The BDA’s top tips for competitive associate pay
It is a good idea to request a review of your fees with the practice owner at least once a year.
To keep your salary in line with your expectations, skills, and experience, it is a good idea to request a review of your fees with the practice owner every year, says Sabina Mirza, a practice management consultant advising the British Dental Association (BDA).
“We recommend reviewing your current contract, gathering evidence of your experience, performance, and contributions, and referencing market benchmarks. Rising cost of living is also something that can be used in a negotiation,” said Sabina in a BDA blog post.
“Our updated model associate contracts set out the licence fee arrangement that you pay for the use of the facilities. This is often around 45-55% of your gross earnings, but can vary according to circumstances such as the practice’s operating costs.”
The practice owner will take several factors into consideration when weighing up overhead costs that practices have to pay, particularly for materials and staffing, which have increased sharply, noted Sabina.
“When discussing pay you can also negotiate non-monetary benefits such as flexible working hours, workload, and educational support. Think about how your needs such as training align with the needs of the practice, and how meeting these needs could be beneficial to the practice too.
“While some dentists may feel awkward discussing pay, regular and transparent discussions about feasibility and shared goals can maintain positive professional relationships between practice owners and associates.
“If you feel that your current pay does not reflect your contribution or the current market conditions, you should prepare for a constructive conversation with the practice owner. Approach the discussion professionally, focusing on mutual goals like retention, sustainability, and fairness.”
Sabina noted that research continues to show that women are less likely to negotiate pay rises than men, “so we encourage all associates, regardless of gender, to feel confident in initiating pay discussions.”