We have written extensively about the “new” dentist – members of the Millennial generation. Millennials have different values, ambitions and attitudes about their future in dentistry. Common knowledge says that Millennials are entitled, easily distracted, impatient, self-absorbed and unlikely to stay in any job for long. On the positive side they’re also looking for purpose, feedback and personal life balance in their work.
The outcome is that a new breed of young dentist is emerging. After experiencing various forms of group practices, Millennials are recognizing a new trend in their medicine colleagues – the freelance doctor. Young dentists, with 5 years-plus of experience in the field, along with their yearly continuing education and attitude about work life balance, know there is a glaring need for dentists in group practices and will follow the path of becoming “freelance”.
In medicine, freelance work is expanding rapidly. About 50,000 physicians provide locum tenens (place holder) jobs and this has increased 6% a year. Over 90% of hospitals hire locum tenens. This addresses many issues such as doctors taking vacations, maternity leave or illness.
Following this trend we see the advent of new platforms for physicians. For example Nomad Health, an online company, promises to bring physicians in the ‘gig’ economy. This freelance style fits the Millennial profile extremely well since they can work for a limited but contracted period in a numbers of different locations throughout their career and then move on. This means they do not need to be anchored to any one location for a protracted period, they make good money, gain training and experience and realize a much greater work-life balance.
I see this will also benefit dentists who are nearing the end of their career, dentists who love the practice of dentistry but don’t want work 5 days a week or want to find work that gives them flexibility.
Since we are addressing different trends in dentistry, to include the challenges and opportunities of working with the Millennial generation, I would like to give you heads up on what is coming next: The DEO 2017 Associate Summit will focus on a dental practice’s ability to recruit and retain associates. An issue that greatly impacts the future growth of group practices. Are you prepared?
We will open registrations for the Associate Summit soon. Stay tuned as you will not want to miss registering for this event.
References:
See “High-Tech Help for the Freelance Physician” for more information on Nomad Health.
