I worked at a Medicaid DSO my first year out in 2024 and used it like a GPR and got really fast at fillings, surgical extractions and fixed and removable prosths. I made 274k my first year out not including the sign on bonus. I moved over to my first private office and I quickly realized the office was struggling with too many hmo and dmo patients and started accepting Medicaid to increase revenue. Also, I was not good at treatment planning so I’ll take accountability for that. I left 3 months later. I found a private ppo only DSO and temped while waiting for credentialing. My treatment planning improved significantly by observing how the owner dentist treatment planned. That office was very busy grossing 3M a year but the owner only wanted the associate to do fillings and redo his many crowns all day.
One month at my new job and it’s not looking good. I’m splitting my time between 2 offices with owner elder dentists who sold 10 years ago but are still practicing. I would treatment plan crowns or prosths and the patients would want it to be done by elder dentist. On top of that, our new patient flow is very very low at both offices. I have a daily guarantee of 800 for 6 months and do not see things improving as neither dentist is planning on retiring. In fact one of them still works full time!
After careful consideration, my husband and I are considering moving from the east coast to the Midwest in hopes of better work opportunities this summer. We do not have kids and are willing to move anywhere but right now we are considering Missouri. My husband is also a dentist and has to work at a FQHC for the next 3 years.
My question is how are things looking in the Midwest for those that live there. Is this a good move or is there any place you’d recommend.
Thanks in advance!