title: Partnership is a three-step process.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many dentists would like to bring in a future partner but are reluctant to do so for various reasons. The author outlines a three-step process toward achieving a successful partnership: the employment phase, in which an associate is introduced to and integrated into the practice; the at-risk associateship phase, in which the new doctor begins to assume financial responsibility for his or her portion of the practice; and the partnership phase, in which the partners achieve their full function as a team.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There will be challenges in any partnership. Regular meetings, division of responsibility and open, nonjudgmental communication will diffuse the problems encountered in day-to-day practice and will ensure that the partners enjoy a rewarding relationship for many years to come.
authors.affiliation: Fortune Management, Tullahoma, Tenn 37388, USA. FMDRBASS@aol.com
authors.forename: A Paul
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Bass
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D005376:Financial Management; D006801:Humans; D010318:Partnership Practice, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012308:Risk Management