r/FQHCDentistry

Hey all,

I have been working in FQHC dentistry for a few years now. I am part of the NHSC and will be done next year. I was curious about potentially transitioning from FQHC to private and if anyone has tried that.

I do restorative, EXTs (not some surgery god but I can section and tooth and unless it's a toughie I will try) but I am not fast enough to be super profitable in private most likely.

We do basic single crowns (with PVS) and anterior endo. I know SO many private offices want so much more from their associates. It feels odd to be 3-4 years out of school and never used a scanner for a crown.

Also, benefits, PTO, all of that stuff adds up to compensation, so part of me is wondering if it is truly worth it. I don't tx plan very aggressively so I doubt I will be killing it with mostly healthy mouths in private.

I just feel a bit defeated at times in FQHC as the long list of general caries never ends and it makes me a cynic that nobody cares about their health. I also could see myself transitioning to leadership or a dental director role some day, but I would be shocked if an FQHC would hire a dental director as young as myself. Just looking for some career advice from people who understand my situation and experience. Thanks!

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u/inquisitivedds — 7 days ago

4th case yesterday since the start of the year of a patient coming in for treatment and we spotted a bedbug on them. I had luxated so had to finish the treatment and our office protocol is to not let them back in the clinic until they’ve been cleared by state to have a pest free home. However we don’t call in professional pest control, the janitor just wipes down the room with store bought bedbug killer and we continue working.
How is everyone else dealing with this problem?

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u/Zombie430 — 6 days ago