187: Ramblings with Jason and Dr. Nacho: Clinical Skills or Communication Skills?

When hiring an associate dentist, what matters more: strong clinical skills or strong communication skills?

In this episode of Ramblings with Jason and Dr. Nacho, Dr. Jason Tanoory and Dr. Paul Goodman tackle a question that sparked plenty of debate: Would you rather hire an associate with 8/10 clinical skills and 5/10 communication skills, or 5/10 clinical skills and 8/10 communication skills? While 73% of respondents chose the stronger communicator, Jason and Paul both landed on the less popular choice.

They break down why improving communication may be easier than correcting clinical deficiencies, especially for practice owners who are already busy treating their own patients. From coaching associates on the language they use with patients to stepping into the operatory to troubleshoot crown preps, they discuss the very different demands each type of development places on an owner.

Jason also shares a real example of having to provide hands-on clinical coaching to an associate and why those situations can quickly become difficult for owners who are still heavily tied to the chair. Jason and Paul explore how mentorship capacity, emotional intelligence, coachability, and the realities of running a busy practice should all factor into the decision.

If you are hiring an associate or trying to develop the doctors already on your team, this conversation will challenge you to think about which skills you can realistically teach and where you need someone to be strong from day one.