Associate Dentists on the Move in 2025: What It Means for the Dental Industry

The Annual Salary Survey has made it clear that the dental industry is undergoing a major shift. And in 2025, associate dentists will become more mobile than ever. They’re seeking better pay, career growth, and supportive workplace cultures—and they’re willing to move to find it. For employers and associates alike, understanding this trend is essential to navigating the future of dentistry.

Why Are Associate Dentists Moving?

Here’s what’s driving this growing mobility:

• Higher Compensation Demands: Rising costs and inflation are pushing associates to seek better pay, bonuses, and benefits.
• Burnout and Work-Life Balance: Dentists are prioritizing work environments that respect their time and well-being.
• Technological Advancements: Associates want to work in practices leveraging AI, digital workflows, and automation.
• More Career Options: Private practices, DSOs, and innovative models are offering more opportunities than ever.

What This Means for Practice Owners

For practice owners, this mobility is both a challenge and an opportunity:

• Retention Is Key: Invest in culture, leadership, and incentives to keep top talent.
• Competitive Benefits Stand Out: Offer mentorship, flexible schedules, and clear growth paths to attract associates.
• Adapt to Dynamic Hiring: Be prepared for frequent transitions and refine your hiring strategies.

What Job-Seeking Associate Dentists Should Know

If you’re an associate dentist, now is the time to take control of your career:

• Negotiate Your Value: High demand gives you the leverage to secure better pay, benefits, and flexibility.
• Seek Career Development: Look for practices offering mentorship, continuing education, and ownership opportunities.
• Prioritize Culture: A positive, supportive environment is just as important as salary.

The Role of Technology in Job Mobility

Tech is reshaping how and where dentists work:

• AI-Powered Practices: Modern workflows attract associates seeking cutting-edge environments.
• Flexible Work Models: Teledentistry and remote consultations are expanding career opportunities.
• Smarter Hiring: Practices are using AI tools to match associates with the right roles quickly and efficiently.

The Future of Associate Dentist Careers

The mobility of associate dentists signals a broader transformation:

• Specialized Roles: Growth in cosmetic, implant, and digital dentistry will create new career paths.
• Greater Flexibility: Fractional work, side gigs, and contractor models will become more common.
• Stronger Negotiation Power: Associates will continue to have leverage as demand grows.

2025 isn’t just a year of change—it’s a turning point for associate dentists and practice owners alike. Whether you’re hiring or job-seeking, embracing this shift is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving dental industry.