A regional survey of dentists' preferences for hiring a dental associate.

Background: For many new dental school graduates, working as an associate may be an attractive option. To provide practical information for new job-seeking dentists, the authors conducted a survey to assess dentists' preferences with regard to hiring an associate.

Methods: The authors mailed surveys to a random sample of 3,875 general dentists in four states that asked questions about the characteristics they preferred when hiring an associate. Five hundred seventy-four dentists (14.8 percent) responded to the survey.

Results: The results of this survey showed a wide variation in the characteristics dentists prefer when hiring an associate, but interpersonal skills appear to be at least as important as technical skills for new dentists' success.

Conclusions: Opportunities for associate positions appear to be available to new dentists who have a range of skills, experience and training. Practical Implications. These results provide new dentists with information regarding the variety of career opportunities available for associates.