a deep understanding of company culture and can assist with finding candidates who will fit into the organization's dynamic. Companies may have open positions requiring specific qualifications, and hiring a staffing agency can ensure that soft and hard skills are evaluated and matched accurately. Overall, using a pharmacy staffing agency can provide flexibility that helps organizations manage their staffing needs efficiently, thereby avoiding understaffing or overstaffing.
Another important benefit of using a pharmacy recruiting firm for temporary pharmacist and permanent pharmacist placements is time-saving. At Verovian Pharmacy Recruitment, we support pharmacies by streamlining the hiring process to accommodate the facility's expectations. Our aim is to ensure pharmacies have a stable and reliable workforce to achieve their long-term goals. Outsourcing an agency's recruitment and hiring process frees up time and energy for the pharmacy staff to focus on their core responsibilities. This helps pharmacies to run more efficiently and effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes and great customer experience.
Working with an experienced pharmacy recruitment agency helps to review and update your staffing and recruitment process. This, in turn, leads to smart hiring and thereby reduces employee attrition, which is very costly. This partnership helps pharmacies customize their search and find the best viable candidates without wasting time.
Outsourcing the process to a staffing agency means the facility can save on payroll costs. They don't need to handle the salaries and taxes for the temporary or permanent pharmacy technicians or pharmacists. We can also help pharmacies reduce the costs associated with turnovers, such as lost productivity, recruitment, and training expenses. A staffing agency helps save these costs and brings in specialized employees who fit the facility's specific needs. The business can operate more efficiently by reducing these costs, leading to improved financial performance and better patient outcomes. By providing flexible staffing solutions described above, pharmacies can adjust their pharmacy temp levels to meet demand, reducing the need for overtime and overstaffing.
Risk reduction is essential to utilizing a pharmacy staffing agency for provisional and lasting placements. By outsourcing recruitment and hiring processes to staffing companies with a national database of qualified candidates, job seekers are pre-screened to offer a supply of reliable, quality candidates matched with the right fit. These candidates can be matched with the specific needs of the pharmacy in question, ensuring compliance with industry standards and avoiding the high cost associated with a bad hire or a skills mismatch.
Moreover, using a staffing agency for full-time specialist appointments can provide cashflow benefits by deferring the costs of healthcare benefits and other HR expenses to the staffing company. In today's competitive job market, using a staffing agency provides a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective way to build and maintain a diverse and compliant workforce.
Improved employee morale is a significant benefit of using a pharmacy staffing agency for temporary and permanent placements. The agency ensures that the pharmacy professional recruitment process is seamless, with every detail taken care of by the recruiter's expert hands. In turn, this translates to positivity, enthusiasm, and higher job satisfaction from temporary and permanent placements. With a good pharmacy staffing agency, pharmacists can be placed in jobs that align with their career interests and goals. Employees are confident that they are working in a suitable environment. This, in turn, empowers the pharmacy professionals to focus on their duties, thus increasing their productivity, and, ultimately, contributing to the pharmacy's success.
For permanent recruitment, partnering with a recruitment agency is an efficient approach to hiring the best cultural fit for your organisation. At Verovian, we believe employees are the best brand ambassadors. By providing a positive experience for candidates and pharmacy employees, pharmacies can build a positive employer brand that is attractive to future candidates and patients. Showing excellent patient care can be easily achieved by outsourcing tasks such as recruitment to agencies. Pharmacies can prioritise patient-focused services and communicate this to the staff at all levels. This is highly important in establishing an enhanced employer brand since having highly skilled and qualified staff can only make the company credible and reliable.
Partnering with a pharmacy staffing agency creates an enhanced brand image that can result in a highly competitive edge in the job market.
In conclusion, utilizing a pharmacy staffing agency or healthcare professionals for both temporary and permanent placements can provide a multitude of benefits for both employers and job seekers. At Verovian staffing agency, we specialize in finding the right pharmacist or technician for specific employment opportunities, ensuring that any temp or speciality pharmacist placed in a position is fully qualified and competent.
Furthermore, we offer flexibility in staffing levels, allowing pharmacies to adjust their staffing needs swiftly. Overall, partnering with a pharmacy staffing agency is a wise choice for those seeking quality employment placements in the pharmacy industry. Staffing agencies reduce hiring costs, overhead expenses and other associated costs - allowing the efficient running of pharmacies.
By leveraging the expertise and resources of staffing agencies, pharmacies can focus on providing high-quality patient care, while achieving their business goals and objectives.
Do you have hiring needs? Get in touch with our pharmacy recruiters today.
