Charles Loretto is partner at Cain, Watters and Associates, the founding owner of NDP, a national dental transition firm, and a partner with Elite Dental Alliance, a national dental buying club for dentists.  

The rise in student loan debt is one of the most significant challenges for a new doctor; it’s not uncommon to meet recent graduates with loans that exceed $500,000, with interest at 7% or more.  New doctors and residents almost always start their careers with a goal of working for several years while paying down burdensome debt.

With student debt looming, and promises of signing bonuses and a predictable work environment, we can see why many young dentists find the corporate dentistry route appealing. A good salary to start paying down debt is hard to pass up.

What they don’t understand about their seemingly simple and straightforward strategy, is that it may ultimately have a negative impact on their financial future, and consequently, on their ability to own their own practice. It’s vital that new doctors understand how their debt decisions can affect their future. Because the wrong post-graduate choices can cost millions of dollars in the long run.

“We know corporate dentistry’s recruiting message sounds very appealing. But to make an informed decision, young doctors need to understand that a quick fix may impede a big future financial win.”

—  Charles Loretto, Cain Watters & Associates

To eclipse corporate’s bright lights, those of us who work with and advise on the business and personal finances of big thinking, highly successful doctors, are all about spreading the word and educating up-and-coming doctors on why owning your own practice is one of the secrets to not only paying off your student debt, but it also can pave the way for a financially flexible and secure future.

Spoiler Alert: It involves paying the minimum amount on your student loan debt and instead saving as much as possible to invest in yourself – and owning your own practice.

So how does a young doctor get on the right path?  We’ve summed it up in six steps. Click here to continue reading the full blog on cainwatters.com.

About Cain Watters & Associates

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