Checklist for Bringing on a New Associate Dentist

A step-by-step list for adding an associate dentist, grouped into numbered sections. Legal and contractual preparation comes first, then credentialing and insurance, HR and onboarding paperwork, and clinical and operational setup. Items include verifying licensure and DEA registration, starting insurance credentialing early, setting up W-4 and I-9 forms, reviewing the employee handbook, and completing HIPAA and OSHA compliance forms.

Office managers can use it when planning a hiring timeline with the owner dentist, and as a tracking sheet in the weeks before the associate’s first day. Sharing it with the billing team early helps them line up credentialing so the new provider can see insured patients.