New Associate Checklist

A checklist for bringing a new associate dentist into the practice. It starts with legal and contract steps such as the associate’s contract, malpractice coverage, state licensure and DEA registration, payroll and compensation structure, and non-compete and confidentiality agreements. It moves on to credentialing with insurance carriers and updating the practice management software, then HR paperwork like ID, licenses, tax forms, benefits, the employee handbook, and HIPAA and OSHA forms.

Start it as soon as the associate signs, because the file notes that credentialing can take weeks or months. The office manager can own the list, assign items to the doctor, billing, and HR, and check them off as each step is done.