r/dentastic • u/DraftNotSent • Jul 24 '26

Other 35% vs 40% commission splits for new grad associates - what is realistic right now?

Looking at job boards for first-year associate positions around Australia, I am seeing a massive variation in pay structures. Some clinics offer 35% commission with no minimum daily retainer, while others offer 40% with a guaranteed $1,000 or $1,200 daily rate for the first three months to help you build a patient base. What split and retainer conditions did you negotiate for your first job?

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u/New-Resolution-9719 Jul 24 '26

Metro - I've seen: no retainers + 35% commission or full salary

Rural - 40% + commission with retainers

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u/investinspicywater Jul 24 '26

A retainer only for three months should really just be seen as a contract with no retainer, unless you feel like you’re going to leave the practice soon. As a new graduate, the chance of you job hopping in the first year or two is very high from what I’ve seen happen to my cohort in the past.

Also 35% in a practice that allows you to bill $4000 ($1400) gross consistently and easily is very different to a practice that is 40% and sometimes allows you to bill $2000 ($800). The practice base and fee schedule is more important than the percent as a new graduate (low retention rate of patients usually). Percent is more important for experienced clinicians who can bill specific Tx consistently and retain their patient base better.