Swipe Right On Your Perfect Associate

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 402

HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak

GUEST: Erika Pusillo 

DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Pete, Craig, and Erika discuss the critical aspects of hiring associates in dental practices, focusing on economic expectations, communication, compensation, cultural fit, and the importance of aligning treatment philosophies.  They break down the need for clarity in communication, understanding the true value of compensation beyond percentages, and the significance of cultural fit in ensuring successful associate relationships. 

TAKEAWAYS

  • Communication is more of an art than a science.
  • Clarity is kindness; unclear expectations lead to failed associateships.
  • Compensation should be discussed in terms of take-home pay, not just percentages.
  • Cultural fit is crucial for successful associate relationships.
  • Associates should ask about practice growth and performance history.
  • Hiring should focus on long-term goals, not just immediate needs.
  • Continuous communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Hunger and integrity are unteachable qualities in associates.
  • Practice owners should be transparent about financials and opportunities.
  • Shadowing can help assess cultural fit before hiring.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Associate Hiring Challenge

01:45 Economic Expectations and Misalignment

10:07 The Importance of Communication in Hiring

15:06 Cultural Fit and Shadowing Days

23:06 Aligning Expectations and Treatment Philosophy

30:14 The Role of Integrity and Hunger in Associates

37:08 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

37:47 Navigating the Associate Hiring Process

40:48 Learning from Mistakes in Hiring

42:51 The Importance of Clarity in Roles

46:58 When to Hire an Associate

52:48 Understanding Financial Implications of Hiring

56:15 Setting Expectations and Communication

01:01:23 The Value of Partnership and Growth

REFERENCES

Bulletproof Summit

Bulletproof Mastermind

Blog

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, January 8, 2026

Getting Out of the Chair

, December 4, 2025

EOS + BULLETPROOF PATHWAY

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Revolutionizing Dental Care

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Packard’s Law

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BECOME UNF**KWITHABLE

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Invest Like the Rich

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HOW TO BOOST CASE ACCEPTANCE

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State of Dentistry

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, April 17, 2024

Enrolling More Dentistry

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Freedom of Direction

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ALWAYS BE RECRUITING

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Bulletproof Storytime

, May 18, 2022

Mastermind Announcement

, May 14, 2022

Reduce the Friction

, March 30, 2022

Heroin and a Salary

, December 22, 2021

How it Started, How it’s Going

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All things Real Estate – Part 2

, November 24, 2021

All Things Real Estate – Part 1

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Summit Wrap Up 2021

, July 28, 2021

Debt Repayment Methods

, June 16, 2021

Bottlenecks to Revenue

, June 9, 2021

The Bulletproof Pathway

, March 17, 2021

Comfort Zone & Lifestyle Creep

, February 17, 2021

1 VS. 5 Locations

, February 10, 2021

Team Alignment is EVERYTHING

, February 3, 2021

Work As Hard As You Can

, December 9, 2020

Becoming a Thoroughbred

, November 27, 2020

Dealing with Upset Patients

, October 22, 2020

Team Compensation Negotiations

, September 17, 2020

The Risk of Burnout

, September 9, 2020

When to Expand

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Don’t Blow Your Ask

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Your Last Dance

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Looking for Silver Linings

, April 7, 2020

HR Answers in a Corona World

, March 19, 2020

The Summit Recap

, March 3, 2020

Dr. Baird is BAAACK!

, February 20, 2020

The Insurance Conundrum

, January 9, 2020

2020: Your BEST Decade Yet

, January 2, 2020

Leadership with Dr. Jenny Perna

, December 19, 2019

Smartest in the Room

, September 19, 2019