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Knowing when it’s time to move on from your job can be one of your toughest—and most important—career decisions. By Seth Adamson
For most dentists, a career transition isn’t always preceded by a sudden and dramatic revelation that it’s time to move on. Instead, it’s more likely there’s been a lot of little signs that get harder and harder to ignore over time.
Jenni Pavlou of Kikada Dental Group states most dentists she’s worked with have expressed a reluctance to make a career change, and only act upon it after considerable deliberation. “Making such a decision is never something dentists take lightly,” says Kikada’s head of people and culture. “When you think about all the work that goes into building up a strong client list and book, many dentists put off moving on as they figure they have worked so hard to get to this point to leave it all behind and start again.”
Dr Morris Sarabi, Kikada Dental Group’s head of clinical services, agrees. “A dentist may want to get out of their current role, but then the question arises, ‘What’s next?’ If they don’t know what to do, they will invariably stay on and not be happy about it. Ultimately, that’s no good for them, their employer or patients.”
In February 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in the previous 12 months, 1.1 million people changed jobs, equating to a job mobility rate of eight per cent of all employed people. In the previous 12 months, the figure was 9.6 per cent. A report issued in the same month by the Monarch Institute, one of Australia’s largest professional services training organisations, outlined the main reasons professionals move on from jobs include feeling undervalued, being stressed, having animosity toward the employer, and feeling like their career has reached a dead end.
Rebecca Bowley of AB Dental and Medical recruitment agency, insists such signs should not be ignored as they usually highlight a change is necessary. “When you’re not feeling job satisfaction anymore, it’s rarely something that just goes away, and one of the results of feeling like this is your commitment to work will wane and your output will decline.
“Once you have recognised this, it’s time to take action early as it can save a whole lot of drama later when a situation may become untenable.”
Disputes and dissatisfaction can occur in even the best workplace, but when the bad days begin to outweigh the good ones, attention must be paid. The first thing, Bowley recommends, is to start important conversations. “Before you even think about leaving, make time to speak to your manager in a scheduled meeting about how you are feeling and explore together the main issues,” she advises.
“You should also talk to a mentor who will possibly be able to offer a perspective that’s more objective and focused on what you want at this point of your career.”
Such conversations may make the issue clearer for everyone involved. “By talking it through, it gets it out of your head and for your boss, it could be the opportunity to understand and fix the issues if they want you to stay around,” Bowley adds.
When you think about all the work that goes into building up a strong client list and book, many dentists put off moving on as they figure they have worked so hard to get to this point to leave it all behind and start again.
Jenni Pavlou, head of people and culture, Kikada Dental Group
Dr Morris Sarabi believes good communication is paramount when it comes to finalising a career change. “Many dentists do not have good communication skills and therefore, don’t know how to express they want a change,” he says. “What is key is open, honest conversations—and not text messages or emails. This is a time when the human element is essential to keep it professional.”
Dr Sarabi cites the example of one dentist who recently confided in him. “In his previous role, he was never given a chance to do complex cases as the principal dentist insisted on taking over such cases. He felt there was no room for improvement and if there’s no prospect for that, it makes sense to move on. He also felt an intense focus on budgets and KPIs had become more important than good patient care. The new practice where I helped place him has proven to be a better fit.”
Once the decision has been made to look for other opportunities and move on, the next steps can make all the difference to the process, advises Jenni Pavlou. “You need to have an exit strategy of being fair and reasonable by helping your employer or dental support officer with the transition in the best way you can,” she says.
“Start by giving at least a month’s notice and be sure to check your contract as it could be even longer, and you will need to abide by that. Then offer to do a range of things, like provide a smooth handover to your replacement and endorse that new practitioner to existing patients.”
Before signing a new contract, Dr Sarabi advises a dentist must check the terms and conditions thoroughly of the existing contract of their current role, which may outline how and when you may leave the role before embarking on to the new career venture.
“Always read the fine print of that existing contract of the job you are in before signing a new one for the new role,” he says.
“I am astounded how many dentists admit they have not looked at their existing contract in years. You must know what conditions you signed to back then in that original contract, and fulfil what’s stated, before rushing into any new agreement.”
And in the case of ongoing patient care plans, he recommends the outgoing practitioner offer to return once a month or so to complete the plan. “I believe it is the dentist’s obligation to see that patient through to the end of the process. It is important to do the right thing, and it says a lot about being responsible to the place you have worked and the patients you have cared for.
“Dentistry is a small profession and people know each other and they do talk, so always consider your professional reputation. A few small actions as you leave, and in the months afterwards, can prove to be very important in the long-term case of your career.”
