A D A H R F E AT U R E
Mid-Career Considerations for Dentists There are various career considerations at the midpoint of one’s career, however, perhaps the most important is ensuring that one is getting what they want out of their career. For dentists, a mid-career assessment likely includes considering work-life balance, and, the potential for opening up your own practice, having established your skills and professional identity in the early stages of your career.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE Having a good balance between personal life and work life is undeniably important, not only for your enjoyment of life in general, but also for productivity at work. Many dentists will have spent a great deal of time in their early career prioritising work in order to develop their professional identity, however this may leave some feeling burnt out and in need of better work-life balance. There are various strategies which can be employed to ensure that work life balance is achieved. First, have a positive support system in place. Being comfortable opening up and sharing concerns with close friends and family and even colleagues can alleviate the impact of stressors. Having a positive relationship with colleagues or others in the profession can also help one to feel more supported in the workplace, and thus, less stressed. Secondly, prioritising self-care is a great way to ensure that work-life balance is achieved. Self-care looks different for everyone, however, may include taking a break, exercising, mindfulness and meditation practices and having uninterrupted time for family and friends. Figuring out what restores you and makes you happy can improve productivity at work.
Setting goals can also be a great way to improve worklife balance. Being intentional about managing your time, doing the things that you enjoy and how you plan on achieving them can help with the journey.
OPENING A PRACTICE Whilst many mid-career-stage dentists may intend to wind down and have more balance, others may be hungry for more, and seek to open up their own practice once they feel established as a practitioner. Naturally, there are many considerations to opening a practice, including financial and time constraints. In addition, practitioners will also need to consider whether they are restrained from opening a practice within a particular time frame or area pursuant to their contract of employment or contractor agreement. Common post-contractual trade restraint clauses may include restricting a dentist from opening a practice or working in another practice within a specified area, restricting a dentist from opening a practice for a period of time after the employment or engagement ends, and expressly prohibiting the solicitation of patients and staff. To have any effect, such a clause must be reasonable in the circumstances, and be reasonably necessary to protect the interests of the original practice. Before making any decision to open a practice, practitioners should review their contract of employment or contractor agreements for restraint of trade clauses and consider whether they have the desire and capacity to own a practice. Practitioners should seek specific advice from financial and legal advisors and professionals as to the legal obligations of opening a practice of their own and any associated risks.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact ADA HR Advisory Service on 1300 232 462.
