Many dentists have been left unsatisfied by their dental associates, this survey found. Of the dentists who have had associate dentists (71% of respondents), 31% have been mostly satisfied, 46% have been partly satisfied, and 23% have been left unsatisfied.

"The associate in my practice expected a six figure income without having to WORK for it!" complained one dentist.

Here are some additional comments from dentists:

• "Associates never or rarely cover their expenses." (General dentist)
• "I hired the wife of a friend. Big mistake! She thought practicing dentistry was like going to a country club.  We start at 8 am and go to 5 pm. She would get to the office by 10 am and sometimes 10:30 am, see one patient, go out for a long lunch and shopping, maybe come back and see a 2 pm patient, and leave us with no help when we needed it." (Illinois dentist)
• "Dental graduates have the impression that they should demand a salary that is well beyond their ability to produce it." (Florida dentist)
• "Associateships should be exclusively for dentists who are ready to leave a practice, not for dentists who are mid-career." (North Carolina dentist)
• "Don't add an associate unless you are already too busy to handle all of the appointments that are scheduled and your schedule is currently overbooked." (General dentist)
• "Neither of my two past associates provided restorative dental treatment up to my standards." (Connecticut prosthodontist)

Read more: Dental Associate Satisfaction Among Dentists